After 33 years, South Korea’s National Assembly has officially passed the Tattooist Act, allowing non-medical professionals to legally perform tattoos.
Approved on September 25 with 195 votes in favor, the law recognizes tattooing and permanent makeup as licensed practices, with tattooists required to pass a national exam. However, procedures like tattoo removal remain prohibited. Minors will need parental consent, and practitioners must undergo hygiene and safety training while keeping detailed records of each procedure.
The act, set to take effect in two years, aims to align the law with reality—since most of Korea’s estimated 13 million tattooed citizens and 300,000 industry workers rely on non-medical artists. Tattooists celebrated the decision, hailing it as recognition of their profession and a step toward promoting “K-Tattoo” globally.
While the Ministry of Health welcomed the move as a long-overdue framework for safer practices, the Korean Medical Association raised concerns, insisting medical oversight is still necessary.
