Changing Views on Tattoos in South Korea
Published February 1, 2022
Recent spotlight on internationally renowned tattoo artist Doy called attention to the curious cultural dissonance surrounding tattoos in South Korea. There are an estimated 20,000 tattooists in Korea, and many celebrities display tattoos on social media. But tattoos are covered or pixelated on public broadcasts to avoid offending audiences. And until last year, men with tattoos were excluded from active military duty.
While tattoos are not illegal, regulations around who can administer one are quite strict. The 1992 Medical Services Act states that medical practices, including tattoos, can only be performed by licensed medical personnel. Due to this, many artists must operate underground.
Cultural bias against tattoos extends further. In the past, tattoos were viewed as mutilation, or a mark of punishment or ownership. Under Japanese occupation, Korean gangs adopted the aesthetics of the yakuza, using tattoos as markers of gang identification. Older Koreans in particular find it difficult to escape these legal and cultural connotations.
Younger generations, on the other hand, have quickly adapted. When Gallup polled Koreans in 2000, only 10% of those in their 20s found tattoos on a romantic partner acceptable. Today, 10% of respondents have tattoos themselves. A 2021 Gallup poll found that 81% of Koreans in their 20s, and 60% of Koreans in their 30s and 40s are in favor of lifting tattoo restrictions. The same poll found that the younger the respondent, the less they felt tattoos needed to be concealed on television as well. Perhaps summing up the generational divide, Ryu Ho Jeong, the youngest member of the National Assembly, has proposed a bill to create a non-medical licensing system for tattooists. All this may be seen as an example of the plasticity of culture.
This briefing comes fromKorea View, a weekly newsletter published by the Korea Economic Institute. Korea View aims to cover developments that reveal trends on the Korean Peninsula but receive little attention in the United States. If you would like to sign up, please find the online formhere.
Korea View was edited by Yong Kwon with the help of Kayla Harris, David Lee, Sarah Marshall, and Mai Anna Pressley. Picture from Instagram account of _MARIAHWASA
FAQs
People can have tattoos after serving in the military. Attitudes towards tattoos and people who have them are often negative, particularly among the older generations of South Koreans.
Is tattooing still illegal in Korea? ›
Because of this, South Korea is still the only developed country where everyone except medical professionals is banned from doing tattoos. The tattoo ban was put in place in 1992 and came from fears that decorative body art was associated with criminal and gang activity.
Why are tattoos blurred in Korea? ›
Hence, tattoos ended up having a bad reputation in Korea. This is also why celebrities' tattoos are often blurred on television, as they can cause repulsion among viewers." She further added that it eventually became a stigma "...as it was perceived as a marginal culture."
Why do Koreans cover tattoos on TV? ›
On broadcasts or TV shows, showing tattoos are illegal by South Korean law. So not just KPOP idols hide theirs, but actors, comedians, even normal citizens are required to hide their tattoos by law if they are appearing in filming.
Do Korean spas allow tattoos? ›
If you have tattoos, be aware that some places may restrict entry due to cultural associations. Stay hydrated, take breaks, and be mindful of personal space. After your visit, leave the facilities as you found them. Overall, respect for others and maintaining cleanliness are paramount in Korean bathhouse etiquette.
Are Korean idols allowed to have tattoos? ›
They must use clothing or flesh-coloured patches to cover up any body art that might be visible during their performances. This likely has to do with Korea's conservative views on tattoos: they are considered illegal in South Korea, except when done by a medical professional.
Are tattoos disrespectful in Korea? ›
Most Asian countries have strong social disapproval for tats and certain types of piercings, including Korea; with most Koreans frowning upon those with elaborate body-art. Stigma about these markings significantly affects careers, reputations, and even love lives in Asian countries.
Why is dragon tattoo not allowed in Korea? ›
In the 20th century, tattoos were adopted by gangs inspired by Japanese customs, renewing body ink as a physical emblem of criminality. Several modern tattoo artists in South Korea said they had deliberately moved away from menacing images like dragons and Japanese imagery often requested by gangsters.
Are tattoos forbidden in Japan? ›
While tattoos are not illegal, they can prevent people from getting the full Japanese experience. When using public transportation in Japan, such as trains, tourists with visible tattoos will want to keep in mind that their ink may be offensive to some of the locals.
Why is the blue kim tattoo blurred? ›
Houseguests on Big Brother are restricted on what they can wear, say, and show on camera, including their tattoos. Blue Kim, a popular houseguest, has 33 tattoos and some of them have been blurred out on the show due to copyright laws or to keep broadcasts appropriate.
Today, 10% of respondents have tattoos themselves. A 2021 Gallup poll found that 81% of Koreans in their 20s, and 60% of Koreans in their 30s and 40s are in favor of lifting tattoo restrictions.
Why do Koreans hide their hands? ›
Geodeulji is attached to dangui (a ceremonial jacket) or jangot (장옷, a headgear) to cover hands because showing hands in front of seniors was considered not a courtesy during the Korean Joseon Dynasty.
How do K-pop idols hide their bulges? ›
K-pop idols wear either dance belts or compression shorts/briefs. It depends on what they prefer and need. Dance belts are usually worn by male dancers to minimise the appearance of a bulge. Compression shorts/briefs acts the same way as sports bra.
Why do K-pop idols hide their belly button? ›
K-pop artists face strict rules, not just from agencies but also TV shows. Beyond covering belly buttons or showing just one nipple, they also must conceal tattoos during performances, reflecting Korea's conservative stance on body art — where tattoos are illegal unless done by medical professionals.
Can you show your tattoo in Korea? ›
Tattooing in South Korea is not 100 percent illegal, nor is it illegal to have a tattoo. While certain establishments and institutions reserve the right to make patrons cover tattoos, there are no legal penalties for sporting tattoos in public.
Is it hard to get tattoos in Korea? ›
This law about not being able to work with skin unless you have a medical degree is part of the reason it is hard to get a tattoo in South Korea. Adding on an interview with cameras makes it harder.
Do you have any tattoos in Korean? ›
Do you have any tattoos? Korean Translation: 몸에 문신이 있나요?
