Korean Job Discussion Forums

[SpiralStaircase]

Looking for some good artists in the Seoul area. Any leads?
Thanks in advance.

[prideofidaho]

I personally can't offer an leads, but I was in a club on Saturday and there were posters for a tattoo shop on the wall, plus I've heard of a few in Itaewon area.

Found this link:
http://www.feetmanseoul.com/2008/04/28/korean-tattoo-artist/

I was told all kinds of things that seem like lies or over-exaggerations about the tattoo scene in Korea...so I think it's doable to find a good artists.

Good luck!

[mnhnhyouh]

Some time ago I read an article in a magazine in Korea that said to be legally able to give tattoos you must be a registered doctor.

So most tattoo shops are sort of hidden, and there are few if any doctors who have tattoo giving fetishes.

h

[Temporary]

Tattoos are technically illegal in this country. They are also looked down upon. As far as artist go I have no idea. Most stuff is underground and there is not much of it. I doubt that you will find anything good. Get it done in your home country. Its propably safer, cleaner and will be a better quality.

[prideofidaho]

I think you could probably make the same post and switch the word "tattoos" for the word "prostitution", but that doesn't mean it's true.

I've had a really difficult time finding information regarding the legality of tattoos in this country, so I would really appreciate some insight from someone who actually knows what they're talking about....read: a lawyer with experience in the Korean criminal code.

The only info I can find are articles like this: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/eastasia/view/305154/1/.html

Please bear in mind that just because something is technically illegal doesn't mean it's unsafe or dangerous. The very fact that tattoo shops exist bear witness to the fact that maybe the laws are vague and changing.

[Kevtron]

There's this guy in Hongdae that is supposed to be damn good. One of my buddies just got ink from him. There was another post a week or so back that had a link for his site, but I haven't got it handy.

They did say it wasn't in a normal tattoo place. It was like in an apt or something. However my buddy had also gotten ink back home, and said this guy seemed to know what was up, so when I figure out my next one I'll be calling up my friend for the specifics.

As those above have said. It may be illegal, but it's still certainly done, and I know there are some good places out there; I just don't know where they are ATM.

[OnTheOtherSide]

I think it would be better to just get it in another nearby country. Unless you already know someone here who is good. It's good to be really picky about it.

Japan has some world class artists.

[Juregen]

If you really need an address, I know someone who got one done in Korea, not far from Hongdae.

send me pm

[Ed Provencher]

[runlikegump]

Tis true that one must be a doctor in order to legally tat here - while I don't have the actual statute to substantiate, I have this info from the horse's mouth - this guy http://vincent.co.kr/ is a plastic surgeon by day, and tattoo artist by later in the day. I've had two small pieces done by him, both fine detail work, and was more than happy with the results. His studio, a minute walk from Gangnam Station, is actually operated as a clinic, with nurses, and the highest levels of hygiene. He even wears his hospital scrubs and mask. Interesting guy to talk to (he, of course, speaks excellent English). If you want a custom piece, you need to discuss with the artist who works for the doc - he too is incredibly skilled, but speaks less English - it may help to take a Korean friend if you need stuff explained.
The bad news - he ain't cheap. I think the minimum price is 300000 - both of mine cost that - and both took about an hour and a half to do - one is black and grey, the other with three colours. Compared to Canada, about the same as the guy I go to in Calgary. Unlike Ed said above, I think Japan was a touch cheaper - I got a leg piece done in Kyoto - took five and a half hours, and ran me almost a thousand bucks. If you want to make a trip of it, Kyoto is an amazing city, and Gakkin at Harizanmai Tattoo http://www.harizanmai.jp/site/index.php?page=shop is legit world-class.
pm me if you need any details.

[CGully]

http://r-styletattoo.com/

I didn't have the tattoo done myself, but I went with my friend to have his done. He had three appointments, the first two were for consultations on the design, and the third was for the tattoo itself. The place is near Ehwa University Station and through a couple of twisting allies, but once you get inside you see he means business. He made a very clear point of showing his sterilization procedure and opening a new needle in front of us. His English is not great, but good enough especially if you have some Korean skills to help you muddle through.

On top of all this, he's just a really nice guy. There's also a young woman artist in the same studio, and although I met her, I can't comment on her work. The link above has a gallery where you can see what he does.

- CGully

[Ed Provencher]

[jackson7]

There doesn't seem to be any set scheme for tattoo fees. They tend to go up with each additional color, and the size of the art (which of course, directly affects the time it takes). My buddy who has studied around the world and makes machines only charges 75 per hour, but that's his personal rate. I think it depends a lot on whether or not the artist is attached to the shop or not. Also, my Korean neighbor is a tattoo artist. Don't know what he charges but he's got some beautiful ink...wonder if he did his own hehe

[i4NI]

$1200 for that ???????????????????????????!

Would you like to buy 20,000 won from me for $100? Let me know if you're interested.

[Ed Provencher]