The bodies of dozens of female models were turned into living canvases at a festival in Seoul this weekend, as delicate brush strokes and flamboyant illustrations covered up their bare skin.

Near-naked women -- wearing only panties and strategically placed pieces of tape on their breasts -- packed the 2017 Daegu International Bodypainting Festival, surrounded by teams of artists and onlookers.

Top artists from across the world took part in the event South Korea's southeastern city, as their female subjects strutted across the stage in high heeled shoes and exotic headdresses to display their dazzling body art before the cameras.

"I've never been naked anywhere but around my husband," American participant Neome Mullenberg told AFP as artists, equipped with spray paint and brushes, diligently worked on her body.

"The weirdest part is that I feel like I'm fully clothed," Mullenberg said, adding that the camera flashes and gazes from strangers did not bother her. 

"It's amazing how paint can make you feel like you're clothed."

In just six hours, the models were turned into walking works of art as they strutted down an open air stage in front of hundreds of spectators.

One model was transformed into an elegant blue and green peacock, while another looked as if she had just popped out of a fantasy novel, adorned with a pharaoh-like headpiece and with images of the Greek gods painted on her body.

Italian artist Anna Chapovalov said recommendations from her colleagues and photos from previous events were enough to get her to jump on a plane from Austin, Texas for this year's festival.

"I loved how the event was organized. It's worth it," Chapovalov said.

The artists, who compete for cash prizes, are judged on a range of criteria including the use of colour, painting techniques and originality.