A New Chapter for Hongdam Studio
In a significant expansion of its artistic influence, Hongdam Studio, one of South Korea’s most renowned tattoo studios, is set to open its doors in Los Angeles this fall. Founded in 2015 by the visionary tattoo artist Hongdam, the studio has become a beacon of creativity, known for its intricate designs that blend traditional Eastern art with modern aesthetics. The move to LA marks a new chapter in the studio’s journey, bringing its unique artistry to a broader audience and further establishing its presence on the global stage.
Hongdam, the mastermind behind the studio, explained that the name “Hongdam” carries deep significance, embodying the elements of the sun, moon, and water—symbols of brightness and vitality throughout the day and night. This symbolism reflects Hongdam’s aspirations for a dynamic and influential artistic career. The name, chosen by his father, serves as a seal of his artistic identity, guiding the studio’s philosophy of creating art that radiates positivity and energy.
The decision to expand from Seoul to Los Angeles was inspired by the city’s natural beauty and vibrant cultural landscape. “Our Seoul studio attracts many international clients, particularly from the U.S. and Europe,” Hongdam shared. “When I first visited LA, the weather spoke volumes to me. Additionally, many of our clients also reside in LA. Although we considered both New York and LA, I felt that LA’s natural environment suited me better, especially as my work often incorporates natural elements.”
Hongdam’s tattoos are renowned for their delicate fine-line work and themes that draw heavily from nature, animals, spiritual beings, light, and energy. These elements are seamlessly integrated with the traditional Korean painting techniques Hongdam studied in university, creating a unique blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics. This distinctive style has captivated clients worldwide, including Hollywood celebrities, who are drawn to the intricate, almost ethereal quality of his tattoos.
As Hongdam Studio transitions to LA, it aims to bring a piece of Korea with it, offering clients not just tattoos but an immersive experience in Eastern culture. The studio will maintain the minimalist, harmonious design that characterizes its Seoul location, complemented by soothing music and aromas that transport clients into a serene, artistic environment. “We are not aiming to open just another tattoo studio in LA,” Hongdam emphasized. “Our vision is to create a space where impactful and purposeful activities can thrive, including opportunities for giving back through talent donation and cover-up campaigns for various skin conditions.”
Introducing Seolhee: Hongdam Studio Featured Artist
The second part of Hongdam Studio’s expansion story features Seolhee, a talented tattoo artist who has been a key part of the studio’s success in Seoul. Known for her beautiful blend of traditional Oriental motifs with a modern twist, Seolhee’s work has gained international acclaim, particularly her plum blossom designs, which symbolize resilience and beauty in the face of adversity.
“My journey as a tattoo artist began with a deep passion for Oriental painting,” Seolhee recalled. “I was captivated by the process of expressing my thoughts through brush strokes on traditional Korean paper. However, I eventually found myself drawn to tattooing as a new medium to express my art.” This shift from traditional painting to tattooing was inspired by the unique quality of Hongdam’s work, which she discovered on Instagram. Her admiration for his art led her to seek a place in his studio, and she has since become an integral part of the Hongdam team.
Seolhee’s tattoos are distinguished by their delicate, freehand designs that complement the natural curves of the body. Her approach to tattooing is deeply personal, as she engages in detailed discussions with her clients to understand their preferences and ideas. “Each person has their own cultural background and values, and it’s crucial to understand why they are getting a tattoo,” she explained. “This process often leads to the most exciting and unique designs.”
As she prepares to bring her artistry to Los Angeles, Seolhee is excited about the opportunity to blend Eastern elements with the diverse stories she encounters in this multicultural city. She plans to continue incorporating traditional Korean themes, such as hanbok and historical attire, into her work while exploring new influences from LA’s vibrant cultural scene. “My goal is to use these interactions to introduce and share Korean and Eastern cultures in a compelling and accessible way,” she said.
Over the years, Hongdam and Seolhee have gained global recognition by serving as judges at major international tattoo conventions. Hongdam notably served as a judge at the 13th China International Tattoo Convention in May 2018, where his expertise and eye for fine-line designs garnered widespread admiration. More recently, both Hongdam and Seolhee participated as judges in events such as the 24th Northern Ink Xposure (The Toronto Tattoo Show) in Canada (June) and the Metz Tattoo Expo in France (September). Their journey continues with a planned appearance as judges at the 27th Philadelphia Tattoo Arts Festival in January 2025, organized by Villain Arts.
With the opening of Hongdam Studio in LA, both Hongdam and Seolhee are poised to make a significant impact on the tattoo industry in the United States. Their unique blend of traditional Korean art and contemporary tattooing techniques offers something truly special—a bridge between cultures, where art on the skin tells stories that resonate across continents. As they embark on this new chapter, they remain committed to staying true to their roots while embracing the opportunities that come with international expansion.
Advice for Aspiring Tattoo Artists
For those looking to develop a unique style that resonates internationally, Hongdam offers sage advice: “Focus on creating the art that truly resonates with you, rather than chasing current trends. Discover and hone the style that reflects your personal vision and passion. Even if the journey becomes difficult and demanding, staying true to your artistic integrity will provide you with the motivation to push through.”
This commitment to authenticity is what has set Hongdam Studio apart and will undoubtedly continue to guide them as they embark on this new chapter in Los Angeles.
