The Sweet Subtlety Of The South Korean Tattoo Trend

South Korean tattoo fans seem to be going crazy over small, fine-line tattoos often paired with delicate watercolor effect in pastel hues.

Korean Tattoo Trend by seoeon

I've always admired several South Korean tattoo artists that I follow on Instagram @claudia_strife for their delicate-looking pieces—often kept small and subtle with hints of light colors to go along with the single needle outlines.

Korean Tattoo Trend by hongdam

We can't actually call it an official trend but through discovering new tattoo artists daily, I've seen a pattern with how many South Korean tattoo artists work and I've seen a lot of single-needle linework, watercolor blends, borderline minimalism, and sweet subtlety.

Korean Tattoo Trend by hongdam


Korean Tattoo Trend by sol tattoo

Like what you're seeing? We've got a longer list of some fine spine line tattoos here by predominantly South Korean tattooers.

Korean Tattoo Trend by seoeon


Korean Tattoo Trend by seoeon

Some don't even make use of lineworks at all and instead play with colours and blending them.

Korean Tattoo Trend by hail tattoo


Korean Tattoo Trend by horu tattoo


Korean Tattoo Trend by banul

One of my personal favorites is tattooist Banul. I love the way she makes use of color instead of limiting her works with outlines. They often result in lovely, subtle pieces that were made for us to fall in love with at first sight.

Korean Tattoo Trend by sol tattoo

With tattoo artists like Sol, it's no wonder there are far more women getting tattooed in South Korea.

Korean Tattoo Trend by sol tattoo


Korean Tattoo Trend by seoeon


Korean Tattoo Trend by nando

Check out those fine details in something as tiny as a behind the ear tattoo!

Korean Tattoo Trend by greem


Korean Tattoo Trend by hail tattoo


Korean Tattoo Trend @tattooist_flower 타투이스트 꽃/Instagram

We're not too surprised that despite the tattoo scene being a fairly competitive ground, these tattoo artists actually get along just fine. Some of the finest of the South Korean tattoo scene right there, everyone!

Korean Tattoo Trend by sol tattoo