Comments for Korea Dispatch

Comment on My Secret Skin – Tattoos in Korea by Young Mi Lee

Young Mi Lee — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:49:04 +0000

My ancestry is South Korean but I was born in the states. I’ve been debating getting a tattoo for years but procrastinated not only because of the permanency of a tattoo but because I knew it had to be meaningful. Something I wouldn’t regret and have to pay hundreds of dollars to remove years down the line.

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.

Comment on My Secret Skin – Tattoos in Korea by Kim

Kim — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:28:08 +0000

Thank you for writing about tattooing in Korea. I’ve always found it interesting that South Korean economy wills to follow first world countries, while giving push-back to the pop culture that inevitably comes along with it.

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!

Comment on My Secret Skin – Tattoos in Korea by Nanz

Nanz — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:57:10 +0000

am not korean… am from another country..
can i get a tatoee here or not

Comment on My Secret Skin – Tattoos in Korea by Nanz

Nanz — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 04:55:47 +0000

hello all..
need some help..
am not korea.. but am staying here for some months..
i do need one tatooe on my body….

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..

Comment on About by Gregory Curley

Gregory Curley — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:37:34 +0000

Good blog. Just discovered you this morning and put you in my blogroll. Keep up the great work.

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Comment on My Secret Skin – Tattoos in Korea by Donald

Donald — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:50:20 +0000

The actual fine is 3 million KRW. My noona (older sister) is a tattoo artist and they recently raided her shop in Hongdae. They took her gun and needles. I am full Korean and have tattoos. There is a negative image of tattoos because of the association of Korean gangs.

Comment on My Secret Skin – Tattoos in Korea by Austin

Austin — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 22:27:14 +0000

I lived in Korea for two years. I’m in grad school back in the states now, but I’m hoping to find myself back in Korea sometime in the future…

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.