South Korea Introduces Tattoo Design in Art Schools

In Seoul, several art universities have started offering courses on tattoo design, linking the practice to graphic design, calligraphy, and modern illustration. Although tattooing remains legally restricted to medical professionals, the educational focus allows students to explore tattoo culture as an art form.

Professors say the classes encourage creativity while sparking discussions about cultural acceptance. Many students are now studying how K-pop idols’ tattoos influence fashion and youth trends, making the subject an important part of contemporary cultural studies.