With years of experience in the tattoo industry, Horikaka, a young and talented tattoo artist based in Busan, has earned recognition not only in South Korea but also internationally. His impressive portfolio has been showcased at various prestigious tattoo conventions around the world. Today, we are honored to have an exclusive interview with Horikaka, where he shares insights into his artistic journey, creative process, and the influences that shape his unique style.
For the readers who are not familiar with you, how would you introduce yourself?
Hello this is HORIKAKA who is doing the Traditional Japanese style in South Korea; the country which is closest to Japan.
Where did your fascination for tattoos come from?
As life. Everything around me is changing. Although my values, my friends, my fashion style, such so on, but the tattoos I endured the pain to get and carved into my customers, has an unchanging fascination.
At what point in your life, you became a professional tattoo artist?
After getting my first tattoo at the age of 26, I made up my mind to become a tattooist.
Where are you based?
I am currently working in South Korea, where tattooing is illegal.
How would you describe the tattoo scene in your South Korea these days?
South Korea is a highly competitive country in all aspects. Although we have developed outstanding tattooists amidst fierce competition and have many talented tattooists. The ironic situation is that tattooing is illegal.
How would you define your current tattoo style and how did you end up focusing on it?
I was born and raised in Busan, South Korea. Busan is the closet city form South Korea to Japan also the city that very close to Japanese culture. That is how I naturally started getting traditional Japanese style in Busan.
Please walk us through your process when you start a new tattoo for your customers.
The traditional Japanese Irezumi tattoo is a kind of tattoo style with strict rules for itself. First of all I will listen to the customers’ needs and if there is anything does not comply with the rules, I will exclude those points by thoroughly explanation. Then I will try to fit my tattoo style in the customer project. That is the way I work with my customers.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a tattoo artist in 2025?
Until now, I mostly did guest work in Asia but I plan expand my working experience in Europe and the United States in 2025. This my personal challange.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a tattoo artist?
When I complete a big piece of work that takes a long time to make. Some big works may take may years. When I’m finished, it makes me feel like the customer graduated. That is the most meaningful and rewarding aspect for me.
What’s your experience at tattoo conventions so far?
Tattoo conventions are always a new stimulus for me and a catalyst that gives me new motivation.
Did you ever participate at any tattoo contest?
Yes and I won the second place in the Newcomer Award at my first overseas convention in 2015. I also won the Best of Show prize at the Taiwan Tattoo Convention in 2016. After that tattoo conventions have not been for the purpose of competitions, but as judges for me.
What’s your primary reason to attend a tattoo convention?
The main reason for attending tattoo conventions is that I can go to see the great art works from the artist I like in person. I gained a lot of inspiration and self blame there, which became an opportunity for me to review and develop myself.
How do you think tattoo conventions could improve for the artists and the public?
I feel that the tattoo conventions all around the world are improving, developing better in their own direction year after year. All I do is to just enjoy it more every year.
What’s your favorite tattoo convention so far? And why?
My favorite convention is called the Formosa Tattoo Convention held in Taichung, Taiwan. I have been attending it every year for the past 3 years. It provides new highlights and amazing fun every year and it is a convention which you can feel how much the organizers care about the artists, the customers and the public. I am also attending the Formosa Tattoo Convention this year in November and I am really looking forward to it.
What advice would you offer to someone considering a career as a tattoo artist?
Most beginners who are learning tattooing for the first time must have a lot of passion. However, how long you can do tattoos depends on how long that passion lasts. If you do not lose your passion and burn constantly, you will see yourself burning higher one day.
Who are the people you admire the most within the tattoo community?
As a Traditional Japanese style tattooist, I absolutely respect Horiyoshi 3, and Asakusa Horiyasu. They are legends that need no introduction in this area.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a tattoo artist?
Officially, being a judge after winning the championship at a tattoo convention could be my biggest accomplishment, but I think my biggest accomplishment is to be a member of the Pro Teams at my favorite tattoo suppliers: I am currently receiving support from EZ Tattoo Supply with machines and needles, from Quantum for tattoo inks and from Dong Ho Tattoo Cream, with stencil paper, cleaner and other supplies. I can confidently say that all of them are perfect products and I really enjoy using them.
How do you stay at the top of your game?
Tattoo artists are also artists. The artist’s life end at the moment of vanity. Always stay humble and continue to improve. Try to maintain the best state of your body and mind.
Do you do other forms of art besides tattooing?
Oh, I am a fool who dose not know anything but tattoos.
What are your goals or dreams for the near future?
As mentioned before, I won the championship at the 2016 Kaohsiung Tattoo Convention. Afterwards, I served as a judge at many other tattoo conventions. My biggest goal now is to train my students to win championship at tattoo conventions.
Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
Do you know HORIKAKA now ;-)?
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