Tattooing in South Korea

History

Historical texts can show that tattoos were practiced in the tribal confederacies Mahan, Jinhan and Pyŏnhan of Samhan. This tattoo practice served primarily as a type of magic charm or talisman, used by fishermen and divers in the southern part of the country to protect from sea monsters.

The significance of tattoos changed during the Goryeo Dynasty (918 to 1392) and proceeded into the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910). Individuals who committed crimes would have tattoos describing their infractions etched into their skin over exposed areas where it could be seen by others.

During the Joseon dynasty another type of tattoo custom called yeonbi (연비; 聯臂), appeared alongside the punishment tattoo. "This practice... was a pledge of love or devotion between two (or more) people..". This type of tattoo was a symbol of loyalty displayed by marking the name of a loved one onto an individual's body. Though popular, these tattoos were illegal, and if revealed the owner would be punished by law.

Moving into the 20th century, tattoos in Korea became customary for gangs and thus created an association of the two. This was an imitation of Japanese gang culture during Japan's colonial rule of Korea (1910-1945). This further contributed to the distaste for tattoos already present in the Confucian culture of Korea.

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Shifting cultural norms

The number of youth with tattoos and the number of tattooed individuals is increasing. As indicated by a study in 1983, 72.6% of individuals responded that they have not seen a person with any tattoos. In 2007, 67% of residents expressed that they have seen a tattoo. In 2014, individuals feel that they end up noticeably liberal about tattoo contrasted with the past and they anticipate that the time of inked individuals would be different and the number of inked individuals would increase.

As indicated by research in Busan, 83.1% individuals connect tattoos to violence and punitive actions when they consider the term munsin (문신). Contrarily, when the word tattoo (타투) it is more often contributed to fashion, trends, or beauty.

While tattoos are becoming more popular in contemporary Korean culture, particularly among the newer generations, legal regulations hinder movement to the mainstream.

Controversy of legalising tattoos

The Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare considers the act of tattooing similar to medical procedures and deemed they should therefore only be performed by a professional with a medical license. In December 2015, new vocations were advanced including occupations for tattooists. The legislature said that an update to the law regarding tattoos is essential. They arranged an exploration about the case in different nations, symptoms and legalization of tattooing.

Tattoo artists suggest the necessity of legalizing tattoo for changing an image of illegal, protecting tattooists by law and registration of entrepreneur. The awareness of tattoo is changing around the world; still, it is illegal in Korea. Tattooist iIda said “I can not hang up a sign for my shop because it is illegal, making laws about the tattoo is necessary.”

"While the tattoo restriction law is currently still pending, South Korean tattoo artists are strongly forced to resort to social media and other internet platforms in order to promote their business, since it is too risky to display their shops and advertisement openly in the streets. South Korean tattoo artists have been able to gradually build and develop their own tattoo culture by means of social media and create their own unique tattoo styles and establish a tattoo community over the past decade." The Korean government estimates that approximately 20 thousand tattoo artists are operating in illegal tattoo parlors in Seoul.

Semi-permanent tattoos

As the number of working women jumped dramatically, new cosmetic techniques appeared. Semi-permanent makeup provides women all around the world with convenience and efficiency. It also offers confidence and feelings of relaxation. In fact, many social commerce sites are providing various incentives such as offering coupons to increase its popularity.

Semi-permanent make up is a cosmetic technique that applies tattoo pigment onto the dermis for a certain amount of time. Compared to a permanent tattoo, it is a cosmetic technique preferred by many people because of safety and durability.

According to Korean Agency in 2016, the problematic side effects from semi-permanent tattooing, as reported in CISS (Consumer Injury Surveillance System), numbered 77 cases in the last three years. The Ministry of Agriculture conducted tests on 25 tattoo inks to determine the amount of toxicity; 12 products were declared improper and dangerous because they possessed cadmium exceeding the accepted level. Six products contained levels of lead, a known neurotoxin, over 5.5 times the accepted level. Zinc, copper, and nickel are components that may cause atopic dermatitis if people are exposed to those ingredients for a long time.