Korea legalizes tattooing
Written by Deborah Genchi @debrartist
Instead, we took time.
Time to listen, reflect and collect the voices of those who lived this change firsthand: the tattoo artists who worked in Korea when their profession wasn’t legally recognized.
Their stories carry resilience, uncertainty, passion,and they deserve space.
This moment is more than a legal update, it represents memory, progress
and the beginning of a new chapter.
WE ASKED @PITTAKKM
How challenging was the process of legalizing tattooing in Korea, and how do you think this change will impact the future of the tattoo industry?
«
I was always aware of the risk of being reported, but in my 10 years of tattooing, that never actually happened.
It wasn’t something I often saw around me either.
Still, it was uncomfortable knowing that I could never fully relax — for example, always having to lock the door and only accept clients by appointment.
As legalization moves forward, there are still many concerns to be addressed, but there are also exciting possibilities ahead.
Most of all, I look forward to seeing tattoo studios finally coming out into the open — being able to walk into a shop on the street like in other countries, or discover studios located on the ground floor
Shops that were once hidden in back alleys will now be visible on main streets, and I think that will open up opportunities for more diverse creative activities beyond tattooing itself.
Of course, there will be some side effects that come with this change, but I believe that many talented Korean artists will bring fresh and exciting energy to the scene.
As the industry becomes more stable and attracts more investment, I expect we’ll see collaborations with studios or brands on a scale we couldn’t have imagined before.
There have been artist–brand collaborations in the past, but pop-ups or events held in legal tattoo spaces were almost impossible in Korea — and that’s what makes this new chapter so exciting.
Seoul is one of the most trend-sensitive cities in the world, and that’s exactly why I have high hopes for what’s to come.
»
WE ASKED @PITTAKKM
How challenging was the process of legalizing tattooing in Korea, and how do you think this change will impact the future of the tattoo industry?
I was always aware of the risk of being reported, but in my 10 years of tattooing, that never actually happened.
It wasn’t something I often saw around me either.
Still, it was uncomfortable knowing that I could never fully relax — for example, always having to lock the door and only accept clients by appointment.
As legalization moves forward, there are still many concerns to be addressed, but there are also exciting possibilities ahead.
Most of all, I look forward to seeing tattoo studios finally coming out into the open — being able to walk into a shop on the street like in other countries, or discover studios located on the ground floor
Shops that were once hidden in back alleys will now be visible on main streets, and I think that will open up opportunities for more diverse creative activities beyond tattooing itself.
Of course, there will be some side effects that come with this change, but I believe that many talented Korean artists will bring fresh and exciting energy to the scene.
As the industry becomes more stable and attracts more investment, I expect we’ll see collaborations with studios or brands on a scale we couldn’t have imagined before.
There have been artist–brand collaborations in the past, but pop-ups or events held in legal tattoo spaces were almost impossible in Korea — and that’s what makes this new chapter so exciting.
Seoul is one of the most trend-sensitive cities in the world, and that’s exactly why I have high hopes for what’s to come.
»
WE ASKED VIVI (formerly @studio_jaw)
What does this moment mean to you on a personal level, considering the emotional and professional journey that brought you here?
«
I still can’t believe this moment has finally come — tattooing has officially been legalized in Korea.
For years, Korean tattoo artists have been creating art in a grey zone, working with passion and integrity even without legal protection. This change feels like the beginning of a new chapter, where our art can finally be recognized as a true profession, not something hidden.
I’ve always loved my work and carried great pride as an artist, being supported and loved by my clients and fans all around the world. But at times, knowing that my work was considered illegal in my own country made me lose confidence and feel conflicted.
I love Korea deeply, but I often asked myself — is it right for me to keep doing this here?
If I continued, I would technically be working as an “illegal laborer,” even though I was simply expressing art.
Now, it finally feels like that long-standing weight has been lifted.
I believe many amazing tattoo artists in Korea have felt the same — proud of their art, yet guilty for doing something seen as illegal.
With this legalization, I hope every artist in Korea can now work with confidence, dignity, and pride.
As a female tattoo artist, I’ve also faced unpleasant experiences with disrespectful clients in the past.
Because tattooing was considered illegal, many of us felt helpless — we couldn’t ask for legal protection or report inappropriate behavior. Unfortunately, this was something many artists went through.
Now, I’m truly relieved that we can finally ask for protection when we face such situations.
I also hope this legalization leads to the creation of proper systems for health, hygiene, and ethical regulations, so both artists and clients in Korea can work and enjoy tattoos safely.
This change will not only protect people but also help Korea’s tattoo industry — and the broader art scene — grow stronger and more respected.
It might feel a bit late, but the fact that it has finally been achieved makes it absolutely perfect.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who fought and worked so hard to make this possible.
This is not just a legal victory — it’s an emotional one, and a historic step for all of us.
»
WE ASKED VIVI (formerly @studio_jaw)
What does this moment mean to you on a personal level, considering the emotional and professional journey that brought you here?
«
I still can’t believe this moment has finally come — tattooing has officially been legalized in Korea.
For years, Korean tattoo artists have been creating art in a grey zone, working with passion and integrity even without legal protection. This change feels like the beginning of a new chapter, where our art can finally be recognized as a true profession, not something hidden.
I’ve always loved my work and carried great pride as an artist, being supported and loved by my clients and fans all around the world. But at times, knowing that my work was considered illegal in my own country made me lose confidence and feel conflicted.
I love Korea deeply, but I often asked myself — is it right for me to keep doing this here?
If I continued, I would technically be working as an “illegal laborer,” even though I was simply expressing art.
Now, it finally feels like that long-standing weight has been lifted.
I believe many amazing tattoo artists in Korea have felt the same — proud of their art, yet guilty for doing something seen as illegal.
With this legalization, I hope every artist in Korea can now work with confidence, dignity, and pride.
As a female tattoo artist, I’ve also faced unpleasant experiences with disrespectful clients in the past.
Because tattooing was considered illegal, many of us felt helpless — we couldn’t ask for legal protection or report inappropriate behavior. Unfortunately, this was something many artists went through.
Now, I’m truly relieved that we can finally ask for protection when we face such situations.
I also hope this legalization leads to the creation of proper systems for health, hygiene, and ethical regulations, so both artists and clients in Korea can work and enjoy tattoos safely.
This change will not only protect people but also help Korea’s tattoo industry — and the broader art scene — grow stronger and more respected.
It might feel a bit late, but the fact that it has finally been achieved makes it absolutely perfect.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who fought and worked so hard to make this possible.
This is not just a legal victory — it’s an emotional one, and a historic step for all of us.
»
WE ASKED @woohwa._.a
Looking back, how would you describe the journey toward tattoo legalization in Korea, the challenges, the atmosphere of working before it was legal, and how you believe this change will shape the future?
«
My first memory of this movement dates back to when the tattoo artist Doy founded the group “Tattoo Union.” At that time, public awareness and interest were relatively limited. Nevertheless, he continuously articulated his intentions and vision across various platforms. During the period when voice-based social media platforms were popular, he openly discussed the changes he hoped to pursue, and those conversations gradually brought people together.
As I was not a member of the union myself, I did not fully understand their internal activities during the early years. However, I began noticing more colleagues joining the group, and it became clear that the union was providing legal consultations, hygiene-related education, and regular seminars, creating a foundation for collective progress.
As the union’s voice grew louder, more people began asking me whether tattooing was truly illegal in Korea. Since there was no legal framework defining tattooing at the time, it was difficult to explain.
Meanwhile, Doy publicly undertook multiple legal battles, consistently sharing the process with the public.
His persistence fostered solidarity, broader social recognition, and eventually media attention, leading the general public to understand the reality of the situation.
Ultimately, a moment that once felt unlikely arrived —the law was officially changed.
When I saw images of people shedding tears at the legalization announcement, I could not begin to imagine the weight of the journey they had endured. As someone observing from the outside, I hold deep respect and gratitude for Doy and many others whose courage and dedication made this change possible.
Before entering the profession, I was unaware that tattooing was illegal in Korea. It was already widespread, and even tattoo academies existed, so I never questioned its legality. I completed a three-month course at an academy and mistakenly believed that I was sufficiently prepared.
However, once I entered an actual studio environment, I realized that I had never received proper hygiene training, and my technical understanding was far from adequate. Tattooing requires different skill sets depending on the style, and the absence of a standardized educational structure — a direct result of the legal vacuum — made it extremely difficult to learn anything properly.
I eventually had to relearn everything from the beginning.
I sought guidance from skilled artists, purchased foreign literature and translated it myself, and learned essential hygiene and technical fundamentals from colleagues who had entered the field earlier.
At that time, many studios operated with extremely poor hygiene practices. Looking back, nine years ago I did not even know the proper way to sanitize a machine. Without a supportive network of peers, I would not be where I am today, and I remain grateful to those individuals.
Over the years, the atmosphere began to shift. More artists traveled abroad, studied, and brought higher standards back to Korea.
As a result, awareness and commitment to proper hygiene practices increased significantly. There was a time when finding a clean, safe studio was challenging; today, such studios are common, which reflects how much the industry has evolved.
In terms of client interaction, my approach has remained consistent — I have always aimed to treat each client with sincerity. However, the environment surrounding the work was very different before legalization. Because tattooing was illegal, artists had to operate discreetly. Even though many clients were wonderful, studio locations could not be disclosed until bookings were confirmed. There were also instances of artists facing threats or financial exploitation, which led many of us to develop consent forms and other protective measures to ensure safety and professionalism.
With legalization in place, I expect new regulations to establish criteria for qualifications, hygiene standards for studios, and various operational guidelines. This will allow artists who previously received insufficient or incorrect training to relearn proper practices. It will also naturally phase out studios that operate without accountability or hygiene standards.
Above all, the most meaningful change is that tattooing is now recognized as a legitimate profession, allowing artists to work within legal protection rather than fear or uncertainty. This marks a significant shift for the industry.
Of course, there will be a transition period.
Many details will evolve, be refined, and may cause temporary confusion. However, I believe that issues long hidden beneath the surface will be addressed openly, and through this process, the industry will gradually develop a safer, more structured, and more sustainable working environment for tattoo artists in Korea.
»
WE ASKED @woohwa._.a
Looking back, how would you describe the journey toward tattoo legalization in Korea, the challenges, the atmosphere of working before it was legal, and how you believe this change will shape the future?
«
My first memory of this movement dates back to when the tattoo artist Doy founded the group “Tattoo Union.” At that time, public awareness and interest were relatively limited. Nevertheless, he continuously articulated his intentions and vision across various platforms. During the period when voice-based social media platforms were popular, he openly discussed the changes he hoped to pursue, and those conversations gradually brought people together.
As I was not a member of the union myself, I did not fully understand their internal activities during the early years. However, I began noticing more colleagues joining the group, and it became clear that the union was providing legal consultations, hygiene-related education, and regular seminars, creating a foundation for collective progress.
As the union’s voice grew louder, more people began asking me whether tattooing was truly illegal in Korea. Since there was no legal framework defining tattooing at the time, it was difficult to explain.
Meanwhile, Doy publicly undertook multiple legal battles, consistently sharing the process with the public.
His persistence fostered solidarity, broader social recognition, and eventually media attention, leading the general public to understand the reality of the situation.
Ultimately, a moment that once felt unlikely arrived —the law was officially changed.
When I saw images of people shedding tears at the legalization announcement, I could not begin to imagine the weight of the journey they had endured. As someone observing from the outside, I hold deep respect and gratitude for Doy and many others whose courage and dedication made this change possible.
Before entering the profession, I was unaware that tattooing was illegal in Korea. It was already widespread, and even tattoo academies existed, so I never questioned its legality. I completed a three-month course at an academy and mistakenly believed that I was sufficiently prepared.
However, once I entered an actual studio environment, I realized that I had never received proper hygiene training, and my technical understanding was far from adequate. Tattooing requires different skill sets depending on the style, and the absence of a standardized educational structure — a direct result of the legal vacuum — made it extremely difficult to learn anything properly.
I eventually had to relearn everything from the beginning.
I sought guidance from skilled artists, purchased foreign literature and translated it myself, and learned essential hygiene and technical fundamentals from colleagues who had entered the field earlier.
At that time, many studios operated with extremely poor hygiene practices. Looking back, nine years ago I did not even know the proper way to sanitize a machine. Without a supportive network of peers, I would not be where I am today, and I remain grateful to those individuals.
Over the years, the atmosphere began to shift. More artists traveled abroad, studied, and brought higher standards back to Korea.
As a result, awareness and commitment to proper hygiene practices increased significantly. There was a time when finding a clean, safe studio was challenging; today, such studios are common, which reflects how much the industry has evolved.
In terms of client interaction, my approach has remained consistent — I have always aimed to treat each client with sincerity. However, the environment surrounding the work was very different before legalization. Because tattooing was illegal, artists had to operate discreetly. Even though many clients were wonderful, studio locations could not be disclosed until bookings were confirmed. There were also instances of artists facing threats or financial exploitation, which led many of us to develop consent forms and other protective measures to ensure safety and professionalism.
With legalization in place, I expect new regulations to establish criteria for qualifications, hygiene standards for studios, and various operational guidelines. This will allow artists who previously received insufficient or incorrect training to relearn proper practices. It will also naturally phase out studios that operate without accountability or hygiene standards.
Above all, the most meaningful change is that tattooing is now recognized as a legitimate profession, allowing artists to work within legal protection rather than fear or uncertainty. This marks a significant shift for the industry.
Of course, there will be a transition period.
Many details will evolve, be refined, and may cause temporary confusion. However, I believe that issues long hidden beneath the surface will be addressed openly, and through this process, the industry will gradually develop a safer, more structured, and more sustainable working environment for tattoo artists in Korea.
»
WE ASKED @guppy.flowertattoo
What was your experience working as a tattoo artist in Korea, and now that you’ve been working in Australia and the law has changed back home, where do you see yourself living and working in the future?
«
I didn’t face any major difficulties working as a tattoo artist in Korea. I think the only real challenge I felt was the same one artists in any field experience — the struggle that comes with creating. Since I worked as a tattooist in Korea for about nine years, I might have become desensitized to the other tough aspects, which made things feel less difficult for me. I simply learned to accept most of the circumstances and continued with my career. However, one thing I’m certain about is that many artists working in Korea have been struggling in various ways in a lawless environment (with no legal framework). I was just fortunate, that’s all.
The most shocking thing for me in Australia was the walk-in system. It’s something unimaginable in Korea, where tattoo laws still haven’t been fully stabilized. Of course, differences in how tattoos are perceived play a role, but I was genuinely surprised that so many people were willing to get tattooed so spontaneously.
The second thing is that a much larger proportion of clients in Australia treat me as an artist. I also met many people in Korea who recognized my work as artwork, but in terms of ratio, Australia feels overwhelmingly higher.
I think the reason I left the Korean market wasn’t only because of the law, but more because of the market overheating. In Korea, there are many people who are passionate, intense, and deeply in love with their work—people for whom their work is their identity. It may sound like a generalization, but I believe this cultural tendency greatly contributed to the oversupply of artists. And in a way, that’s also why tattoo culture was able to develop even in such a harsh environment where tattoos were technically illegal.
If tattooing becomes fully legalized, the oversupply of artists will accelerate, and that will eventually lead to a decline in the perceived value of “tattoos.” The polarization between artists and systems will become clearer—those with their own unique artistic styles versus those without, and between reservation-based studios and walk-in systems.
Fortunately, I’ve been building my own style to some extent, so I think I could survive in the Korean market if I wanted to. But I want to work somewhere I can be more respected and grow further.
I don’t know if Australia will be the final answer, but for now, I want to stay abroad.
Living here for a year has really broadened my perspective on the world.
»
WE ASKED @guppy.flowertattoo
What was your experience working as a tattoo artist in Korea, and now that you’ve been working in Australia and the law has changed back home, where do you see yourself living and working in the future?
«
I didn’t face any major difficulties working as a tattoo artist in Korea. I think the only real challenge I felt was the same one artists in any field experience — the struggle that comes with creating. Since I worked as a tattooist in Korea for about nine years, I might have become desensitized to the other tough aspects, which made things feel less difficult for me. I simply learned to accept most of the circumstances and continued with my career. However, one thing I’m certain about is that many artists working in Korea have been struggling in various ways in a lawless environment (with no legal framework).
I was just fortunate, that’s all.
The most shocking thing for me in Australia was the walk-in system. It’s something unimaginable in Korea, where tattoo laws still haven’t been fully stabilized. Of course, differences in how tattoos are perceived play a role, but I was genuinely surprised that so many people were willing to get tattooed so spontaneously.
The second thing is that a much larger proportion of clients in Australia treat me as an artist. I also met many people in Korea who recognized my work as artwork, but in terms of ratio, Australia feels overwhelmingly higher.
I think the reason I left the Korean market wasn’t only because of the law, but more because of the market overheating. In Korea, there are many people who are passionate, intense, and deeply in love with their work—people for whom their work is their identity. It may sound like a generalization, but I believe this cultural tendency greatly contributed to the oversupply of artists. And in a way, that’s also why tattoo culture was able to develop even in such a harsh environment where tattoos were technically illegal.
If tattooing becomes fully legalized, the oversupply of artists will accelerate, and that will eventually lead to a decline in the perceived value of “tattoos.” The polarization between artists and systems will become clearer—those with their own unique artistic styles versus those without, and between reservation-based studios and walk-in systems.
Fortunately, I’ve been building my own style to some extent, so I think I could survive in the Korean market if I wanted to. But I want to work somewhere I can be more respected and grow further.
I don’t know if Australia will be the final answer, but for now, I want to stay abroad.
Living here for a year has really broadened my perspective on the world.
»
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