The sewer systems of cities are considered an odor source. Especially, the public do not want a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) near their properties due to the emission of odor emanating from such sources, although they play an important role in urban development. Therefore, a number of researchers have tried to characterize sewer and WWTP odors and reduce their emissions. However, the majority of the odor research performed in Korea has focused mainly on the measurement of the sensory odor intensity and the 12 odorants defined in the Korean Odor Prevention Law. Only a few studies have been performed on identifying the mechanisms of odor generation from sewer and WWTPs. Without the correct knowledge of the odor generation mechanism of sewer systems, it is impossible to develop an appropriate odor control scheme. Therefore in this paper, the literature relating to research on the odors emitted from sewers and WWTPs has been reviewed. The information provided in this paper will be useful to other researchers interested in the emission of odors from sewer systems.