Tattoos are classified as traumatic tattoos, decorative tattoos, permanent make up, and medical tattoos. Currently the tattooing is considered a medical practice in Korea. Thus, it is illegal for anyone other than medical practitioners to tattoo others. However, tattooists rather than medical doctors perform most decorative tattoos. Therefore, requirements for establishing tattooist licence regulations have been consecutive since 2007.

We performed a pilot study. This study aimed to develop a research plan to assess the actual condition of decorative tattoos. The pilot study consisted of three parts: a structured literature review investigating adverse events, a review of tattoo regulations/legislation in foreign countries, and a survey of tattooists.