Korean Art Tattoos

I am Korean and really want to get a tattoo that represents Korean art or calligraphy - not Japanese, not Chinese...but Korean. I am finding it very difficult to find any examples of Korean tattoos, or art that would be good for a tattoo. Can anyone help?

Im not sure if this helps but i am pretty sure that Chris Koutsis from Davinci Tattoo is Korean. He has done some nice work on some friends of mine, one of which had some korean lettering, etc. Maybe he would be a good fit for your work depending on what you would like to have done..? Again, hope this helps... www.davincitattoo.com

I as well am looking for Korean art for a tattoo. I have not been able to find anything useful yet but please let me know if you find a website with authentic Korean tattoo designs! I will let you know if I find anything as well! thankyou

hey i am half korean and i got a tattoo of my korean name my hah lah buh jee gave me with a picture of a cartoon type characters of the husband and wife when they get married if you would like to see the picture its on my myspace page http://www.myspace.com/xomushieox

I am also looking into a Korean tattoo. Speaking to Senior Korean's I have found that it is a more (against the cultural norm) to get a tattoo. Ancient Koreans used tattoos to brand slaves. Even today in Korea, tattoos are associated with gangs.

I am planning on getting a tattoo of the national flower of Korea. The flower holds a lot of meaning to Korea as it can withstand insects and harsh weather conditions thus it was titled their national flower after their liberation from Japan. "The Korean national flower is Mugunghwa (the Rose of Sharon), which has been historically and climatically common all over the Korean peninsula. The word "mugung" in Mugunghwa means "endless", and therefore it symbolizes the perpetuity of the country and people. The Mugunghwa is characterized by a tenacious vitality because it can bear the cold and blossoms one after another ceaselessly. Therefore, the flower may well represents the character of the Korean people who are generally reputed to be persevering and diligent"

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Hi, I´m a half korean and I´m looking for a korean motive, too. I think it´s very difficult to find something, but I found something called "Dokkaebi", what could be a good motive for a tatoo. I found a book, which I will order : http://www.amazon.de/Dokkaebi-Motifs-Koreanische-Motive-Motifs/dp/3803006570?tag2=gp0409-21 Maybe it´s your taste, too... Good luck.

Hi to all of you who are looking for a korean tattoo artist. you could check out myspace for RayLee and you should find all my info and portfolio there. 562-908-7577

you want the word ghost spirit tattooed to you? i've been looking for an artist who can do hanja characters with as much grace and steadiness as my great uncle who makes the hanja characters for a living.

i am having the same issue...can you email me if you come across any ? and i will do the same

I am half Korean and want a tattoo of both of my children's names. My mother hates tattoos and doesn't want me to get anymore. She won't translate their names for me in Korean writing, but I wound a website where you wan order translations www.asianbrushart.com

I'd say that the Korean art suggestion was a good one. Finding a piece of Korean art that you like and turning it into a tattoo was essentially what I did. I just got my first tattoo a couple days ago on the top of my foot and it is "Korean." It's a dancheong flower; one of the flowers painted on the rooves of traditional Korean palaces. Images: The first is the inspiration for my tattoo. The second is more representative of the actual color. The third is the finished outline. The fourth is the finished product with color. http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y50/importedmegami/200601091136822461.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y50/importedmegami/531943012_d05e9fa35b_ocircle.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y50/importedmegami/Img_0738.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y50/importedmegami/Img_0740.jpg As you can see, the colors have been modified slightly. There is more yellow than the original. My artist did that so the orange and red weren't right next to each other a lot because then the colors wouldn't stand out from each other so much. She also added a touch of orange in the center instead of making it just yellow. My tattoo was done by Nattsu at Chopstick Tattoo in Shinsaibashi, Osaka, Japan.

well the tiger symbolically represents pride and power from the Korean culture.

Interesting that we're all half Korean! But, I liked the Korean dragon idea, things took off from there. My sister and I are going to get twin korean dragon vs tiger designs. Tigers and dragons are in many proverbs and folklore. There are tons of pictures as well.

I am also half korean..and I already have my last name tattooed on my upper back..it is simple..not very artistic..but im also an undergraduate for graphic design..so i appreciate simplicity in design and especially when it comes to typography and calligraphy..i now want another tattoo..vertically down my spine.. struggle through the pain live through the tears but im having trouble finding a legit site/artist who would be able to help me out. any information would be appreciated. [email removed] http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=8337544

Hi! I am a Korean Adoptee and I have been looking around also. I found a good site that customizes Korean Calligraphy.Check it out. http://www.asianbrushart.com/KoreanE.htm This is the best one I was able to find where it looks artistic. You can also post a craigslist ad in Seoul and People will Translate for free. I just copied it right into a word doc and changed the size and font.

I'm a full korean, not half like you all which I think is really ironic. But I too like the rest of you am looking for some korean insprired tattoos, I was thinking of some calligraphy but I cant find any. If anyone knows anything feel free to e-mail me.

Check out Phillip Spearman of Inkworks Tattoo... an amazing artist from Inkworks in Artesia that has already done Korean lettering and Korean art. His website is www.inkworkstattoo.com and yes, he is half korean... Billy www.tatsoul.com

Hey! Gen cha na yo? Thawt I was a lone searcher for a Korean Tattoo, Im really eager to find somthing unique with meaning to plant on my chest .Somthing beautifull and true to the Korean spirit . An yong .

In Korea its very taboo to have a tattoo... They won't let you in the public bathsm and you get dirty looks on the beaches, even with a small tattoo.. Im Korean-Canadian so I have a pretty good experience on both sides of the tattoo world. In Korea, if you are a foreigner with a tattoo, it is much more accepted than being Korean with a tattoo... I have Korean friends who live with their parents and their parents don't even know they have a tattoo (in places like upper arm, ankle)... I just have a small tattoo but at the public bath I wasn't allowed in bc I look Korean. It's strange, but it has to do with people thinking people with tattoos are dangerous. Giving tattoos in Korea is illegal unless you are a doctor because of the use of needles. People usually leave the country to get it done, many go to Japan bc of their excellent work, which is kind of funny considering the past... Anyways, because of the tabboo, there aren't any reall Korean style tattoos like the Japanese have. You can get Korean things as tattoos, obviously, but they are not "Korean tattoos" bc Korea does not have a tattoo style...

just to be clear, I am full Korean, but also raised in Canada.

If anyone in Korea needs a tattoo, my client will be in Korea for the first couple of weeks in Jan. http://www.flickr.com/photos/33494944@N03/sets/72157611345185097/ Please contact me

There is no such thing as a Korean Style Tattoo. Koreans tattooed themselves solely to represent their gang affiliations. I am not aware of the legality of using needles in Korea. I am aware many seniors are administered shots by younger, healthier members of their families, at HOME. Either way, there is no such Korean Style Tattoo. In the past, all gang tattoos were done by JAPANESE. Nowadays men will get a tattoo in order to avoid serving in the army. Before the age of 30, it's mandatory a male must serve. With that being said, if you really want a Korean Style tattoo, have the word THIEF tattooed on the back of your hand. If that's not your style, possibly you could tattoo SERVANT.

And as for that so called "kanji" Koreans, Chinese and Japanese once used the same writing style. We now all have a simplified version. The Chinese for some odd reason only slightly simplified it and a vast amjority of their population will die without ever learning the enitre language. Basically what I am trying to say is, find an old ass Korean man. By old ass I mean "bout to die." Tell him a little about your philosophy on life and have him caligraphy an old Korean saying or proverb. Take that to your tattoo guy and have it done. If you use the simplified writing style of Korea, you will be laughed at by all Koreans. Let me rephrase that. You will be laughed at by all full-blooded Koreans who can actually read it. I am warning you. We will not be laughing at the simplified Korean writing style. We will be laughing at you. IF you by chance visit Korea, you will be laughed at as well. Expect a lot of pointing. Research before you finalize. I understand it's your body and you don't need approval, but allow us to help you not make a fool of yourself in a semi-permanent way. Feel free to email me with questions.

And as for that so called "kanji" Koreans, Chinese and Japanese once used the same writing style. We now all have a simplified version. The Chinese for some odd reason only slightly simplified it and a vast amjority of their population will die without ever learning the enitre language. Basically what I am trying to say is, find an old ass Korean man. By old ass I mean "bout to die." Tell him a little about your philosophy on life and have him caligraphy an old Korean saying or proverb. Take that to your tattoo guy and have it done. If you use the simplified writing style of Korea, you will be laughed at by all Koreans. Let me rephrase that. You will be laughed at by all full-blooded Koreans who can actually read it. I am warning you. We will not be laughing at the simplified Korean writing style. We will be laughing at you. IF you by chance visit Korea, you will be laughed at as well. Expect a lot of pointing. Research before you finalize. I understand it's your body and you don't need approval, but allow us to help you not make a fool of yourself in a semi-permanent way. Feel free to email me with questions.

I am half Korean and if you really want a Korean tattoo just researsh something in Korea that you like and print it and give it to a tattoo artist. Thats what I did with mine. I got my name in Korean with the South Korean Pennisula in the background. Just e-mail me @ [email removed] if you wanna see my tat. Hope this helps.

I too am half Korean. And I've been looking for a Korean poem or saying that really means something, but so far I haven't really found anything that stands out. Anyone have anything cool?

I'm half Korean, but was born in Korea. I have an appointment this friday for my Korean inspired Tattoo. I gave my artist korean Hwa-tu cards (the traditional korean playing cards) to design off of. I asked him to use the card that represents March (each set represents a different month of the year) which is my birth month, and to do whatever he wants... I trust his work and it's personal to me b/c it's korean images and memories for me of when I was a child. I'll post a pic on Vday (of 2009) if anyones interested in seeing how it comes out! Sunny

i'm a full blooded korean and was thinking of getting the korean flag real big on my chest. my entire family is against it but i am very much thinkin bout it. the penisula is pretty nice except the north side of it.

Sadly, I'm not Korean at all, but a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.. I've been looking into getta a tattoo of my full name, does anyone know a good site to find my name in Korean? appreaciate any help!

Sadly, I'm not Korean at all, but a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.. I've been looking into getta a tattoo of my full name, does anyone know a good site to find my name in Korean? appreaciate any help!

I totally know what ur talking about!!!! I am in the same boat as u. I am looking 4 a KOREAN geisha. I want a big piece on my rib cage of a korean geisha. Not jap, chinese or any other asian. KOREAN!!!!

if you want, check this out instead of downloading the language pack for your computer, you can type in something to see in Gungsuh, a Korean font http://www.ascenderfonts.com/font/gungsuh-korean.aspx

basically koreans don't a remarkable culture of their own. that's why they rage around the world claiming that different cultures actually originated from theirs. deep down in their heart they lack confidents in themselves. maybe you can consider tattooing a kimchi on your back. goodluck, take care.

wow for the ignorant folks, if you do not have anything helpful to say to those who actually need help, do us a favor a keep yo mouth shut. thanks. i am a 75% korean and i am also looking for korean related tattoo. i am actually thinking of doing the korean country flower, mugunghwa. there is lots of meaning behind it- eternity, forever, and endless. this title was given after the liberation from the japs. Their are so many good ideas people are putting up and keep it up.

I'm half Korean too... Woo for all the mud-bloods! I've long wanted a tattoo that represented my mother's culture since my mother is such a HUGE part of my life. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, I wasn't able to find much that compared to the overwhelming presence of Japanese style tattoos (due to Korea's opposition of tattoos as a whole). I've also noticed, in rooting though old art and antiques around the house, that a lot of Asian styled art in general is very much influenced by each other, yet with little touches specific to the region. It's like this weird fusion and, negative historical references aside, I like the idea of embracing the blend. I mean, I myself am a blend. So why not also allow art to reflect that?.. The positive aspect of blending, on the outside (on the skin in the tattoos) and on the inside (within the heart and soul). Rise above the negative and perpetuate the positive, or something cool and influential sounding like that lol. So good luck to all who seek! But remember to stay true to YOU! Oh and to that guy that made the "get a kimchi" tattoo remark... You're a tremendous douche-bag. ;oP

I actually just got a tattoo last year in November. I had to think for such a long time about what exactly it was that I wanted to get. I'm full Korean, born and raised in America, but have been to Korea many many times, and am very into my culture. Obviously a tattoo is something that's permanent and I wanted something meaningful to me. I found a picture online and it was a bunch of the Korean flower mu-gung-hwa in the shape Korea (including North Korea). The link to the picture: http://jooyeol.files.wordpress.com/2007/02/___.jpg Ultimately, it's in the shape of Korea, representing my Korean-ness, it's made up of the mu-gung-hwa which holds a much deeper meaning than just being aesthetically pretty, and the translation of the mu-gung-hwa is the rose of sharon, and my english name is Sharon. Get something meaningful to you.

I am fully Korean. Adopted and raised in America. I know absolutely NOTHING about my culture and I am recently starting to learn a little bit about my culture. I want to get a Korean Tattoo of A beautiful Life. Or Beautiful Flower on me with the Korean flower next to it. My name meant Beautiful Flower in Korean so it does have a lot of meaning to me. Do anybody know a good website of accurate Korean Symbols that Mean Either Love, Beautiful Flower, A beautiful Life. I wanted to get La bella Vita which means a beautiful life but I'd much rather have it done in Korean. :)

I am only a quarter korean but i stillwanted to keep base with that part of my herritage.However being born and raised her in the states.I didnt learn to speak read or write it.I would suggest getting a good idea of what style you want and go from there.If it is writing you want,pick out what you want it to say and find someone you trust to write it out in korean for you,Thats what i did

hey every one, I know a great Korean tattoo artist here in Seoul, he charges pretty cheap compared to most of the tattoo artists around Seoul. He was originally an artist and does both fantastic modern and traditional korean tattoos, his art work is phenomenal. He has been tattooing for over four years and his studio is hygenic, friendly, and comfortable for visitors you may want to take along with you. If you would like to get in touch with him please email this addy with specifics of the tattoo you would like: [email removed]

Hey, I found this page by accident. I am half Korean too, I want a Korean style tattoo. I just got the thought. Maybe I'll do a ginseng? Y'know the humanoid figurine of a ginseng. Only thing is, ginseng can also be made in USA and China and I have no connection. Maybe the centre of the flag, the red/blue yin-yang style symbol? Not sure about my Korean name. It's basically made up anyway so I don't even remember it. I would really like some artwork maybe. Like those old paintings with dudes with long bears etc. Or how about the dude on the 1000 Won note? Anyone wanna chat, you can email me.

I am so glad to see that there is at least one other person who feels the same as I do about a tattoo that reflects korean - not chinese or japanese - art or lettering!!! I am half korean and half black. I would like a tattoo that reflects something of my korean heritage. I am finding that to do so is a difficult thing.

Got my little piece of Korean pride. I'm pretty sure I'm the only one who has it. http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=44421785&id=3406285

I am half korean and looking for something meaningful. I was thinking of a picture of a lotus flower with a meaning in Korean writing for a back spine tat from top to bottom. Any idea?

it all depends on what u consider art ex. on my back is part of the korean revol... of our independence, the dae han min gook, our state bird, state flower...etc unless ur tryin to really go traditional u can get the themes from the yoot sticks but our heritage is a beautiful disaster of so many different cultures, what i mean is our countries history is so broken we took a lil from everybody around us and made it our own that is korean heritage.....

http://www.minnpost.com/globalpost/2009/07/21/10364/south_korea_tattoo_taboos Spending a big part of my life studying Korean Martial arts I wanted a Korean Tattoo. I found many articles saying the same thing as the one I posted the link to. It is hard to find Korean Tats, because Tattooing in Korea (South Korea) is taboo. It signifies violence and only Dr's can perform the procedures. I still search to find something though. If it helps, the tenets of Taekwondo are Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self Control and Indomitable Spirit. The Koi signifies Perseverance, maybe you could find symbols representing some of the other tenets :)

These were all posted years ago, but for those still looking for a good artistic Korean tattoo artist... check out Philip Spearman. He is out in CA, and is ranked in the top ten tattoo artist in the US, howvever, he is pretty pricey. BUT good!, prolly one of the best for both Asian art and symbols.

The thing about getting English names or words in Korean is that its open to many translation because of the Korean language. Like the english sound p in Korean sounds like piup. So if my mother spells a word in Korean and I spell the same word they can be differently spelled or the choices in the use of the sounds may be different, but we can grasp what the other is trying to spell. Look at a table of HANGUL and you'll see what I mean. If that Korean that's translating your English words is not to fluent in correct pronunciation of the words you better watch out cause your heading for trouble. They are grasping out of the air to replicate the sounds of the English language which is otherwise known as broken English.