Having Tattoos in Korea

Having Tattoos in Korea

  I've heard a lot of foreign people having concerns or curious about reactions of Koreans about having tattoos. And Today I'll be talking about that topic:)

  

Some Problems you might face

  In Korea you can't see a lot of people that have big significant tattoos on their body. In America or other western countries having tattoos on their arms is not that big of a problem, but if your living in Korea it might give you some problems.

  In Korea many people still think that tattoos=gangster/criminals/thugs, especially the older generation. So having big prominent tattoos(such as having your whole arm covered in tattoos) might get you into awkward situations. For example, if you go to bath houses or jjimjjilbang, some places might not let you enter. Or even if you get inside, if other people complain about the tattoo to a worker there, you might be asked to leave the place. Also, you might get a lot of stares from people. Because tattoos are still not very common in Korea, some people might find it strange, or even be disturbed by it. 

  

  And if you are trying to get a job in Korea, and you have a tattoo on your body where it is clearly visible, I highly recommend wearing a clothing that covers the tattoo. Well small ones are fine, but bigger tattoos might give employers a wrong impression about yourself. It's because most of the employers are still middle aged older people, who still have a negative images about tattoos. 

  However, the younger generation in Korea are opening up. So hanging out and making friends wouldn't be a problem. The main people who will find tattoos offending or disturbing will probably be the elderly or middle aged people. Many older people think tattoos are disturbing and don't consider them as fashion. 

  

  Why all the Negative Image?

  Well this kind of negative image about tattoos formed because tattoos were illegal performances before 2013. To be legal, the artists needed a medical degree or something of that sort. So the people who got tattoos, were getting it done by underground shops, which many people find it kind of sketchy. Therefore, many average, normal people didn't even think about having one but, many people related to underground business or illegal things had no problem getting it done. That's why there are negative images of tattoos still left here, in Korea. Especially  big colored tattoos with tiger or dragon in it, have the most negative image because mobsters usually have those kind of tattoos here. 

 Younger Generation 

  But, the good side is, like I said before, the younger generation is opening up and many young Korean people are getting tattoos nowadays. So not many of them will find tattoos offending or disturbing. Some might think it's really cool. Nowadays many celebrities in Korea are getting tattoos,(many idols or member of a hip hop group and so on). So don't be afraid of coming to Korea. Yes, people might stare at you or look at you in a strange way, but who cares? I know people staring at you is not pleasing experience but, just think that you are unique and people are just curious :) 

(Some examples of Korean celebrities who have tattoos on their body- J Park, Tae Yang and G Dragon from Big bang, Lee hyo-ri, Boa, Jico, Hyuna etc.)

 

  

Pros of Living in Korea/Seoul

Pros of Living in Korea(Seoul)

Pros

1. Public Transportation 

  Public transportation in Korea is really convenient. It is cheap compared to other countries, and also it goes to most places in Seoul(or Pusan) . For adults, when you pay with T-money(public transportation card)  the basic fee is 1050 won per ride. But if you are riding a long distance the fee may change. However, it still does not change the fact that public transportation here is great. (Above picture, is the subway lines in Seoul, so even by looking at that you can clearly tell that in Seoul, you can go anywhere riding the subway.)

2. Food

(http://www.dt.co.kr/contents.html?article_no=2015010802101931104001)

  Food, food, food. Once you get addicted to Korean Food there is no getting out:) Korean food is really addictive and extremely tasty. If you are a gourmet, and looking for an exquisite and high quality food, then Korea may not be the place for you. However, people who are looking for food which is affordable and delicious at the same time, you've come to the right place~! 

  In every Korean restaurant they serve you side dishes for free. And all of them, you can refill. You just ask the worker there to refill the plate, and they will:). Also, the street food here is awesome.  

3. Drinking Culture

(http://www.mediapen.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=62110)

  I don't know other county's drinking culture a lot, but drinking culture, here is one of the great things living here. First, alcohol is cheap. As a broke uni student, this is really reat, because when you want to have fun with your friends after hard work,, you don't need to spend tons of money on alcohol.

  Second drinking games in parties. In Korea, there are a lof of drinking games. So when you just entered a university or a group, you can get close with many people by playing various games. There are so many games that it's hard to remember all the rules :O But still it's fun and it's a great chance to make friends with many people in a small amount of time.

  Another thing is that, you an drink in any places. Don't get me wrong, it does not mean that you can drink everywhere you want, for example, places like schools where underage students go is not appropriate. However, you can drink in convenient stores, drink in han-river park, university school grounds etc. 

4.Convenient Facilities

  Well, no one can deny that Korea is a small country, and some might find this as bad. However, I think there is a good side of living in a small area. 

  If you live in a small cramped place like Seoul, you might feel a bit stuffy, but because, the area is small, you can access to convenient facilities really easily. For example, Most people in Seoul can go to the movie theater in just 30 min ride in the subway. As for me the theater is in a walking distance(20min walk from my home lol). Also, hospitals and pharmacies are also, everywhere, so in case you need a medicine quickly, you don't need to worry :)

5. Fast Internet Speed

(http://dp3000.tistory.com/124)

  In Korea, the internet speed extremely fast. Friends who've been to other countries a lot always complain that when they are traveling or live in another country they feel so frustrated because when they try to search something on the internet or upload something it takes 2 or 3 times more to do it compared to Korea. 

  Also, free Wi-fi is also available in almost all the places. When your in a cafe, restaurant, hotel, you can just ask the worker there the password. Then you can get unlimited amount of free wi-fi(no limited time). Even in Some places you don;t even need to ask for the password because they just open their wi-fe to everyone in that building.