ANKARA 

The South Korean parliament on Thursday lifted a 33-year-old ban on tattooing by non-medical professionals, Yonhap news reported.

The National Assembly passed the Tattooist Act with the support of 195 lawmakers out of 202 present, while seven abstained.

Non-medical tattooists were banned and faced potential criminal punishment under the Medical Act since a 1992 Supreme Court ruling classified the practice as a "medical act."

But under the new law, both tattoos and semi-permanent makeup are defined as "tattooing acts." It establishes a licensing system, granting exclusive recognition as tattooists only to those who obtain a license.

However, tattoo removal by nonmedical professionals still remains strictly prohibited, as does tattooing on minors without parental consent.

To safeguard public health, the law requires all licensed tattooists to undergo training in hygiene and safety management.

The new law will come into effect two years after its promulgation. During this time non-medical tattooists may continue practicing under temporary registration until they secure their licenses.​​​​​​​