Korean Job Discussion Forums

Golden Lama

There's been a few posts about whether or not Koreans will accept a foreigner with tattoos and, so far for me, I've had no issues at. I'm pretty decorated, so it's highly noticable and all of my students (elementary and up) are aware that I've got ink.

I've been waiting ages to get another piece done as all of my work has been done in the west and I was never comfortable with getting work done in Asia.

I thought I'd check out the board to see what anyone knows about places that push ink in Seoul, or any of the bigger cities. Having strolled through Itaewon - a foreigner heavy locale and somewhere that I'd expect to find a tattoo parlour if they were available - I haven't seen a single one. Of course, that doesn't mean they aren't there.

Any locations and/or recommendations would be appreciated as I'm not even sure if it's possible in Korea. I understand the criminal element does have a flair for tattooing, so perhaps you'll have to have done time to get in touch with an artist, but I'll keep that as a lower tier option.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

save your money and go to Thailand or the Phillipines for some quality work

This thread has been thoroughly discussed in:

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=53713&highlight=tattoos

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=51756&highlight=tattoos+tattoo

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=42371&highlight=tattoos+tattoo

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=4950&highlight=tattoos+tattoo

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=21797&highlight=tattoos+tattoo

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=17201&highlight=tattoos+tattoo

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

The best way to get it done is to meet a tattoo artist socially and be taken into his confidence. These aren't guys who go out advertising publically.

Golden Lama · Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 9:14 pm Post subject:

Cheers Grotto and RT.

I checked out the other threads and learned pretty much what I needed to know, so now I'm curious as to how I would meet an artist "socially", as you say RT.

Do I just word-of-mouth my way around and eventually meet somebody that's doing it? Or do I always make sure that I've got some ink visible such that an artist might approach me? I ask as I assume you've done exactly what you propose, RT, so how did it happen that you came across someone (if I've assumed correctly)?

Anyway, now that I know it's illegal, I'm not surprised that I've never seen a parlour. I would worry that an underground artist might not be the most hygenic option and this was addressed in some of Grotto's posted threads. Actually, the hygiene - and lack of talent - is what kept me from getting work done in Thailand. I only really looked on the islands, so that's not the best place to start, but I've never seen so many less-than-a-year experienced people pushing ink. Could have looked harder in Bangkok, but laziness got the better of me.

Cheers again and I'm sure the there'll be a chance for some new ink one of these days.

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

Most artists don't send out too much word, mainly because of the whole illegality thing. You probably won't have too much trouble finding a tattoo artist if you hang around Hongdae enough. If you see a Korean with a tattoo, ask them where they got it, and go from there.

Golden Lama · Posted: Sun Jul 23, 2006 10:07 pm Post subject:

pauly · Joined: 24 Sep 2004 Location: Incheon

Or save up some money and get one in Japan. It's a bit on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for. Japanese tattoo artists have a very good international reputation for their skill and artistry. There's no way I would get one in Korea.

Css · Joined: 27 Sep 2004 Location: South of the river

there are lots of tattoo clubs online which are usually setup by different tattoo artists...theres tons of them on cyworld for example..

ive actually been very impressed with some of the stuff ive seen.

Most tattoo parlours in korea are setup in apartments to keep things private and away from prying eyes.

Golden Lama · Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 3:57 am Post subject:

Golden Lama · Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 3:58 am Post subject:

Hobophobic · Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 8:40 pm Post subject:

WWW.YUSHI TATTOO.COM
type this in as all one word and with caps...
...the guy was trained in Japan...has been in and judged at international tattoo conventions....one of my friends had some work done by him and he seems pleased...check out the gallery...

Golden Lama · Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2006 9:33 pm Post subject:

Hobophobic · Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 11:30 pm Post subject:

He's in Seoul...works around Hongdae...there is a cell number to ring him up on the site...you'll need a korean to work out the details for meeting and such...like Racetraitor stated...its quite hushhush and you need to be of the trustable sort

Golden Lama · Posted: Wed Jul 26, 2006 1:52 pm Post subject:

Hongdae?! Well, good golly. I might just have to make a trip there sometime.

Thanks for the info; I'll definitely poke around for a cell number and go from there.

JJK1 · Joined: 22 May 2006

Dang look at all those celebrities he did, he's like the Korean Mister Cartoon So I'm guessing he's pretty expensive?