Seoul has overturned a century-old ban on professional tattooing, legalising practitioners who had long operated in a legal grey zone. The amendment, passed on 15 March 2025, permits licensed tattoo artists to operate openly, ending a system that forced many to work illegally under the threat of prosecution. The move has drawn global attention, particularly to the United Kingdom's own regulatory framework, which proponents argue is overly restrictive.
South Korea's previous law, dating from 1912, categorised tattooing as a medical procedure, meaning only licensed doctors could legally perform it. In practice, this was widely ignored; an estimated 2 million South Koreans have tattoos, and the country is a global hub for tattoo artistry. However, artists faced fines and even prison sentences. The new legislation, pushed through by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, creates a separate licensing system for tattooists, requiring 600 hours of training and a written exam.
This reform places South Korea in line with most developed nations, but it has reignited debate about the British model. The UK currently has no formal licensing for tattoo artists; instead, it relies on local authority hygiene inspections and voluntary registration with organisations such as the Tattoo and Piercing Industry Union. Critics argue this laissez-faire approach has led to inconsistent standards and a lack of accountability.
'South Korea has leapfrogged the UK in regulatory sophistication,' said Dr. Helena Vance, an expert in public health policy. 'They have created a structured system that protects both artists and clients. The UK's patchwork of regulations is untenable if we want to ensure safety and professionalism.' The British Tattoo Artists Association has long called for a mandatory licensing scheme, but progress has been slow. A 2023 government consultation received over 10,000 responses, with 89% in favour of new regulations. Yet no legislation has been introduced.
Data from Public Health England shows that one in five adults in the UK now has a tattoo, and the number of tattoo-related infections has risen by 30% since 2018. 'The risk of bloodborne diseases like hepatitis B and C is real,' Vance warned. 'The UK cannot afford to be complacent.' South Korea's move provides a clear template: mandatory training, hygiene standards, and a central registry.
Economically, the legalisation could boost South Korea's already vibrant tattoo industry. The market was valued at $1.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow by 8% annually. 'Tattoo tourism is a significant part of our economy,' said Park Jin-hee, a Seoul-based artist. 'Now we can welcome international clients without fear.' British artists, meanwhile, watch with envy. 'We are losing business to countries with better regulations,' said the union's chair, Sarah Collins. 'Clients want assurance that their artist is properly trained.'
The British government has remained non-committal. A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said, 'We are reviewing our approach to ensure public safety while supporting artistic expression.' Critics call this bureaucratic stalling. 'Every year of delay means more infections and more missed economic opportunities,' Vance emphasised. 'The evidence is clear. The UK should adopt a licensing model without further hesitation.'
As South Korea embraces a new era of safety and professionalism, the world watches. The UK, once a leader in public health regulation, now finds itself behind the curve. The question is not whether licensing is needed, but how long it will take to implement.
