UCLA has introduced the UCLA tattoo course through UCLA Extension, marking the first time the University of California system is offering academic instruction on tattoo culture via its non-degree program. The class began on September 25, 2025.
In May 2025, K Tak (34) submitted a proposal to UCLA Extension to teach a course on the cultural and anthropological meaning of tattoos. The course runs for 12 weeks, meeting every Thursday. The curriculum covers the history of tattooing, country-specific tattoo traditions, and major tattoo styles, with practice sessions that use fake skin so students without licenses can participate safely.
K Tak moved from Seoul to the United States after high school and studied painting at Otis College of Art and Design. During the post-graduation OPT (Optional Practical Training) period, he tried tutoring and video production but found neither fulfilling, then taught himself tattooing.
For K Tak, tattooing extends his painting practice. “The great appeal of tattoos is permanently engraving a work on the body,” K Tak said. “Tattoo is an art that lives with you.”
Many clients come to K Tak to preserve memories or cope with pain. While he once emphasized technical precision, he now prioritizes communication and the shared experience of the session so the moment becomes a positive memory. He creates one-of-a-kind designs for each client and does not reuse artwork. Tak’s husband, an art director, assists with the design process. “Creating the design often takes longer than the tattoo itself,” K Tak said, noting that he sometimes develops concepts for a full week to capture important life moments.
The first design K Tak drew as a tattoo was a banana, inspiring the name of his studio, Banana Tattoo LA, near Koreatown in Los Angeles. He is now incorporating Korean cultural motifs into his work and plans to share aspects of Korean culture during lectures. He also promotes “K-tattoo” (Korean-inspired tattoo), blending traditional patterns with contemporary tattoo design.
K Tak hopes the program will broaden understanding of tattoos among Korean American communities. He notes that tattoos are widely accepted in the United States as art and personal expression, while negative views persist in Korean society and among some Korean Americans. He wants to help change that through teaching and practice. K Tak believes the UCLA tattoo course can be a catalyst for that shift.
BY YEONGCHAE SONG [song.yeongchae@koreadaily.com]
