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The first thing to know about getting a tattoo in Korea is that it’s most likely illegal.
How’s that for an opening line? See, tattooing is only legal in Korea if the tattoo artist is a licensed doctor, as they’re the only ones allowed to legally handle needles of any kind. Now, there are PLENTY of tattooists in Korea. Some are legit doctors who decided to use their medical degree for tattooing (hey, we all make choices), but the vast majority are not. They’re tattoo artists. And they’re illegal.
Illegal Tattoos?
But no one really cares all that much.
Sometimes the police may crack down on it, and many artists will even take your phone away from you when you arrive so you can’t take photos of them, their studio, or anything that may lead the police to them. But more often than not, it’s one of the many things that’s swept under the rug here in Korea. That’s not to say these artist operate wholly out in the open (some do, fearlessly because of connections, be it with KPOP idols or Japan’s Yakuza). Many of the “tattoo parlors” in Korea are hidden away. They’re in basements, behind fake walls, in seemingly abandoned buildings, or part of clubs or bars.
Getting there is just the beginning of the adventure.
How To Book
So when Nicky and I (Kristina) booked our tattoo appointment over Kakao Talk (Korea’s version of What’s App and Line), we were given no details about where to go beyond leaving a certain exit of a certain station, taking a few rights and lefts, and then knocking on a door next to a certain poster, of which she’d send us a photo of.
Most artists you can book through their Instagrams, or perhaps on the off chance they have a Facebook page. There’s also groups like Inked Korea that can link you up to artists if you don’t speak Korean and they can’t communicate in English. Though honestly just searching through theย ํํฌย (tattoo) hashtag on Instagram will open you open to a plethora of talent.
Anywho…
It took us awhile, but we found where we needed to be. At least we thought we did. We sent her a photo of our location and she texted back “please come in.”
Well, here goes nothing.
Getting the Tattoo
Pushing open the door we found ourselves looking down a stone staircase, at the bottom of which was a lovely Korean lady cheerfully greeting us. So far, so good. Upon walking in it was immediately apparent to me that this was going to be an experience and a half. I’m fairly certain we were in her home, judging by the stocked kitchen. However, I can’t be sure. What I did know was that this was unlike any tattoo parlor I’ve ever been in. Shabby chic? could describe the place, with its half painted walls and minimalist decor.
After taking our shoes off, we wandered into the studio where she sits us down to go over what we wanted and to pick out fonts and colors. This specific tattooist is known for her watercolor work, a type of tattoo I’ve wanted for a very long time. In fact, when Nicky first brought up the idea of getting a tattoo in Korea, I already had her in mind as I had been following her work for quite awhile and it was a pipe dream of mine to get something done by her. The fact I was actually about to made me a bit giddy.
Fonts and colors picked out, she made up a sample, we tried it on to get the right position, and then it was time. Each tattoo would take around an hour, and I elected to go first. Because I’m a masochist.
Btw. Getting a tattoo on your ribs HURTS.
Keep it Secret, Keep it Safe
There’s no frills here. It’s basic. Far far away are the fancy tattoo tables and chairs with their magnifying glasses and extendable lights. It’s all about keeping things simple in this business; you never know when you may have to pack up after all. All this being said, at no point did I feel unsafe or think things were unsanitary. Everything was packaged and clean and she took great care to make us comfortable.
Laying down on the bed, I got myself situated, idly wondering what I had gotten myself into.ย Our artist used puppy training pads to catch wayward ink and blood, stuffing them under and around the tattoo area. Thinking back on it, pretty smart use of ย And then the tell-tale bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt starts.
Color hurts a lot more than just black ink, something I learned first hand during this experience. While ย I have multiple tattoos,ย they’re all simple black. Color has to go deeper, a lot deeper. I didn’t cry though. I’m very proud of myself. She said to just let her know if I needed a break or felt light headed, but I powered through and an hour later I had my very own illicit watercolor tattoo.
The Experience
Once I was done, I breathed a sigh of immense relief and then went about teasing Nicky as it was her turn. On the bed, new pads, and a lot of hand holding. More than anything I want to reiterate that everything was clean and sanitary. Tattoo artists in Korea have to operate beneath the law, but they take their craft very seriously. There’s no studios for them to work in, so they don’t have the swank equipment and ambiance that most Western parlors do. They have to make do with what is viable and smart.
After all was finished she took photos of the tattoos for her Instagram and collection and we were both ointmented up (yes, that’s a word now) and bandaged with the instructions to take them off after two hours. It’s been two weeks since the tattoo and it’s fully healed and looks amazing. We’re both very happy with them and it was overall a great and exciting experience.
The Artist
I strongly debated about whether or not to out who our tattooist was. The last thing I wanted to do was to get her in trouble. However, she did allow us to film (though I omitted her face out of privacy), ย and bookings are mainly made because of her Instagram page, which has been featured far and wide (that’s how I found out about her actually!). So, if you’re interested in her work (which is GORGEOUS), you can find her at @tatooist_silo.
She specializes in water color tattoos and flowers. She also does a lot of cover-up work, so if there is a tattoo you’d rather not be there, she can help with that as well. Tattoos in Korea will run you more than what you’re probably used to, but remember, the climate is different here and to get a tattoo in a place where they’re not wholly legal, you’ll have to pay a touch more. Each of ours ran โฉ400,000/$350.
You can find my and Nicky’s reasons for getting our tattoos from our Instagrams below. Hint, it has to do with Dorian Gray.
Would you ever get a tattoo in another country? What would you get? Let usย know in the comments below!
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Gosh you are braver than I am! There is no way I could do it – let alone on my ribs.
Hahaha, not brave, just crazy.
Your tattoo definitely looks painful but the outcome is so beautiful! I’m so impressed by the artwork and detailing. The meaning is so beautiful too.
^^ thank you so much Gina!
Woahhhh! What an experience to have had. How interesting that you booked your tattoo appointment via SMS! Colour tattoo sounds painful – I never knew it was more painful than plain black ink. But the outcome is beautiful!
Thank you so much! Yeah I didn’t know if was more painful either until Nicky told me as I was on the table x’D.
I got mine in Busan! It wasn’t quite as much of an adventure though… more like a few emails back and fourth and then an address to a “Green Tea House.” Good thing he *actually* had tea because I was a basket case lol. I want to get more added on (I got a small turtle because I lived in Yeosu and that was the symbol that was everywhere because of the famous turtle ships) and I want to go back to the same guy, but now I’m so tempted to try to find one a little less public! Really love the watercolor background~ congrats!
Ahahaha, awww a tea house! That’s so lovely, and sounds like an adorable tattoo too! I def want to get another here… or maybe two… or three. God they’re so addictive, haha.
Beautiful work! I love the reference too. ๐
Thank you so much! ^^
I was so nervous about getting a tattoo in Korea that I ended up chickening out when we lived there. I wish I had seen this! Your tattoo is beautiful but yes the ribcage is definitely painful!
Awww, well there’s still plenty of time in the world to come back and get one, hehe. Thank you so much ๐
Wow, this is so interesting to know! I love the watercolor look of the tattoo and I have no clue the artist realised that, it’s impressive. Moreover, the story behind the tattoo is so cute. Go for it girls ๐
Wow, quite the experience! I’d be so nervous walking through that door beside the poster! Your tattoos are beautiful. They turned out great!! That price makes we wince, though, haha!
Illegal tattoo! That sounds scandalous. Hope you came out of the country before posting this. You don’t want Korean authorities to stumble on this blogpost. He he ๐
Even from just seeing a title I was already like :O!!!!! You guys, little rebels!! haha. I can’t believe it is illegal in Korea…. nor can I believe doctors can become tattooists… at least your tattoos looked good.
Whoaaa that’s brave!!! Before I read that luckily you have already followed her work, I thought that it’s absolutely insane to just go somewhere underground to get the tattoo ๐ but at least you knew her job! I don’t have tattoos but if I will ever do one, it’ll be a palm tree on my ankle!
What a experience. I really don’t know why you would a tattoo in a country where it can be illegal. Nice of you to share your experience, but I don’t find excitement in branding my body. Hope all went okay.
I myself have 2 small tattoos, out of which one is on my ribs and inwas so scared having it dome, i would imagine not having it in me to go through al the trouble to have it done, illegally. But it sure makes up a cool story to remember and by reading your blog i’ve learned something new about Korea. Are the legal one more expensive?
I’ve never seen tattoos like this before, they’re definitely very elegant. Sounds like a good idea on the whole though that only doctors can tattoo people. Have you ever seen Tattoo Disasters – there are some funny stories and some very moving ones? Luckily yours turned out really well though
Didn’t know that only licensed doctors are allowed to make a tattoos there. Had a great laugh reading your tattoo adventures, it reminded me of my first tattoo. Hoping to get inked in Korea as well soon. ๐ ๐ ๐
I never knew tattoos were illegal in Korea! What a wild experience to have an gorgeous tattoo to remember it by. I’ve never really been about the watercolor tattoos, but both of yours are absolutely gorgeous and have me thinking otherwise now haha. Thanks for sharing this!
Quite the adventure! I got a tattoo in Brazil – I spoke in broken Spanish and the artist in Portuguese. What could go wrong? I lived to tell the tale but I’m not sure I’d do it again!
Really cool firsthand account of the tattoo scene in SK. The watercolor is very beautiful and the hangul is very dainty! Personally, I have a few tattoos and would like to get more, but I’ll probably wait until I move out of Japan. I like using the onsen.
Now I wanna get a tattoo in Korea as well!! Your tattoos are gorgeous btw
Woah, I had no idea that you’d have to be a medical doctor to do tattoo art in Korea! But wow, I commend you for your bravery! I don’t think I’d be able to get one for myself.
Wow I had no idea that was the case with the tattoo industry in Korea, I’m in Bali at the moment and just booked in my 5th tattoo for Saturday. Yay!
I seriously didn’t know that tattooing is illegal in Korea. I’m also pretty suprised that in Asia (Hong Kong) people don’t really seem to have any tattoos. I thought that it would be much more popular. Your tattoos look beautiful!
Ah! That looks painful! But I love the watercolor effect. So cool!
What a story! Also the tats look gorgeous. I’m not a tat lover myself, but I find the whole new trend of tiny tattoos really nice.
Never thought that getting an ink is illegal in Korea, is it in South Korea?
But you still got one? Lol
Is that really? ahaha looks like you are in the movies doing something wrong that you have to go through labyrinths and hide from everyone. ๐
A doctor changed to a tattoo artist it is amazing, I have some tattoos and if I made it to Korea for sure I will do a new one there!
By the way, love your tattoo and the meaning ๐
I know I already commented on this post but I wanted to let you know that I nominated you for the One Lovely Blog award! https://stuffinapowderpuff.wordpress.com/2017/03/16/one-lovely-blog-award/ <3
I have to say, when I first read the title I thought, “that’s a little silly”. As someone with a shitload of tattoos (combined about 75 hours of ink!) I’ve always been suuuuuuper cautious about where I get tattooed and the level of cleanliness. After reading (and seeing!) about how they go about it – you’ve totally changed my mind (and added a tick on my bucket list LOL). The artists work is soooo beautiful and I love the tattoos you and your friend got, so dainty and pretty. <3
Perfect title!! Caught right away my attention ๐ It sounds like a great adventure. How did you know you were choosing a serious place, with all the necessary conditions? By the way, the tattoos are beautiful. Congratulations?
Congratulations!! ๐
Wow! I had no idea that you had to be a doctor to perform legal tattoos. As a huge tattoo lover, I would most likely find myself here getting a tattoo. Looks like you had a wonderful time and very cool tattoo. I’ve not had one on my ribs yet but I will consider it to be painful. The knee was pretty painful!
wow..looks like getting a tatoo is such an adventure filled journey in Korea. It’s not just about the tatoo but how you get it on mysteriously ๐ I am glad it’s all hygienic and properly sanitized.
That is some really cool stuff there. Getting a tattoo is indeed painful but getting it illegally is too much adventurous. Korea always seems to be a mysterical place to us
Oh, this watercolor tattoo looks really awesome but the illegal tattooing in Korea, it is scary too. I am confused on their concept, Are doctors really those big artists to make tattoos. They are good with needles but tattooing is more of art. I am myself a doctor and this has held me with so many questions.
This is totally a unique and brave experience! I am a fan of Korean culture, but didn’t know getting a tattoo there is illegal. You were such brave and curious souls! Happy to see that it is all worth it. I would assume that the ones on your ribs would really hurt, but that watercolor tattoo looks so awesome!
Going for a tattoo in Korea is like going on secret mission. What a experience it must have been for you. Its quite insightful article how tatoo artists are working in korea.
I love your story and the courage you had to go through the unknown for a tattoo. The final work is very beautiful, it does look so feminine! The watercolor is so impressive, it looks like a proper work of art, not just a tattoo.
I never knew that tattooing was illegal in Korea. After reading your post I realize why it is governed by law. It takes a lot of grit and determination of to endure what you did. But in the end if the final result is something that you are happy with, then it is really worth it.
Beautiful tattoo and great post! I’m going Korea this year but I will probably just get a tattoo before or after, I don’t think I would be brave enough to do it there ๐
I am quite intrigued when I read the title of your post. I do not have a tattoo but I am curious how others got them. Tattoos are works of art. If I were to get one, I would diligently research the tattoo artists who I like.
I think this was a very bold move for you. There must be some kind of maintenance and regulations too even though this is illegal. I like the design of the tattoo that you got. The color looks vibrant and beautiful.
Your tattoo looks absolutely amazing and I was wondering about the nitty gritty. It seems like a speakeasy but in modern times. I also had no idea some medical doctors just decided to become tattoo artists. Gotta pay off those student loans, right? Lol
Your tattoos look so amazing!! I wanna get one now as well and her style is amazing!! How much did it cost to take that? ๐
Thank you! This was roughly $400.