Korean J Dermatol.  2021 Jan;59(1):15-24.

Perception of Tattoos in South Korea: Analysis of Citizen Survey Data

• Lee SH
• Lee CH
• Kim JS
• Park MY
• Jeong CW
• Lee SJ
• Choi EH

Abstract

Background
Increasing numbers of individuals are getting tattoos in recent times; however, the possible adverse effects of tattoos performed by non-medical practitioners are often overlooked. Limited information is available regarding the actual numbers of individuals getting tattoos and the perception regarding tattoos in the general population.
Objective
We investigated the prevalence of tattoos and public perception of tattoos.
Methods
Between August and September 2019, we performed a questionnaire survey that included 1,000 individuals aged ≥20 years.
Results
Among the 1,000 participants in this survey, 370 (37%) had received a tattoo; the number of participants with cosmetic tattoos (68.4%) was nearly 2-fold higher than the number of participants with body tattoos (31.6%). The most common motivation for getting a tattoo was “for beauty” (44.9%), followed by “convenience of make-up” (34.1%), and “recommendation from friends or others” (14.6%). In the tattoo-related satisfaction category, information regarding injected dye-induced adverse effects, facility hygiene, and pre-allergy testing were commonly rated as unsatisfactory by respondents. Only 322 (32.2%) participants were aware that semi-permanent tattoos could not be erased. Furthermore, 780 (78.0%) participants had a negative impression regarding body tattoos, and 844 (84.4%) participants preferred to get tattoos at specialized medical institutions based on the national regulations to minimize possible tattoo-induced adverse effects.
Conclusion
This study confirmed that a relatively large number of individuals had received tattoos but had a negative impression regarding this procedure. Educational and institutional management for public safety are necessary owing to a lack of awareness regarding tattoos and tattoo-related safety.

Keyword

Korean; Perception; Safety; Side effect; Tattoo