Mark your calendars and get in line: This upcoming Los Angeles tattoo studio is the one opening you need to know this fall. You may have heard of Hongdam from his instantly recognizable designs on Instagram. Delicately shaded landscapes from another era swirl over bare skin, plum blossom branches spill over with colorful blossoms, and tigers are etched with such lifelike delicacy that they seem poised to leap into the air.
Up until now, the Korean tattoo artist has called Seoul his base, crafting his original designs out of his tucked-away, two-story studio. I first met Hongdam in 2017, when I somehow managed to score an extremely coveted appointment at his West 4 Tattoo pop up, a first-tattoo experience I documented in the detail it deserved. Since then, he’s made a name for himself both in Korea and all over the world, with celebrity clients including Han So Hee and Chloë Grace Moretz.
“I've had the privilege of working with many renowned individuals, both in Korea and internationally,” he says, although you’ll rarely see him mention his celebrity clients online. “I had the opportunity to cover up several of Chloë’s existing tattoos with new designs. She’s always kind and considerate, paying attention to small details to ensure I'm comfortable. Knowing her charm, I became a huge fan of her works.”
Hongdam is also the artist behind many of Han So Hee’s tattoos. “She has a special connection with me, as she's been a client since before she became famous,” he says of one of Korea’s most influential actresses. “She used to draw pictures herself, so we often talked about art. Despite her fame, she hasn't changed at all and still loves tattoos as much as ever.”
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While Hongdam remains fairly quiet about the celebrity part of his celebrity tattoo artist title, his star continues to rise. This August, he’s scheduled to attend Manila’s Mummy International Tattoo Expo as a judge. In September, he’ll judge the Metz Tattoo Expo in Metz, France. In between, he says, there will be plenty of tattoos to design in his Seoul studio and at his upcoming pop ups, which remain booked out weeks in advance.
On a crisp evening in April, I’m chugging iced Americanos in the airy basem*nt of Hongdam’s Seoul studio, helping select furniture for his new studio in the brief pockets of time between his back-to-back appointments. He shows me two display tables he’s considering for the yet-to-open space in Los Angeles. I choose the one I like. No one else likes it. I’m outvoted.
For months, Hongdam has been meticulously planning every detail of his first studio outside Korea. Set to open in the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles, it has the same unexpected, architectural feel as his Seoul studio, albeit with its own style. “The construction got delayed because I was very particular about the interior design,” he says. “I wanted to avoid creating a stereotypical tattoo studio.”
When his manager sends me first-look photos of the space weeks later and confirms he plans to open fall 2024, I see that he was successful. Part art gallery, part studio, it reflects Hongdam’s determination to do things his own way.
“Growing up in Korea and majoring in Korean traditional painting, I've spent a long time studying the beauty of our art,” he says, reflecting on what sets his designs apart. “The deep understanding from this background results in artwork that can't be easily replicated.” He’s also a big believer in energy, he tells me, imbuing each drawing with emotions. “Plants, flowers, haetae (a mythological lion-goat-unicorn hybrid), and traditional Korean motifs are the most popular themes,” he says. “I believe these subjects are inherently filled with positive energy.”
Below, Hongdam shares more on his new studio, sources of inspiration, and the one piece of advice he’d give to a tattoo first-timer.
What inspired you to start your tattooing journey?
I majored in Korean traditional painting in college and stumbled upon the world of tattooing by chance. At the time, tattoos were seen as intimidating and unappealing. As a student focused on creating intricate and delicate artwork, I envisioned bringing this same finesse to the art of tattooing. I started researching the medium of needles and ink, aspiring to design tattoos that would positively impact my parents, siblings, and friends. I believed that many people would appreciate and desire my unique style of tattoos, and I saw great potential in this path. It was a field where I felt I could truly excel, and I was confident in my abilities.
In Korea, tattoos carry a strong negative stigma. My goal was to shift away from these off-putting associations, instead fostering a culture of positive imagery that everyone could embrace. I aspired for tattoos to be recognized as a legitimate art form and to contribute to the development of a positive and respected tattoo culture.
Where do you get inspiration for your signature designs?
I typically draw inspiration from natural objects, plants, animals, the universe, and the concept of energy. Rather than actively seeking inspiration, I often find myself deep in contemplation. When a sudden idea strikes, I make it a point to jot it down. I have a constant desire to experiment with my work and push creative boundaries. Beyond tattoos, I immerse myself in art and culture. I get new perspectives from dramas, movies, music, exhibitions, and performances. These experiences enrich my creative process and fuel my artistic expression.
We’ve spoken before about how tattooing is an artistic pursuit for you. How do you approach the process?
I believe the number of works I can create in my lifetime is limited, so I strive to make each one meaningful and without regrets. It's important to me that tattoos will impact my clients positively in the future, and I approach my work with this mindset. I'm also very interested in energy and the idea that we're all connected. I think similar people are drawn to each other through their energy and that invisible energy greatly influences us. The people who come to me for tattoos might share a similar energy to mine, and I aim to infuse my tattoos with that positive energy.
Why did you choose Los Angeles as the city to open your first studio outside of Korea?
To be honest, it was simply the most recommended place; most of my clients wanted me to open a studio in Los Angeles. Ultimately, I plan to open more studios in New York, San Francisco, Miami, and many other cities. Many of my clients at my Seoul studio are international, with a large percentage coming from the U.S. Rather than having them fly all the way to Seoul, I decided to come to the U.S. myself.
Tell us a little bit about your new studio. What can you share about the space?
Here in Los Angeles, I want to create a space and community that goes beyond a typical tattoo studio. I plan to open up the space to host events and take on unique challenges that no one else has attempted. I hope many people will participate and enjoy them, regardless of whether they have tattoos or not. I'll put a lot of thought into creating events that everyone can enjoy.
I was very particular about the interior design and creating a space that feels different. I don’t have a set opening date yet, but my plan is to open in fall 2024. I'll announce the opening on my Instagram, and I'll try to open as soon as possible. I'm really looking forward to meeting everyone soon.
Once you upon, I’m sure you’ll be welcoming a lot of returning clients as well as new ones. What’s one piece of advice you’d give a client before they get their first tattoo?
Don't stress too much about the theme and content of your tattoo. It's important to approach it with a relaxed mindset so that even years later, it doesn't feel like a burden. Think of getting a tattoo like buying a painting from an artist you admire: It's great to collaborate and come up with ideas together. Go into the consultation and tattoo process with a joyful heart. The music, conversation, and overall atmosphere will always remind you of that moment whenever you look at your tattoo.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
Sarah Y. Wu is a Senior Contributor for Forbes. See her work at sarahywu.com and follow her on Instagram @say.wu.
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