I’m Haesol, a tattoo artist in Seoul with ten years of experience. Animal and creature work — snakes, tigers, birds — is where my Korean-traditional (Minhwa) roots meet blackwork and realism. I build each piece around the wearer’s story and the body’s natural lines, control tonal depth by hand, and can cover burn or surgical scars. By appointment; booking through Instagram @tattooist_haesol.
For Korean traditional (Minhwa) tattoo work by the same artist Haesol Choi, visit onsil.ink.
Animals carry meaning, so I never start from a stock flash sheet. We talk first: what the creature means to you, where it sits on the body, how it should move with you. Only then do I draw a one-off design.
Snake work is a good example of the range. I do it in tight black-and-grey with hand-controlled tonal gradient for scale depth, in bolder blackwork when the piece needs weight, and in realism when the brief is a living, dynamic head following the collarbone and shoulder line. A snake coiled with flowers is one of my recurring compositions — change and growth read together.
My signature stays Korean-traditional. Tigers, magpies and other creatures from Minhwa painting are the work I’m known for, and they sit naturally alongside contemporary blackwork rather than fighting it.
I also take cover-ups, including large burn and surgical scars — a snake-and-flower wrap is one design that hides heavy scarring while standing on its own as a piece.
FAQ
Can you cover a scar or burn with an animal design?
Yes. Scar and burn cover-up is part of my regular work; a flowing animal-and-flower composition hides heavy scarring well. Bring a clear photo when you enquire and I’ll tell you honestly what’s realistic.
How is aftercare handled?
Keep the area clean and moisturise it diligently for about two weeks — that single habit decides how cleanly the piece settles. I walk you through it in detail at the session.
How do I book?
Message me on Instagram @tattooist_haesol or my Kakao open chat with a reference image, placement and rough size. I work by appointment in Seoul and same-day slots are sometimes possible.
