Woman Says South Korean Temple Barred Her Entry Because of Tattoos

A woman’s account of being stopped at a South Korean temple because of her tattoos has sparked an online debate about religious etiquette and visitor rules.

The woman said she visited Haedong Yonggungsa Temple in Gijang County, Busan, on the 28th to worship. After removing her shoes at the entrance to a worship hall, she said a temple staff member gestured for her to stop and told her she could not enter.

When she asked whether her shorts were the reason, the staff member reportedly replied that the shorts were part of the problem, but that her tattoos also meant she could not go inside. The woman said the staff member’s look at her tattoos and gestures appeared to push her out, leaving her uncomfortable.

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You cannot come in.

She said she understood that temples could have standards for clothing and worship etiquette, but asked whether restricting entry because of tattoos represented Haedong Yonggungsa’s official policy. She also questioned whether visitors were told about such a rule in advance and whether any criteria applied to the number or size of tattoos.

Online commenters said the woman’s clothing and tattoos were inappropriate for a religious facility. Photos she posted showed tattoos on several parts of her body, including her legs, arms, neck and shoulders. Some commenters argued that visitors should cover extensive tattoos when entering religious sites and make at least an effort to respect the setting.

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It is also because of your tattoo.