What is the minimum age to get a tattoo in South Korea?
South Korea has a rich history of tattoo culture that dates back to the 4th century, but getting a tattoo in the country is still a controversial topic. In this article, we will explore the minimum age requirement for getting a tattoo in South Korea and the laws surrounding it.
The Legal Age for Getting a Tattoo
The legal age for getting a tattoo in South Korea is 18 years old. This means that anyone under the age of 18 is not allowed to receive a tattoo in the country. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, which we will discuss later in this article.
The Importance of Age Restrictions
Age restrictions for tattoos are put in place to ensure that individuals who are not mature enough to fully understand the risks and consequences of getting a tattoo do not make irreversible decisions. This is especially important when it comes to minors, who may not have the ability to make informed decisions about their bodies.
- Talk To Me In Korean (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 164 Pages - 09/21/2015 (Publication Date) - Longtail Books (Publisher)
- Kim, Woojoo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 11/23/2021 (Publication Date) - Tuttle Publishing (Publisher)
The Consequences of Breaking Age Restrictions
If a tattoo artist is caught giving a tattoo to someone under the age of 18, they could face legal consequences. The artist could be fined and have their license revoked. Additionally, the minor’s parents or legal guardians could also face legal consequences if they gave permission for the minor to get a tattoo.
Exceptions to Age Restrictions
There are some exceptions to the age restrictions for tattoos in South Korea. For example, if a minor has parental consent and is receiving a medical tattoo for health reasons, they may be allowed to get a tattoo before they turn 18. However, this would need to be approved by a doctor.
The Rise of Tattoo Culture in South Korea
In recent years, tattoo culture has become more popular in South Korea, especially among younger generations. However, the stigma around tattoos still exists in some parts of the country, and many employers and industries still ban visible tattoos.
The Controversy Surrounding Tattoos in South Korea
Tattoos are still controversial in South Korea due to their association with gang culture. In the past, tattoos were used as a way for gang members to identify themselves and show their loyalty to their group. This association has led to some negative perceptions of tattoos in the country.
The Future of Tattoo Culture in South Korea
Despite the controversy surrounding tattoos, many young people in South Korea are embracing tattoo culture as a form of self-expression. There is hope that as attitudes towards tattoos continue to shift, more people will be able to express themselves through body art without fear of discrimination.
The Importance of Choosing a Reputable Tattoo Artist
If you are considering getting a tattoo in South Korea (or anywhere else), it is important to choose a reputable tattoo artist who follows proper health and safety protocols. This will help ensure that your tattoo experience is safe and enjoyable.
The Risks Associated with Getting a Tattoo
While getting a tattoo can be a fun and exciting experience, it is important to remember that there are risks associated with the process. These risks include infection, allergic reactions, and scarring. It is important to understand these risks before getting a tattoo.
Tattoo Aftercare
After getting a tattoo, it is important to follow proper aftercare procedures to ensure that your tattoo heals properly. This includes keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding direct sunlight, and not picking at scabs or peeling skin.
The Bottom Line
The legal age for getting a tattoo in South Korea is 18 years old, with some exceptions for medical tattoos with parental consent. While tattoo culture is becoming more popular in the country, there is still stigma surrounding tattoos due to their association with gang culture. It is important to choose a reputable tattoo artist and understand the risks associated with getting a tattoo before making a decision.
What are the rules for tattoos in Korea?
In South Korea, only licensed medical professionals are allowed to operate tattoo parlors under the law, while individuals without medical degrees are not permitted to do so. However, it is not considered illegal to have a tattoo, with the exception of the military, which prohibits them. Military personnel are permitted to get tattoos after they have completed their service.
- Talk To Me In Korean (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 164 Pages - 09/21/2015 (Publication Date) - Longtail Books (Publisher)
- Kim, Woojoo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 11/23/2021 (Publication Date) - Tuttle Publishing (Publisher)
Can foreigners get tattoo in Korea?
It is not against the law to have tattoos in South Korea, and many young people can be seen with tattoos. However, getting a tattoo is considered a medical procedure under Korean law, and can only be performed by a licensed medical practitioner.
Is it OK to show tattoos in Korea?
Although it is illegal for nonmedical practitioners to perform tattoos, it is not against the law to display them in public. It is unreasonable to require people to cover their tattoos in multiuse facilities just because others may not like them. In South Korea, only medical doctors are legally permitted to perform tattoos.
Do Korean schools allow tattoos?
It can be challenging to navigate this issue. Like Japan, Korea has a traditional society, and educational institutions enforce strict guidelines regarding personal appearance. The primary rule is that tattoos must not be visible (as long as they can be concealed under a long-sleeved shirt, this is acceptable). As of January 10, 2023.
Can a 16 year old get a tattoo in Korea?
In South Korea, the minimum age to get a tattoo is 18, but a person named Young lied to a tattoo artist and said she was 20 in order to get a tattoo. When Young actually turned 20, she was attending college to study fashion. However, her depression became too overwhelming for her to continue attending classes, so she stopped.
Can Korean girls get tattoos?
In South Korea, tattooing is against the law, but some courageous women still choose to get tattoos for artistic expression. While it is not illegal for individuals to have tattoos, it is against the law for anyone to work as a tattoo artist.
In addition to the legal age requirement, some tattoo shops in South Korea may have their own policies regarding age restrictions. Some may require customers to be at least 20 years old or older to get a tattoo, while others may refuse to tattoo anyone under the age of 21. It is important to do your research and check with the tattoo shop before making an appointment.
It is also worth noting that the process of getting a tattoo in South Korea may be different from what you are used to in other countries. For example, some tattoo artists in South Korea may require a consultation appointment before the actual tattoo session, where they can discuss your design ideas and make any necessary adjustments.
Furthermore, it is common for tattoo artists in South Korea to use disposable needles and equipment, as well as follow strict hygiene protocols to minimize the risk of infection. This is especially important given the recent COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced many businesses to take additional safety measures.
Finally, it is important to remember that getting a tattoo is a personal decision that should not be taken lightly. It is a permanent form of body art that will be with you for life, so it is important to carefully consider your design choices and choose an experienced and reputable tattoo artist who can bring your vision to life.