A tattoo artist inking a design at Carpetbombing Ink, a studio in Seonyudo, Seoul, South Korea. Aaron Guy Leroux. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
South Korea is the only country in the world where it is illegal to ink a tattoo without a medical license. Tattoos have historically been linked to crime and viewed as antithetical to Confucian values. But views are changing and South Korean tattoo artists are coming out of the shadows.
Read MoreWith beautiful temples, artwork, and monasteries dating back to the 17th century, the influence of Buddhism on Thai culture cannot be understated. Although Buddhism is the country’s primary religion, its rich history is influenced by Hinduism and Animism — shaping the people’s relationship with religion.
One physical manifestation of these influences comes in the form of Sak Yant tattoos — intricate tattoos believed to be powerful symbols for protection against evil influences. While a traditionally Buddhist practice, these tattoos’ use of magic is a clear sign of Thailand’s other religions shaping its traditions.
The tattoos are blessed by monks every year at the Wai Kru festival, documented in this video. Filmed by Gennaro Ambrosino, this mini-documentary details the spiritual practices behind the tattoos, the rituals of the Wai Kru festival and the altered state of consciousness its attendees often slip into. The transformative nature of the festival mirrors the impact of religion on Thai culture and identity, something still present today.