KOREAN CULTURE
Society's views on Tattoos
The views of Korean Society and the changes that are happening because of the youth and the expanding tattoo industry.
Tattoos are often seen as bad in South Korean society.
Most individuals think that they are a sign of gangs and gang members.
However, there is a growing percentage of people with tattoos.
The stigma around them is constantly changing and they are becoming more excepted.
Starting in the late 90's, the amount of tattoos seen on normal Korean people began to increase. The creative and decorative side of tattoos has grown incredibly, and they are no longer seen on only gang members (Park). A large majority of Korean people who have tattoos choose something related to animals, and they are often see as a symbol of luck or a way to express themselves (Park). Tattoos can reiterate a primitive attitude and can represent a symoblic aspect of the Korean people (Kim). Art can take people to a different place, and help people envision an entirely different way of seeing, or feeling (Kodish).
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Tattooing can be more than just physical, as it can be very social as well. It can often be seen as a sign of resistance, and may be why tattoos are becoming more popular in a country like Korea (Park). Younger people are beginning to form different view points from their elders, and want to express their individuality (Park). There is a growing number of idols that have tattoos, and it may be a reason that it is becoming widely accepted in Korean society.