Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Harkonnen]

Just got to Seoul from Busan and looking for shops. In Busan, there were no actual shops, just people who wanted to tattoo you at home so I never went for it. I got the majority of my Japanese sleeve in Tokyo and I'm looking for someone to finish it. So far, no luck online even though Ive seen quite a few Koreans with Japanese here and haven't physically seen any shops so I might end up going back to Japan if I don't find one here.

[Ruthdes]

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Seoul-South-Korea/Tattoo-Korea/237859883911?ref=ts

http://www.tattoo-korea.com/

I actually went to this place last night to get my 3rd tattoo (but 1st in Korea). It's in Cheongdam-dong, in Gangnam. San Lee works there, and she has a reputation for doing really detailed, excellent work. There are a few English speakers, including the owner, Iroc. It took them awhile to get my design right, but after a lot of waiting, they drew me a design I liked. I was very happy with the actual tattoo process, the hygiene and the finished product. Included in the price, they also fixed up another tattoo that had a few faded places.

If I ever get another tatt in Korea, I'll definitely go back there (though I'll have a better expectation of how much time to allocate to the design process). They also don't take card, and the nearest ATM is not close, so bring cash with you. They will spend as much time as you want making a design for you, they just ask that you put down a deposit toward the actual tattooing. I put down 30,000 won for a 150,000 won tattoo. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

[dharma bum]

I've also heard good things about them and actually read an article that give the OP some additional info: http://10magazine.asia/3484/ink-for-your-seoul/

[Harkonnen]

Check out the site but it was weird because they only had San Lee's work. She's a little too new school for me, I'm into traditional and Japanese mainly. I did however email them asking for myspace links to the artists who specialize in those styles. What kind of piece did they do on you? Also, facebook link?

[Ruthdes]

I got a pretty simple piece done, it took just under an hour, then maybe another 15 or 20 touching up my older tattoo. The new one was a phoenix, but it was symbolic, rather than realistic. Just solid lines, all black, and no detail. It is done very nicely though. I think it's about 15x10cm, but it's in the middle of the top of my back and I can't reach it to measure it myself!

150,000 won is their starting price, which Iroc told me is because they import all their equipment and ink from America. Originally I just wanted to get my older one touched up, but seeing it was going to cost 150K anyway, and I'd been thinking about this new piece for a long time, I decided to get it done. He did say that they are willing to negotiate and give good deals for bigger pieces. I would say at least go in there and check it out, but organise a time when Iroc is there. Or even send him an email asking if they have an artist who specialises in your preferred style.

You can see artwork by Slam and dx2 if you go to the "Tattoo Korea" menu, then choose "our artists". It's still not all the artists, but it's a start.

[Harkonnen]

Yeah I think for that newer style and portraits they're good, but the Japanese I saw on their myspace (looked through about 200 photos or more) was awful. I'll go in and check out their portfolios but if I don't see anything else, I'll just go back to Tokyo.

[BigLarry]

I can recommend Tattoo Korea too, though I only use San Lee myself. So much so that I'm heading there tomorrow for another session.

It's a great place, friendly staff and you'll have no communication problems.

There is a big range in the ability of the artists and as such the prices do vary a lot, with San Lee being the most expensive. Though She's worth the cash.

The others have given you all the basic details and if you want to book in an appointment then the guy to email is Josh: [email protected]

[Harkonnen]

Again, San Lee is just too new school for me. If I wanted an animal portrait, yeah shed be perfect for it. But I'm pretty locked into traditional tattooing.

Side note, if anyone is going to Japan this summer, Ink Rat in Tokyo is absolutely flawless. A bit pricier than what you'll find in Korea, but then again there is no comparison to shops in Japan.

[madoka]

[pulse_pace]

[Ruthdes]