I have finally settled on a very graphic one: Taking the symbols of the 8 Marks of Truths in Life and Nature (4 of which are featured prominently on the South Korean flag) — the p’al kwai — and tattooing them vertically in black, 4 on one arm and 4 on the opposite. Next to the symbol that means “youngest daughter” I also created a small chop of my name in Hangul to be inked in red.

Will post photos very soon.

And as to my two cents on the whole taboo thing: many cultures throughout the world throughout the ages have used body art for various reasons. Whether branding someone as a slave or criminal, or marking their own bodies to symbolize a rite of passage or affinity to a particular tribe, tattooing is not necessarily a violation or vandalism of the body. Especially if it’s self-inflicted or chosen by the individual. It’s only negative if the branding on the skin is done by someone else to someone who doesn’t want, need or deserve it.

Peace.

As a South Korean female with a back piece (of South Korea, by the way), I find it conflicting to merge the difference parts of my “lifetimes” (to use your words). Nevertheless, it’s comforting to see some discussion out there about it.

So, thank you!

where are the shops for getting body tatoo..
i need one on me….. but i dont know the place where its done in suwon… korea

can u tell me where can i find..

What will be the procedure for body tatote..

tnx a ton in advance….

waiting for ur reply..

Anyway, I’ve been considering a Korean tattoo for quite a while now, and finally may have settled on a text. From a poem by 김춘수, “꽃”

…
우리을은 무두
무엇이 되고 싶다
너는 나에게 나는 너에게
잊혀지지 않는 눈짓 되고 싶다

This is always an interesting topic to discuss because I believe very strongly in respecting each local culture, and even though Korean’s attitudes may be changing, tattoos still can carry a negative connotation.. even if the meaning is as powerful as this poem.

But I’m not Korean. I’m just a sympathetic American who knows a thing or two about Korea. I will never be Korean. As an American who speaks Korean conversationally, and has an understanding of Korean culture, I am in a unique place to select a meaningful and significant tattoo, and I get the *benefit* of mixing aspects of culture that have meaning for me.

I enjoyed your article a lot. There isn’t that much out there on Korean tattoos. But I just wanted to make a comment on one of your previous comments. Although Korean maybe picking up more Western traits in the past few years. You should realize that it was put upon them. Not only was Korea colonized by Western Imperialism, but it was also colonized by Japan imperialism. The U.S. military is still there today, so, yes, there is Western influences in Korea, but it wasn’t asked for in the first place.