Although tattoos are an ancient tradition in many cultures around the world, there is much controversy surrounding this art form. Tattoos have been a sensitive topic in East Asia for centuries, and now lawmakers are trying to make sense of it all, with cultural change and old-fashioned thinking at odds.
South Korea is a unique and interesting case, featuring all elements of modern society grappling with tradition and new ways of the world. The number of people getting tattoos in South Korea is on the rise, but there’s more to it than the statistics show.
Let’s take a look at the past and present of Korea’s unique tattoo culture to understand the legal situation of today’s young generation.
History of Korean tattoos
When you think of South Korea, you may think of a history of strict tattoo laws and a total disregard for the art of tattooing. But a closer look at the past reveals a more complex picture. So, let’s take a look at the major eras of Korean history and see how the situation has shaped up to the present day.
ancient beginnings
Like the foundations of many cultures, permanent body art in South Korea began as a respected and established art form. Long before modern national borders were established, confederations of tribes in various places wore tattoos as a form of magical protection to protect warriors, hunters, and fishermen from monsters and other enemies.
This reveals an interesting conundrum about tattoos in general, as many similar stories can be found throughout other historical archives. Tattoos usually began as a way to symbolize strength and provide protection in the spiritual realm, but these things are lost or ignored by more structured governments and formed civilizations.
The people and the land were the same as always. Still, the influences of culture, religion, and other social orders have changed the way people view tattoos, people with tattoos, and countless other aspects of life.
Three Kingdoms period
With the establishment of the Goryeo Dynasty in the early 900s, Korean tattoos began to change significantly from their tribal origins.
This trend coincided with the rise of the Three Powers, which divided the peninsula into roughly equal parts and strengthened centralized control over the region. In fact, the name Korea comes from the word Goryeo, which has stood the test of time for over 1000 years.
The new society brought agriculture and growth, but this was accompanied by stricter laws and the introduction of a Confucian worldview with a strict moral structure. On the other hand, peace and prosperity helped push Korea into modernity. Still, tattoos were relegated to the margins of society to mark criminals, gangs, and other members of the lower classes.
Despite the collapse of dynasties and the emergence of new forms of government, these attitudes toward tattoos remained deeply ingrained in Korean culture.
modern Korean culture
Current Korean society is a mix of old, new, and futuristic. Enjoying a life of safety, security, and advanced technology, South Korea has finally broken through cultural barriers and earned a place on the world’s pop culture stage.
With this rapid modernization, interest in tattoos has increased significantly, and more and more young Koreans are aspiring to get tattoos. Some of K-Pop’s biggest stars have tattoos, but they have to cover them up in order to appear on Korean television.
This has put tattooing in South Korea at an interesting crossroads, with an older generation rooted in tradition colliding with a younger generation excited about tattoos and other art forms.
Many of Korea’s views on tattoos are not supported by law, but rather by social norms and pressures established over hundreds of years. We are only now seeing South Korea reconsidering the way it views tattoos, even though many still view the issue from traditional perspectives and consider it taboo.
For example, it’s not uncommon for tattoos to be banned in spas, gyms, and pools across South Korea, causing people to wear rash guards or sleeves to cover their bodies. Media and advertisers will avoid publishing images of tattoos. This is because some still argue that tattoos reveal a lack of morality or ignorance.
Although this did not stop thousands of young people from finally getting tattoos in South Korea and abroad, there are still tensions in daily life between tattooed and non-tattooed Koreans. exists.
Recent laws regarding tattoos in Korea
It may be difficult to imagine a culture where there is such a stark contrast between enthusiasm for tattoos and traditional thinking. However, if we look at the legal status of tattoos in South Korea, we can better understand the situation.
It’s not 100% illegal to have a tattoo in Korea, nor is it illegal to get a tattoo. Although certain facilities and institutions reserve the right to require patrons to cover up their tattoos, there are no legal penalties for sporting tattoos in public.
With that in mind, South Korea’s tattoo laws are strange, to say the least. Here’s what we know and how things are changing.
1992 Act
In the early 1990s, the Sixth Republic of Korea was born, bringing with it a stable democracy and a new legal code. However, tattoos were still considered frowned upon, and a law was passed requiring a medical license to perform tattoos.
that’s right. In South Korea, only licensed doctors were given the right to tattoo, and this law remains in place to this day. It may seem daunting to Westerners, but this is the law of this country, and it remains, despite the country’s recent cultural evolution.
2015 review
As South Korea rapidly became an economic powerhouse, cultural attitudes also changed rapidly, and tattoos came to the forefront. In 2015, following a spate of arrests and the deportation of many tattoo artists, lawmakers met to reconsider how tattoos should be viewed from a legal perspective.
But despite the growing popularity of tattoos in the country and other high-profile lawsuits, lawmakers shelved the discussion for several years.
2022 supreme court
The time has finally come for South Korea to review its longstanding tattoo regulations in 2022, but the legal review was shot down before it could make much progress.
The Constitutional Court has ordered that tattoos by tattooists without medical licenses remain illegal, drawing much criticism from tattoo unions and young people across the country. The law would stipulate that getting a tattoo is a medical procedure and can only be performed by medical professionals. Similarly, tattoo studios and parlors must meet medical standards.
These types of laws require prospective tattoo artists to have extended study and time, and can limit their ability to create their art. Similar legislation is being considered in Japan for Japanese tattoo artists.
It may be several more years before South Korean lawmakers reconsider the rules surrounding tattoos, but for now artists and patrons will continue to look for workarounds to stay safe.
how Korean I’m getting a tattoo today
Speaking of workarounds, how exactly do Korean tattoo artists stay in business, evade the law, and routinely deliver tattoos to other Korean citizens and tourists?
Here’s a look at the tattoo process in South Korea today and some tips to consider if you’re planning a tattoo tourism trip to South Korea.
underground tattoo
Despite occasional fines and a few arrests, most tattoo artists can operate safely in South Korea without overwhelming police pressure. Artists must be discreet and keep information private when communicating with customers.
Thankfully, thousands of independent tattoo shops operate in relative safety in South Korea, even if the process must be kept secret.
Medical institution tattoo artist
Some tattoo artists have gone undercover at clinics to avoid being seen by authorities. Doctors have the right to get tattoos, but few have the skill or will to do so.
Therefore, some doctors may secretly hire professional tattoo artists to perform the procedure in an office with an extra level of protection. The risk still exists, but some firms are willing to accept it.
overseas trip
Since South Korea has so many great tattoo artists, many Korean citizens are willing to take the risk of getting a tattoo in their hometown. However, some people want to travel abroad, such as to the United States or Europe, to get their tattoos done with a little less effort.
Meanwhile, American tourists often go to South Korea to get tattoos, despite the risks, as part of their appeal. This resonates with the rebellious nature of tattoos in general, with some people paying top dollar for the experience.
If you’re traveling to get a tattoo, make sure you have the right equipment to take care of your new ink, no matter where in the world you are.
The future of tattoos in Korea
Korean tattoos began as a tradition, but quickly became a taboo topic and re-emerged in modern times. Although it has had a checkered history, we are likely to see many wonderful tattoos from Korea in the future.
In the meantime, keep an eye out for up-and-coming Korean tattoo artists who are leading the way with technical precision and artistry. Check out this piece for Korean tattoo design ideas.
source:
Changing the way you look at Korean tattoos | Kay
East Asian tattoos: conformity to individualism | University of Puget Sound
South Korea passes law criminalizing tattoos | CBC
