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| According to the Korea Tattoo Association, nearly 1 million people in Korea have tattoos. / Yonhap |
By Kim Jae-heun
Attitudes towards tattoos have shifted in Korea over the past few years. Formerly, getting a tattoo was considered an act of "befouling" the "sacred body" that was given to you by your parents, and was an act that was associated with the threats and lawlessness of gangsters. Today, however, it is common to see people with tattoos, and the negative associations they once carried have largely fallen away.
"In the past, tattoos were only common among gangsters or school bullies," tattooist Noma Han told The Korea Times. "But it started to become a trend among ordinary people around 2012 and people's perceptions on tattoos have changed. It is now seen as a form of fashion and art among 20- and 30-somethings and more people are open to getting a tattoo."
According to the Korea Tattoo Association (KTA), over 3,000 tattooists are registered with the group and there are more out there working unregistered. It estimates nearly 1 million people in Korea have tattoos.
A 2018 survey of 1,000 people by market researcher Embrain showed the changed perceptions of tattoos: 70.9 percent of the respondents said society has become more open to tattoos, and 65.2 percent said people with tattoos are a common sight.
Middle-aged people are no exception from the trend.
Forty-five-year-old barista Kim Yoon-sub recently got a tattoo of his kitten's face on his right shoulder.
"I've always wanted to get one since I was young, but I was afraid people would be prejudiced against me. Now the situation has improved and people don't find it threatening," Kim said.
"There are various tattoo designs, and as long as you don't have a dragon or snake on your back, I think you are fine."
People also prefer smaller tattoos than before.
Embrain's survey also showed 43.1 percent of respondents preferred tattoos smaller than their hand, and 38.7 percent opted for a size that was not so conspicuous. Only 1.3 percent said they wanted big tattoos.
The designs have become varied as well, with many women choosing flower or plant designs, according to the KTA.
For people who want tattoos as a fashion item but are hesitant about getting a permanent one, sticker tattoos are becoming popular with adults.
E-commerce website Auction said the sales of tattoo stickers increased by 33 percent from July 5 to 11 compared to the previous week. On Gmarket, another online shopping platform, the sale of stickers rose 56 percent during the same period.
"For women, getting a tattoo is still perceived negatively in a conservative society like Korea," said a 24-year-old university student surnamed Lee. "I am worried I will regret getting a tattoo when I get old. So I prefer to get sticker tattoos for temporary fashion."
