Tattoos aren't entirely banned in Korea, but the practice is heavily restricted because the law classifies tattooing as a medical procedure, meaning only licensed doctors can legally perform them, creating an underground industry for thousands of non-medical tattoo artists. This stems from historical stigma linking tattoos to criminals and a desire for strict hygiene, though attitudes are shifting, leading to recent legislative efforts to legalize and regulate the craft with licensing and hygiene standards, with a new law passing in late 2025.
The ban dates back to 1992, when South Korea's Supreme Court ruled that tattooing was a medical procedure — which, under the country's Medical Services Act, can be administered only by licensed medical professionals.
South Korea is the only developed country where tattooing is considered a procedure that only medical professionals are capable of legally performing. While tattoos are not illegal, tattoo artists face fines of up to 50 million won ($35,464) as well as prison terms for practicing their craft.
Just weeks earlier, South Korea's parliament passed the tattooist act, ending 33 years of tattooing being restricted to doctors. The change will take effect in 2027, when a national licensing system is introduced. Until then, tattooing without a medical licence continues to be technically illegal.
K-Pop idols hide/cover their tattoos because it is illegal to be shown on South Korean TV for the reason that ``they don't want young kids to see'', Which is kind of pointless now. It's not just K-Pop idols but anybody that shows themself on TV like actors, comedians, guests, or simply anybody.
Tattoos in Japan carry a lot of stigma and for good reason. Tattoos were at one point used to mark criminals! This practice even has a name: “irezumi kei” which translates to tattoo penalty. Branding criminals with tattoos occurred during the Edo period (1603–1868) as a way to identify and punish them.
The biggest red flag in K-dramas is often the toxic, possessive, cold-hearted CEO/chaebol male lead who uses bullying, forced affection (wrist grabs, forced kisses), emotional manipulation, and controlling behavior (like isolating the female lead) as a form of "love," transforming into a doting partner only through the female lead's unwavering love, a trope popularized by dramas like Boys Over Flowers and The Heirs. Other major red flags include gaslighting, jealousy treated as romance, love-bombing, emotional unavailability, and characters with dark, violent pasts who inexplicably soften for the female lead.
It is not illegal to have a tattoo; only the army prohibits tattoos, and people can get tattoos after serving in the military. Attitudes towards tattoos and people who have them are often negative, particularly among the older generations of South Koreans.
History of Tattoos in South Korea
In the 20th century, gangs started using tattoos as a symbol of their affiliation, which is why most people who do tattoos there stay away from images like dragons that were often used to signify gang affiliation.
Are tattoos allowed in North Korea? The short answer is that yes they are, and you will not be refused entry into the country, or to monuments if you have ink. Obviously there are some nuances to this that we will delve into later.
South Korean tattoo culture, long marred by negative associations with prisons or gang activity, has been de facto illegal for over 30 years.
While tattoos aren't illegal in Japan, they can still limit your access to certain places - especially hot springs, one of the country's most cherished traditions. That said, having ink doesn't mean you have to miss out.
When confronted by other mobs, they show their tattoos to help identify themselves. The tattoo can also be used as a warning to the general public. As a result, tattoos are often considered taboo in South Korean society. The mafia boss in Korea is called hyungnim ("older brother" in Korean).
Touching, patting, or back slapping is to be avoided during interactions. In addition, direct eye contact between juniors and seniors should be avoided because it is seen as impolite or even a challenge. Korea is one of the most demographically homogeneous countries in the world, racially and linguistically.
Where Tattoos Are Most Popular?
While some view tattoos as an art form, the Japanese government, on the other hand, does not. Although they may not be illegal, tattoos are often associated with the Yakuza, a Japanese gang that covers their entire body with tattoos.
China and Korea: The Confucian Body
While Japan's tattoo taboo is linked to crime, in China and Korea, it's more deeply tied to Confucian ideals. Central to Confucianism is the belief that your body is a sacred gift from your parents. Altering it, even by cutting your hair too short, was seen as dishonorable.
5 body parts where you should NOT get a tattoo
According to the Islamic Medicine Academy, natural non-permanent (such as henna) tattoos are permitted in Islam while permanent or semi-permanent tattoos are forbidden and Mohammed encouraged females to use color on their hands (by using natural medium such as henna) while males can only use henna on their hair.
Most Handsome Korean Actors
There's no single "saddest" K-drama, but highly acclaimed tearjerkers consistently include Mr. Sunshine, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, Uncontrollably Fond, and Hi Bye, Mama!, often praised for their tragic romance, historical weight, or deep emotional impact, with shows like Move to Heaven, Youth of May, and The Smile Has Left Your Eyes also frequently cited for their devastating storylines.
Nevertheless faced potential banning and episode restrictions in South Korea primarily due to its explicit adult content and steamy, intimate scenes, especially in the first two episodes, which pushed boundaries for mainstream K-dramas, leading to discussions and temporary bans on specific episodes before it gained international popularity for its realistic portrayal of complex relationships.