Historical texts can show that tattoos were practiced in the tribal confederacies Mahan, Jinhan and Pyŏnhan of Samhan.
This tattoo practice served primarily as a type of magic charm or talisman, used by fishermen and divers in the southern part of the country to protect from sea monsters.
Individuals who committed crimes would have tattoos describing their infractions etched into their skin over exposed areas where it could be seen by others.
As indicated by research in Busan, 83.1% individuals connect tattoos to violence and punitive actions when they consider the term munsin (문신).
[4] While tattoos are becoming more popular in contemporary Korean culture, particularly among the newer generations, legal regulations hinder movement to the mainstream.
[citation needed] According to Korean Agency in 2016, the problematic side effects from semi-permanent tattooing, as reported in CISS (Consumer Injury Surveillance System), numbered 77 cases in the last three years.
The Ministry of Agriculture conducted tests on 25 tattoo inks to determine the amount of toxicity; 12 products were declared improper and dangerous because they possessed cadmium exceeding the accepted level.
Zinc, copper, and nickel are components that may cause atopic dermatitis if people are exposed to those ingredients for a long time.