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Taboo or art? Korea's changing perception of tattoos is rapidly gaining popularity

With many Korean celebrities heading to tattoo stores and showing off their skin art, we at Dojeon Media wonder: "Are the perceptions on tattoos changing among Koreans?" Read on to find out more!


Photo: Tattoos in Korea - Images

Throughout the world, tattooing is an ancient tradition in many cultures, but the art form has plenty of controversies to go along with it. In East Asia, tattoos have been a touchy subject for centuries, and now, cultural shifts are going head to head with old-school ways of thinking and lawmakers are trying to make sense of it all, this can be seen in Japan and of course Korea.


Korea, however has a uniquely interesting case, featuring all the elements of a modern society grappling with tradition and the newer ways of the world. Tattooing in South Korea is on the rise, but there’s much more to the story than the stats suggest. 


Our experience with having tattoos in South Korea


I personally had two tattoos before moving to Korea, and during my first year in Korea I got a half sleeve on my lower left arm which was completed in Hongdae, Seoul by a Korean tattooist. As a person with tattoos, I have never had a problem in Korea unlike in neighboring Japan where I was told that I could not enter the hot springs because I had tattoos. In my experience, Koreans are a lot more accepting of tattoos than I thought they would be, and I see many Koreans, especially the younger generation with tattoos, most of which are visible.


Let's take a look at this video which was created by Youtuber K-explorer.




Background to tattoos in Korea


Like so many cultures at their foundation, permanent body art in Korea began as a revered and well-established form of artistry. Long before modern borders were established, tribal confederacies throughout the land practiced tattooing as a form of magic protection, safeguarding warriors, hunters, and fishermen from monsters and other enemies. I think this is fascinating, however it can also be seen in tribes which live in the Amazon or places which are cut off from the modern world.


This does however reveal an interesting theory about tattooing in general since many similar stories can be found throughout other historical archives. Tattooing typically began as a way to symbolize strength and offer protection in the spiritual realm, but these things were lost or overlooked by more structured governments and civilizations formed. This of course is not the same in modern day, however the reason behind my tattoos were my favorite things, or meaningful experiences or quotes to me, and this does tend to be similar for other people.


In its current form, Korean society is a mix of the old, the new, and the futuristic. South Korea enjoys a safe, secure, and highly technological way of life and has finally broken through cultural barriers to earning a place on the global pop culture stage. 


With this rapid modernization has come tremendous interest in tattooing, and an increasing portion of young Koreans are eager to get inked. Even some of the biggest K-Pop stars have tattoos, though they must be covered to be shown on Korean TV.


Photo: Tattoos in Korea - Images


This leaves us at an interesting crossroads for tattooing in Korea, with an older generation rooted in tradition clashing with young people excited about tattooing and other art forms.

Many of the views regarding tattoos in Korea are not upheld by law but rather by the social norms and pressures that were established for many hundreds of years. Only now are we seeing Korea re-examine its views of tattooing, though many people still view the topic from a traditional standpoint and see it as taboo.


BTS's Jimin shows off his tattoos (IndiaTVNews.com)


For instance, it’s not uncommon to see tattoo bans at spas, gyms, and pools throughout Korea, and people will wear rash guards and sleeves to stay covered. Media outlets and advertisers will avoid displaying images of tattoos, as some still claim they showcase poor morals or ignorance.


Let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.


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