This week, South Korea officially passed a law allowing non-medical professionals to give tattoos. Yes, finally. For years, tattooing was technically only allowed if done by licensed medical doctors, which meant nearly every tattoo you saw, from elaborate back pieces to delicate micro-blading was technically illegal.
But on September 25, 2025, the National Assembly passed the Tattooist Act, and everything changed.
So… Tattoos Were Illegal?
Well, kind of. It wasn’t illegal to have tattoos, but doing them was. Only medical professionals were allowed to tattoo people under the logic that it involved piercing the skin. Of course, the vast majority of Korea’s tattoo artists aren’t doctors. So the industry was forced underground.
Tattoo shops often operated in unmarked apartments or hidden studios. Artists risked fines, equipment confiscation, or even jail time. But despite the risk, tattoo culture exploded.
What Does the New Law Actually Say?
Here’s the quick breakdown:
Tattoo artists can now get licensed by the government. No medical degree required.
There will be a national exam and mandatory hygiene/safety training.
Minors can’t get tattoos without parental consent.
Tattoo removal still must be done by medical professionals.
The law takes full effect in two years, but existing artists can register in the meantime.
So it’s not a free-for-all, but it’s a huge step forward and one that tattoo artists have been fighting for, for decades.
Why Now?
The change comes after years of pressure from both artists and the public. The demand was clear: tattoos are everywhere now.
Public opinion has shifted, too. What was once seen as taboo is now recognized as a legitimate form of self-expression and artistry.
What’s Next?
There’s still a lot to figure out. The licensing process, hygiene standards, shop regulations; all of that will be developed over the next two years. While the law has changed, cultural attitudes might take longer. Some people, especially older generations, still associate tattoos with gangs or rebellion.
But for now? Artists are celebrating. This isn’t just a policy shift, it’s validation. Recognition. And for many, it’s a long-overdue sign of respect.
