Tattoos, Still Illegal in South Korea, Thrive Underground (Published 2022) (2024)

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Tattoos, Still Illegal in South Korea, Thrive Underground (Published 2022)? ›

In March 2022, the Constitutional Court in Seoul upheld its ban on tattooing. Because of this, South Korea is still the only developed country where everyone except medical professionals is banned from doing tattoos.

South Korean law permits only licensed medical practitioners, as opposed to tattoo artists without medical degrees, to open tattoo parlors, although it is not illegal to have a tattoo. Only the army prohibits tattoos.

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.

Category: South Korea, Culture, Current Events

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.

Background. In Korea, you are only legally allowed to be a tattoo artist if you are a trained medical doctor. How many people do you think put in all of the hard work to become a licensed doctor, to then become a tattoo artist?

They can and many Kpop idols do. But Korean Broadcast laws still prohibits them being shown on broadcast so idols have to wear clothing or use tape to cover it up. Here's two examples of idols with tattoos: Block B's Taeil - he has a lot of tattoos all over his arms and neck.

Because Japanese society has yet to completely welcome tattoos as an art form and a way of life, the majority of tattoo parlors in Japan are hidden in private studios and can only be visited with appointments in advance.

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.

While tattoos have gotten more popular in South Korea, they remain rare. Only 12 percent of respondents in the consumer survey, which was carried out partly online and partly in person, said that they had a tattoo on the body.

Studios usually have a base price they will charge you for their time, no matter how small the tattoo. Expect anywhere from 20,000 krw for smallest tattoos to upwards of 1,000,000 krw for large scale pieces. Remember, you get what you pay for.

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.

In the 20th century, gangs started using tattoos as a symbol of their affiliation, which is why most people who do tattoos there stay away from images like dragons that were often used to signify gang affiliation. Now, tattooing is against Korean laws and is practiced illegally, but the industry is still booming.

In South Korea, tattoos aren't positively accepted but something that gangs wear. So, it's blurred just like how other violent contents are censored in other countries. The same goes with knives. Cigarettes are censored so that children don't learn it.

This can be a bit of a tricky one. In a simlar way to Japan, Korea has a very conservative society, and schools have strict requirements when it comes to personal appearances. Most importantly: No visible tattoos (if they can be covered by a long-sleeve shirt this should be fine).

As a general guideline, it's common to tip your tattoo. artist around 15 to 20% of the total cost of the tattoo. Now, this isn't a hard and fast, strict rule. You can adjust it based on your personal experience.

The legislation, which bans people from even encouraging those aged under 18 to get tattoos, is just the latest move in an expanding crackdown on body art in China.

Yes, you can have tattoos!

At my school, I do not have to hide my tattoos. I think Korea used to be more conservative about tattoos, but in recent years it's more relaxed. But, every school is different. Note: I have visible tattoos on my arms, shoulder, and ankle area.

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.

While tattoos have gotten more popular in South Korea, they remain rare. Only 12 percent of respondents in the consumer survey, which was carried out partly online and partly in person, said that they had a tattoo on the body.