Korean Job Discussion Forums

jlw1127 · Joined: 25 Feb 2006

Whats up everyone,

Whats the scoop on tattoos in Korea? Are they acceptable, are they common? Any good shops to get one? Any removal centers? Thanks to all those who respond.

Grotto · Joined: 21 Mar 2004

Tattoos not common among most people(Koreans), usually reserved for the criminal element (among Koreans). Not as much of a stigma among foriegners.

I dont recommend getting one in Korea as the few facilities I have checked out were dirty and the guy giving tattoos looked like Keith Richards on a bad day.

Removal? Tons of dermatologists that offer tattoo removal.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Most people with tattoos keep them covered at work. Some public baths don't allow people with tattoos.

Mashimaro · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Location: location, location

another case for CSI apostrophe squad

jlw1127 · Joined: 25 Feb 2006

Any idea of what a dermatologist charges for removal in Seoul?

vaga · Joined: 04 Mar 2006

I'm having a hard time believing that tats aren't offered in quality form somehwere in Seoul....whattabouta' military connection? They're good for other things. Probably expensive though Mad

pauly · Joined: 24 Sep 2004 Location: Incheon

Nope. Correct me if I'm wrong, but last I heard, tattoo parlours are illegal here.

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

It's all underground but you can find it if you talk to the right people.

kangnam mafioso · Joined: 27 Jan 2003 Location: Teheranno

go to bangkok. same if you want a custom-made suit. skip dongdaemun or itaewon.

dreamscape · Joined: 05 Aug 2004

There's a decent place in Osan, I finally got something I've been thinking about for about 6 or 7 years. Places are out there, but, as was said, they're usually underground.

If you're near Seoul, send me a pm and I'll give you directions to the place in Osan.

ForceOne · Joined: 25 Aug 2005

I got my first tattoo here in Seoul-the guy was actually mentioned by a Dave's user awhile ago. The place was clean, he was cool, and it wasn't overly expensive.
It needed to be touched up a little after a month or so(the ink was a little uneven--I may not have cared for it properly, or I scarred in one area), but he told me that if there was ever a problem he would touch it up for free, and he did. When I went back, he had a couple buddies with him that started designing a second one for me on the spot (actually one of them had just given himself a forearm tat the day before).
He doesn't speak much English, so I'd recommend going with a SO or someone who can help translate. I'm by no means an expert in tattoos, but I'd say he's solid.

plato's republic · Joined: 07 Dec 2004 Location: Ancient Greece

I got mine done in Japan, very expensive but top quality and the ink is still black a few years on. Don't get one in Bangkok.

jaganath69 · Joined: 17 Jul 2003

I got one in Bali recently and have had no problem in Bathhouses or the gym. I keep it covered at work and don't go showing it off to any Koreans unless they ask.

rainyqueen · Joined: 14 Nov 2005

My hubby got one in Seoul about five years ago - and it was not good. It was in a 'back room' tattoo parlour in Itaewon, although I have to admit it was clean and not dodgy looking. It healed poorly and scarred (and he cared for it properly in my opinion). I've also heard that it is actually illegal here, but in the cities, there is always someone doing it. If I were to get one here, I'd want some sort of reference from someone that they were good.

He ended up getting it re-done in Bangkok, and it looks very good now.

Heather

Whiskey Samurai · Joined: 10 Dec 2005 Location: Korea

Dr Woo and Han's Skin Clinic in Soomkmyung will remove the tattoo for you by laser treatment.