Korean tattoo artists work in the shadows in their home country and are increasingly travelling abroad to promote their work, finding that they are welcomed like rock stars in countries where tattooing is legal.
Ryu Ji-hwan, who works at Sharp Ink in western Seoul, estimates he has visited at least 10 countries as a guest artist.
“Many people overseas are already aware that tattoos are still illegal in South Korea. They often see talented Korean tattoo artists on social media and say, ‘Why is it still illegal’?” Ryu said before boarding a plane to head off for another tattoo world tour that will take him through three undisclosed European countries over two weeks.
Ryu has been a long-time member of Korea’s underground extreme music scene.
“In Korean society, where tattoos have been taboo, young punks who wanted to rebel against the older generation often got tattoos to express their beliefs or tell a unique story,” he said. “Growing up with those punks, I was exposed to many tattoos, which always served as a great inspiration for me.
“Historically, tattoos have also been a symbol of rebellion, sharing similarities with punk, and I found that intriguing. This connection gave me the motivation to learn tattooing.”
Over the years, Ryu has developed his own unique, distinctly Korean style of tattoo, inspired by traditional Korean arts and folklore as well as religious iconography.
“My artwork isn’t strictly religious, but it is influenced by religious art, connecting those lingering images in my mind with various themes,” he said.
“I grew up in a religious household. On my father’s side, we were part of a large family in the countryside that followed traditional shamanistic beliefs and Buddhism.
I came to understand that the world of tattoos is more profound and deeply connected than I initially thought
“As a young child growing up in that rural environment, I was deeply influenced by the shamanistic and Buddhist imagery that was intertwined with the natural world where I played freely.
“These vivid images left a strong impression on me, and now I try to express those powerful visuals through my art.”
His interest in Korean folk art, or minhwa, influences his work, as well as his use of animals, especially tigers, dragons, serpents and birds, which feature in much of his work.
His extensive travels have also influenced his work.
“I’ve travelled to many traditional tattoo shops around the world, forming meaningful connections and engaging in artistic exchanges,” he said. “I’ve learned about their sincere approach to tattooing, which has influenced my own style – not just in my drawings, but also in my mindset.
“I came to understand that the world of tattoos is more profound and deeply connected than I initially thought. I’m deeply grateful to each and every client who recognises my work and chooses to come to me for their tattoos.”
The continued lack of legality for his work in Korea has not hindered him that much. He compares Korea’s current situation to the state of New York, where tattooing was illegal from 1961 to 1997.
“Despite this, many underground tattoo artists continued to develop their craft in the shadows,” he said. “After tattooing became legal in New York, the legacy they left behind served as a great inspiration for modern tattoo artists and provided the foundation for continuing both traditional and new businesses.
“I feel that the current situation in Korea is similar to this, and I am determined to continue creating my artwork steadily.”
In the time he has been tattooing, he has seen public attitudes towards it come around significantly.
“I used to have a negative view on this,” he said. “The tattoo culture I knew was hidden and had to be unique to be considered cool. However, I eventually realised that you can’t stop the flow of culture.
“Everything evolves and gets absorbed, so I believe that the tattoo business will naturally evolve as well.”
Now he thinks it is only a matter of time before his profession is legal in Korea.
“The fact that it is illegal means that some people are uncomfortable with it,” he said, “but since this cultural trend can’t be forcibly stopped, I believe that, eventually, the majority will agree with it, and it will become legal.”