🇰🇷 How to Get a Tattoo in Korea as a Foreigner (2025 Guide)
Thinking of getting a tattoo while visiting Korea? Whether it's your first time or you’re adding a new piece to your collection, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know as a foreigner – from legality to walk-in procedures, hygiene, pricing, and the best places to go.
❓ Is it Legal for Foreigners to Get Tattoos in Korea?
Yes, absolutely. While Korea has a complicated history with tattoo regulations (as only medical professionals are technically allowed to tattoo), foreigners are not prohibited from receiving tattoos – and thousands do every year. Studios like Mama Ink operate professionally and safely, catering to both locals and international clients.
🔍 How to Choose a Tattoo Shop in Seoul
With so many options, finding a good tattoo shop can be overwhelming. Here’s what to look for:
Size & Artist Pool: Large studios like Mama Ink host over 50 artists specializing in a variety of styles. This increases your chance of getting matched with the right artist for your design.
Manager Matching System: Mama Ink has English-speaking managers who help you find the perfect artist based on your idea, style, and preferred schedule.
Reputation & Awards: Studios with convention-winning artists and high foreigner ratings are a good sign of quality and experience.
🧼 Hygiene & Cleanliness
Cleanliness is non-negotiable when it comes to tattoos. At Mama Ink:
Professional cleaning teams sanitize the space weekly.
All artists follow strict hygiene training and protocols.
Single-use needles and gloves are mandatory.
💬 English Communication Matters
Language shouldn’t be a barrier to your creativity. That’s why Mama Ink offers:
English-speaking managers onsite
Artists with international guest spot experience
Pre-consultation in English via Instagram or KakaoTalk
🚶♂️ Walk-ins Welcome – Even Before Your Flight!
Walk-in clients are always welcome, and we offer extra convenience:
Located near Seoul Station, Yongsan, Hongdae, Itaewon
Transportation service to airport buses or rail, if needed
Faster scheduling for same-day tattoos
💳 Payment Options
While many tattoo studios in Korea prefer cash, Mama Ink accepts both card and cash. Just let us know in advance to avoid confusion.
🖋️ Popular Tattoo Styles for Foreigners
Minimal line tattoos with cultural meaning
Korean-style fine-line florals
Micro-realism and couple tattoos
Lettering in Hangul (Korean alphabet)
🌟 Aftercare & First-Time Tips
Remove the bandage after 2–3 days
Gently wash with neutral soap, no scrubbing
Apply healing cream regularly for 1–2 weeks
Avoid alcohol, swimming, and sun for 7–10 days
Mama Ink provides a free aftercare cream and touch-up (if needed)
💎 Why Foreigners Choose Mama Ink
50+ artists across all genres
English communication & fast matching
Walk-in friendly with airport access support
Free aftercare kits & guaranteed hygiene
Experience with hundreds of international clients
Come visit Mama Ink in Seoul – where tattoos become unforgettable experiences.
Are you a talented tattoo artist looking to join a thriving, internationally-focused studio in the heart of Seoul? Mama Ink is expanding our team and we want you!
Why Work With Mama Ink?
Consistent International Clientele:Our studio actively attracts foreign walk-in clients through ongoing Google and Meta advertising campaigns, ensuring a steady flow of international customers year-round.
Spacious, Modern Studio:We operate one of the largest tattoo studios in Seoul, with the capacity to accommodate multiple artists and group appointments simultaneously. Enjoy a collaborative, creative environment where your artistry can flourish.
Prime Location & Accessibility:Located just a 3-minute walk from Hyochang Park Station (Line 6, Gyeongui-Jungang Line), our studio offers unparalleled accessibility for both clients and artists. On-site parking is also available for your convenience.
Professional Facilities & Amenities:
Complimentary supply of ink, color inks, and disposable materials
In-house tattoo supply store with discounted prices for artists
Personal storage cabinets for each artist
Dedicated photo booth for high-quality tattoo photography
mamaink tattoo studio
What We Offer
Diverse Client Base:Work with clients from around the world, exploring a wide range of tattoo styles and artistic projects.
Supportive Team:Join a welcoming team of experienced artists and managers dedicated to professional growth and creative collaboration.
mamaink tattoo shop
Booth Share Pricing
1 Month: 300,000 KRW
1 Day: 50,000 KRW
6 Months: 1,500,000 KRW (1 month free)
12 Months: 3,000,000 KRW (2 months free)
blacy work tattoo
Who We’re Looking For
Tattoo artists of all experience levels and styles
Professionals committed to high standards of hygiene and client care
Artists who thrive in a multicultural, fast-paced environment
seoul tattoo shop
How to Apply
Ready to take your career to the next level?Send your portfolio and a brief introduction to our management team. We look forward to welcoming you to the Mama Ink family!
Location: 16, Hyochangwon-ro 62-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Nearest Station: Hyochang Park Station (3-minute walk)
Professional Tattoo Services in Seoul's Yongsan District
Located in the heart of Seoul's vibrant Yongsan district, Mama Ink offers exceptional tattoo services for international visitors and walk-in clients. Our prime location at 16, Hyochangwon-ro 62-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul makes us one of the most accessible tattoo studios in the city. This strategic positioning in Yongsan-gu places us in what's known as the "Global Village of Seoul," where diverse cultures and international communities converge.
Why Choose Mama Ink for Your Seoul Tattoo Experience
Diverse Artistic Expertise
Our studio houses talented artists specializing in various tattoo genres, from traditional Korean designs to contemporary international styles. This diversity ensures that any tattoo project can be accommodated, regardless of complexity or artistic preference. The Korean tattoo scene is unique in that artists often maintain very distinct styles that they rarely stray from, with many being artists who later became tattooers and translate their artwork into remarkable permanent body art.
Oriental Tattoo
Large Group Capacity
Unlike many smaller studios, Mama Ink has the infrastructure to accommodate multiple clients simultaneously, making us ideal for groups of friends traveling together or tattoo enthusiasts seeking collaborative experiences. This capacity advantage sets us apart from typical Seoul tattoo studios, which often operate with limited space and single-artist setups.
Mama Ink Tattoo Studio
Mama Ink Tattoo Studio
Strategic Location Benefits
Our 3-minute walk from Hyochang Park Station provides unparalleled convenience for both local and international clients. The studio's central location in Yongsan district puts you at the crossroads of Seoul's cultural and commercial districts, with excellent public transportation connections throughout the city.
Getting to Mama Ink: Transportation Guide
From Incheon International Airport
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour
Recommended Route:
Take the AREX (Airport Railroad Express) from Incheon Airport to Gongdeok Station (approximately 55 minutes)
Transfer to Line 6 at Gongdeok Station toward Hyochang Park Station (2 minutes)
Exit at Hyochang Park Station and walk 3 minutes to Mama Ink
Alternative Routes:
Take Airport Bus 6001 to Seoul Station, then transfer to subway to reach Hyochang Park Station
Direct taxi service available (approximately 60-70 minutes depending on traffic)
From Seoul Station
Travel Time: 15 minutes by public transport, 10 minutes by taxi
Recommended Route:
Take Line 4 (Blue Line) from Seoul Station and get off at Samgakji Station (about 3 minutes).
Transfer to Line 6 (Brown Line) at Samgakji Station and ride to Hyochang Park Station (about 1 minute).
Exit at Hyochang Park Station and walk for 3 minutes to reach Mama Ink.
Taxi Option:
Distance: Approximately 2.3km
Cost: 5,000-6,000 KRW ($4-5 USD)
Travel Time: 10 minutes
Detailed Subway Routes
Hyochang Park Station Access (Primary Route)
Line 6: Direct access from Gongdeok Station (2 minutes), Samgakji Station (2 minutes)
Gyeongui-Jungang Line: Direct access from Yongsan Station (2 minutes), Gongdeok Station (2 minutes)
Transfer Hub: Both Line 6 and Gyeongui-Jungang Line available for seamless connections
AREX (Airport Railroad Express) Connection
Gongdeok Station: Major transfer hub connecting AREX with Line 6 and Gyeongui-Jungang Line
Direct Airport Access: Incheon Airport to Gongdeok Station in 55 minutes
Seoul Station Connection: 5-minute AREX ride to Gongdeok Station
Studio Services and Amenities
Professional Tattoo Services
Daily walk-in consultations available
Multilingual support for custom design services
Multiple artists working simultaneously for group appointments
International sterilization protocols and safety standards
Operating hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
Studio Features
Spacious, clean and comfortable environment
Separate floors for different services (4F, 5F)
Client-only tattoo areas for privacy and comfort
Complimentary snacks and beverages during sessions
Mama Ink Tattoo Studio
Manager Pickup Service
For clients whose schedules align with our studio manager's availability, we offer complimentary pickup service from major transportation hubs, adding an extra layer of convenience to your tattoo experience.
Pricing and Payment Information
Pricing Structure
Based on Seoul tattoo market standards, prices for tattoo services in Korea can vary significantly depending on artist reputation and design complexity. International clients can expect pricing similar to major Western cities, with:
Minimum charges typically starting around 100,000 WON per piece
Average pricing for medium-sized tattoos ranging from 200,000-400,000 WON
Complex or large pieces potentially ranging from 500,000-800,000 WON
Payment Methods
Cash preferred (both KRW and USD accepted)
Wire transfers available for international clients
Deposit requirements for appointment bookings
Non-refundable booking fees to secure appointments
Card payment available (10% VAT applies)
Location Advantages
Accessibility Features
3-minute walk from Hyochang Park Station
Multiple subway line access (Line 6 and Gyeongui-Jungang Line)
Direct AREX connection via Gongdeok Station
Central Seoul location with easy citywide connections
Neighborhood Highlights
Hyochang Park for post-tattoo relaxation
Yongsan Electronics Market for shopping
I'Park Mall shopping complex
War Memorial of Korea cultural site
Haebangchon cultural district nearby
International Client Support
Language Services
Our international-friendly staff ensures clear communication throughout your tattoo experience. Many Seoul tattoo studios now cater specifically to foreign clients, with English-speaking staff available for consultations and design discussions.
Planning Your Visit
Optimal Travel Times
From Incheon Airport: Allow 1-1.5 hours total travel time
From Seoul Station: 15-20 minutes including walking time
From Gangnam/Hongdae: 30-40 minutes via subway connections
Transportation Costs
Subway fare: 1,300-1,800 KRW per trip
Taxi from Seoul Station: 5,000-6,000 KRW
AREX (Airport Express): 4,000-5,000 KRW
Booking Recommendations
Advance booking recommended for specific artists or designs
Walk-in consultations available daily
Deposit required for appointment confirmation
Bring reference materials
Mamaink Blackwork Tattoo
Studio Etiquette and Policies
Service Standards
Free consultations available for all clients
30-minute consultation sessions to discuss design ideas
Professional hygiene protocols maintained throughout
Touch-up policies available for post-healing adjustments
Mamaink Black & Grey Tattoo
Contact and Booking Information
Address: 16, Hyochangwon-ro 62-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Station: Hyochang Park Station (Line 6, Gyeongui-Jungang Line) - 3-minute walk
Transfer Hub: Gongdeok Station (Line 6, Gyeongui-Jungang Line, AREX) - 10-minute walk
Operating Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
Services: Walk-in consultations, custom tattoo designs, group appointments, multilingual support
Contact Mama Ink today to schedule your Seoul tattoo appointment or walk-in consultation. Experience the intersection of Korean artistry and international tattoo culture in the heart of Seoul's most accessible and culturally rich district. Our commitment to safety, artistry, and client satisfaction makes us the premier choice for foreign visitors seeking exceptional tattoo experiences in Korea.
