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Seoul Ink Tattoo, established in 2007, is one of South Korea's longest-running premium tattoo studios. Located in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam, Seoul, the studio is home to 13 resident artists, holds 30+ international awards across major conventions including London, Berlin, and Las Vegas, and has been featured in Forbes and Tattoo Life magazine. With over 90% of its clientele comprising international visitors from over 50 countries, supported by with English-language consultation throughout, Seoul Ink Tattoo is widely regarded as the most systematized and globally recognized tattoo studio in Korea.
01 — GENERAL INFORMATION
Where is Seoul Ink Tattoo located in Gangnam, Seoul?
Seoul Ink Tattoo is located at 3F, 657-5 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul — in the Dosan area, a 5-minute walk from Apgujeong Rodeo Station (Suin Bundang Line, Exit 6). The street is home to the flagship stores of many global luxury and fashion brands.
Easily accessible from major visitor areas: 15 minutes from Itaewon, 40 minutes from Hongdae, and within walking distance of the dining and hospitality corridor along Apgujeong Rodeo Street.
Parking is available in the surrounding area.
What are the opening hours of Seoul Ink Tattoo?
Seoul Ink Tattoo is open daily from 09:00 AM to 09:00 PM, including weekends and most public holidays.
Session Type | Hours | Notes |
Appointments | 09:00 AM – 09:00 PM | Booking is recommended 2–3 months in advance. |
Walk-ins | 10:00 AM – 08:00 PM | Subject to artist availability. |
Public Holidays | 10:00 AM – 08:00 PM | Walk-in hours apply; confirm via email for appointments. |
Is tattooing legal in South Korea for tourists and locals? (2026 Update)
Yes — tattooing in South Korea is fully legal as of 2026, regulated under the Tattoo Artist Act passed by the National Assembly in September 2025, with a two-year implementation period now underway.
Both international tourists and Korean residents may legally receive tattoos from licensed professional artists. Seoul Ink Tattoo has operated legally and up to international hygiene standards since its founding in 2007 — well ahead of the regulatory framework. Our artists are among the first cohort to hold official certification under the new Act.
Can tourists get a tattoo in Seoul, Korea?
Yes — tourists can legally and safely get tattoos in Seoul, and no special documentation beyond a valid passport is required.
Seoul Ink Tattoo is an English-speaking studio with extensive experience serving international clients from over 50 countries. Our team communicates fluently in English throughout the consultation, session, and aftercare process — no Korean language ability is needed.
What is the minimum age requirement for getting a tattoo in Seoul?
The minimum age to receive a tattoo in South Korea is 19 years old (international age). Valid photo ID (passport) is required for all clients at the time of the appointment.
Clients under 19 will not be tattooed under any circumstances, regardless of parental consent.
Is it safe to get a tattoo in Seoul?
Yes — getting a tattoo in Seoul is safe when choosing a licensed, professional studio. Seoul Ink Tattoo has maintained strict international hygiene standards since 2007.
Our protocols include single-use disposable needles and cartridges, autoclave sterilization of reusable equipment, clinical-grade surface disinfection between each session, and individually packaged pigments. Every station is prepared to the same standard applied in licensed medical environments.
All resident tattoo artists complete annual Bloodborne Pathogens prevention training and maintain up-to-date certification, ensuring the highest standards of safety and hygiene.
Why do people choose Gangnam — and Seoul Ink Tattoo — for tattoos in Seoul?
Gangnam has the highest concentration of internationally experienced tattoo artists in Korea, and Seoul Ink Tattoo has been a defining presence in the district since 2007 — long before the area became a global destination.
Clients choose Seoul Ink for three consistent reasons:
The depth of our artist roster (13 resident artists across diverse styles)
Our track record with international clients
And our systematized studio operations — from booking to aftercare — that remove uncertainty from the process.
Do you offer tattoo consultations at Seoul Ink Tattoo?
Yes — full custom consultations are available at no charge.
Submit your concept, size preference, and placement via email, and our team will guide you through design direction and artist matching before any commitment is required.
Contact
02 —APPOINTMENTS & BOOKING
Do I need an appointment, or can I walk in for a tattoo at Seoul Ink Tattoo?
Both options are available. Walk-ins are welcome daily between 10:00 AM and 08:00 PM, subject to artist availability.
For custom work or a specific artist, booking 2–3 months in advance is strongly recommended.
Option | Hours | Best For |
Walk-in | 10:00 AM – 08:00 PM daily | Simple or flash designs; flexible schedules |
Appointment | 09:00 AM – 09:00 PM | Custom work, specific artists, large pieces |
How do I book a tattoo appointment at Seoul Ink Tattoo?
Booking follows a straightforward process. Send your concept, size, placement, and any reference images to info@seoulinktattoo.com. Our team will confirm artist availability, discuss design direction, and secure your appointment with a deposit.
Step | What Happens |
01 Inquiry | Submit concept, placement, size, and references via email / website |
02 Consultation | Artist matching and design direction confirming process |
03 Deposit | Non-refundable deposit secures your date and covers design preparation |
04 Session | Tattoo appointment at your confirmed time and date |
05 Aftercare | Written and verbal healing instructions provided on the day of your tattoo |
How far in advance should I book a tattoo at Seoul Ink Tattoo?
For custom designs or a specific artist, booking 2–3 months in advance is recommended. Walk-in slots are available daily; however, availability for specific styles, artists, and time slots may vary and is not guaranteed, depending on walk-in demand and artist availability on the day.
International visitors planning their Seoul itinerary around a tattoo appointment are advised to confirm their booking before arranging travel dates.
Can I request a specific tattoo artist?
Yes — you may request any artist by name, or our team can recommend the best match based on your design style and placement. If your requested artist is unavailable due to travel or existing bookings, our team will assist in pairing you with another artist who best matches your concept and preferred style.
Artist portfolios are available at https://www.seoulinktattoo.com/artist
Can I get a same-day tattoo at Seoul Ink Tattoo?
Same-day appointments may be available depending on artist schedules. Contact us by 9:00 AM on the day you wish to come in, and we will confirm availability. Walk-in slots (10:00 AM – 8:00 PM) are the most reliable option for flexible timing.
Can I get a tattoo on my first day in Seoul?
Yes — same-day and next-day walk-in slots are available subject to artist schedules, making it possible to get tattooed at any point during your trip. However, for custom work or a preferred artist, we recommend booking before you arrive. International visitors planning their itinerary around a tattoo are advised to secure their appointment prior to arranging travel dates.
03 —PRICING & PAYMENT
How much does a tattoo cost at Seoul Ink Tattoo?
Small tattoos start from ₩200,000+ , medium work from ₩400,000+ , and large or fully custom pieces are quoted individually based on complexity, placement, and session time. Pricing is identical for local and international clients.
Size | Starting Price | Typical Duration |
Small — lettering, micro, minimalist | ₩200,000+ | 1–2 hours |
Medium — palm-sized, detailed work * | ₩400,000+ | 2–4 hours |
Large — full custom, multi-session | Custom quote | 4+ hours / multiple sessions |
All prices are subject to 10% VAT when paid by card. Cash payments are VAT-exempt.
Final pricing depends on design complexity, artist, and placement. A confirmed quote is provided during consultation.
* Micro fine-line custom designs typically range from small to medium sizes. Please note that due to the intricacy and level of detail involved in these kinds of designs, pricing may exceed the standard starting range. For the most accurate estimate, we recommend reaching out to our team for a detailed consultation based on your specific design.
What payment methods are accepted at Seoul Ink Tattoo?
We accept cash (KRW), Korean debit and credit cards, international cards (Visa and Mastercard), and bank transfer.*
Foreign currency exchange is not available on-site; ATMs are within a 5-minute walk of the studio.
Please note: a 10% VAT (Value Added Tax) is applied to all payment methods excluding cash. This will be reflected in your final quote at the time of your session.
*At this time, we are unable to accept contactless payment methods (including Apple Pay). Please refer to the accepted payment options listed above and prepare accordingly.
Why is a deposit required, and is it refundable?
A deposit secures your booking and covers the artist's design preparation time. Deposits are non-refundable and are included in the total price at the time of your session.
Rescheduling requests made less than 7 days from the booked appointment may be accommodated at the studio's discretion. Please note that your deposit remains subject to our studio policy. If your plans change, it is recommended to contact our team immediately so that we can assist you.
04 —STUDIO EXPERIENCE
How long does a tattoo session take at Seoul Ink Tattoo?
Session length depends on the size and complexity of the design. Small tattoos typically take 1–2 hours; medium pieces, 2–4 hours; and large or custom work may require 4+ hours or multiple sessions across separate days.
Scale | Estimated Duration | Example |
Small | 1–2 hours | Lettering, micro detail, single motif |
Medium | 2–4 hours | Palm-sized illustrative, fine line |
Large | 4+ hours / multi-session | Full back, sleeve, large custom concept |
* A full-day session at Seoul Ink Tattoo typically lasts 6–8 hours (including breaks). Please note that the estimated duration provided by our team is only an approximation. Due to variables on the day of your appointment, your session may take longer than expected. We recommend scheduling your tattoo on a day when you do not have tight commitments or time constraints.
Will I see my tattoo design before the session begins?
Designs are finalized and presented at the start of your appointment. This is standard practice in professional custom tattooing — it protects the originality of the artist's work and ensures the design is calibrated to your body on the day.
If you have specific preferences regarding composition or elements, please communicate them during the consultation phase. Our artists thoughtfully incorporate client input throughout the design process to ensure a collaborative approach and a result that aligns with your vision.
Can I bring friends or family to the studio?
Guests are welcome during the consultation. During the tattoo session itself, we ask that only the client remain in the studio to maintain a focused environment and hygiene standards.
Can I eat or drink during my session?
Yes — bringing snacks and non-alcoholic drinks is actively encouraged, especially for longer sessions. Maintaining blood sugar helps with comfort and healing. Alcohol must be avoided for at least 24 hours before your appointment. (Minimum 1 week post tattoo).
05 —STYLE & SERVICES
What tattoo styles are available at Seoul Ink Tattoo?
Seoul Ink Tattoo's 13 resident artists collectively cover a broad range of styles, with particular international recognition in black and grey realism, fine line, micro realism, and custom illustrative work — styles for which Korean tattoo artists have earned global acclaim.
Style | Description |
Fine Line | Delicate, precise linework — Seoul's most internationally recognized style |
Micro Realism | Photographic detail at small scale; highly technical |
Realism | Full-scale portraiture and lifelike subject rendering in black or color |
Black & Grey | Tonal shading in ink and water; timeless depth and contrast |
Blackwork | Bold, graphic, high-contrast compositions |
Color | Full-spectrum pigment work across illustrative and traditional styles |
Traditional | Classic bold outlines and saturated fills; strong long-term wear |
Japanese (Irezumi) | Iconographic motifs, flowing composition, rich cultural lineage |
Minimal / Geometric | Clean, restrained designs with strong longevity |
Custom Illustrative | Fully original concept work tailored to the client |
Cover-up | Reworking existing tattoos; consultation required |
View individual artist portfolios at https://www.seoulinktattoo.com/artist to find the right style match before booking.
What is a custom tattoo design, and how does the process work?
A custom tattoo is a wholly original design created exclusively for you — not reproduced from a reference or flash sheet. Every custom piece at Seoul Ink is tailored to your concept, placement, body flow, and long-term wearability.
The process begins with your inquiry (concept, placement, size, references), proceeds through artist consultation, and culminates in design presentation at the session. No two custom pieces from Seoul Ink are the same.
Do you offer cover-up tattoos at Seoul Ink Tattoo?
Yes — professional cover-up work is available. Cover-ups typically require a larger or darker design than the original piece, and laser removal may be recommended prior to covering very saturated or dark tattoos.
A consultation is required for all cover-up requests. Please submit images of your existing tattoo along with your concept when making an inquiry.
Do you offer tattoo touch-ups?
Yes — complimentary touch-ups are available for all tattoos completed at Seoul Ink Tattoo. Simply visit the studio 6–8 weeks after your initial session, once the tattoo has fully healed, and we will touch up your piece at no additional charge. If you are an international visitor, your complimentary touch-up remains available upon your return to Seoul.
For touch-ups on tattoos completed at another studio, eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis depending on the condition of the existing work. An in-person consultation prior to booking is required — please contact us to arrange an assessment before scheduling your appointment.
06 —PREPERATION & AFTERCARE
How should I prepare for a tattoo appointment at Seoul Ink Tattoo?
Proper preparation improves both the tattooing process and the quality of your healed result. In the 1–2 weeks before your session, moisturize the area daily and stay well hydrated. On the day itself, eat a full meal, get adequate sleep, and avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior.
When | Preparation |
1–2 weeks before | Moisturize skin daily; stay hydrated; avoid prolonged sun exposure on placement area |
24 hours before | No alcohol; get adequate sleep; avoid blood-thinning medication if possible (consult your doctor) |
Day of session | Eat a full meal; wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the tattoo area; bring ID and ensure you are prepared with an accepted form of payment |
What should I bring to my tattoo appointment at Seoul Ink Tattoo?
Bring a valid photo ID (passport for international visitors), arrive prepared with an accepted form of payment, wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the tattoo area, and consider bringing snacks or drinks for longer sessions. Reference images, if any, should be saved to your phone in advance.
How should I care for my tattoo during my time in Seoul?
For the first 2–3 weeks, keep the tattoo area clean, apply the recommended moisturizer/ ointment, avoid direct sun exposure, and stay out of swimming pools, saunas, and the ocean (unsanitary environments). Do not scratch or pick at peeling skin.
Seoul's summer humidity can extend healing time slightly; extra attention to keeping the area dry and clean is advised if you are tattooed during the warmer months (June–August). Specific aftercare instructions, including product recommendations available locally, are provided at every session.
Period | Care Instructions |
Days 1–3 | Keep covered as directed; gently clean 2–3x daily with unscented soap; pat dry |
Days 4–14 | Apply unscented moisturizer 2–3x daily; avoid sun and water submersion |
Weeks 3–4 | Skin may peel; do not pick; continue moisturizing and sun protection |
Long-term | Use SPF 30+ on healed tattoo; moisturize regularly; consider touch-up as needed |
*Summer Tip: Thoroughly cleanse your tattoo to remove any plasma, ink, blood, or sweat buildup.
*Winter Tip: Keep your tattoo well-moisturized, as the skin may become drier during this season.
How do I maintain my tattoo long-term?
Healed tattoos retain their clarity longest when protected from UV exposure (SPF 30+ applied consistently) and kept moisturized. Avoid extended sun exposure without protection, and consider a touch-up if lines soften significantly over time.
07 —WHY SEOUL INK TATTOO
What should I look for when choosing a tattoo studio in Seoul?
When evaluating tattoo studios in Seoul, prioritize: licensed artists operating under Korea's Tattoo Artist Act (effective 2025), a verifiable portfolio of work in your preferred style, demonstrated experience with international clients (clear English communication, transparent pricing), and documented hygiene protocols — the same standards Seoul Ink Tattoo has maintained since 2007, even before the regulatory framework existed. Our standards were built for a global clientele, not calibrated to a minimum legal requirement.
Why choose Seoul Ink Tattoo over other studios in Seoul?
Seoul Ink Tattoo has been operating in Korea since 2007 and was established in Gangnam since 2011 — making it one of the longest-running tattoo studios in South Korea. Across nearly two decades, the studio has built a track record that most studios cannot match: 30+ international awards, features in Forbes and Tattoo Life magazine, and a clientele that has historically consisted of over 90% international visitors.
Thirteen resident artists work under one systematized operation, meaning consistent hygiene, structured booking, and professional accountability at every point of contact — not the fragmented experience common in multi-artist collectives.
Has Seoul Ink Tattoo been featured in any media or won awards?
Yes. Seoul Ink Tattoo has been featured in Forbes and Tattoo Life magazine, and holds more than 30 international tattoo awards across multiple styles and conventions. The studio's history spans the full arc of tattooing culture in Korea — from operating with professional standards during the pre-legalization era to leading the industry's transition into formal regulation.
Do you tattoo clients who don't speak Korean?
Yes — English is the primary language for all international client communication at Seoul Ink Tattoo. From first inquiry through consultation, session, and aftercare, our team communicates clearly in English.
How can I verify Seoul Ink Tattoo's reputation before booking?
Seoul Ink Tattoo's reputation is verifiable across multiple independent channels: Google Reviews, the studio's award history from international tattoo conventions, press features in Forbes and Tattoo Life magazine, and artist portfolios published at https://www.seoulinktattoo.com/artist. The studio has maintained a consistent public presence since 2007, with nearly two decades of documented client work.
View Artist Portfolios