South Korea Passport Photo Requirements (2026)
Planning to visit, work, or study in South Korea? 🇰🇷 Whether you're applying for a K-Pop concert visa, teaching English in Seoul, or getting your Korean passport renewed, you'll need photos that meet Korean Immigration Service standards. The good news? It's pretty straightforward once you know the rules!
Korean authorities are quite particular about photo quality – they use biometric scanning at airports, so your photo needs to be spot-on. Our tool handles all the technical stuff automatically, so you can focus on looking your best. Let's break down what you need! 😊
Official Korean Photo Specifications
| Photo Dimensions | 35mm × 45mm (width × height) |
| Digital Size | 413 × 531 pixels (minimum) |
| Face Height | 25mm to 35mm (chin to top of head) |
| Background | Plain white, no patterns or shadows |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open |
| Glasses | Not allowed (removed since 2018) |
| Photo Age | Taken within last 6 months |
| File Format | JPEG (for online applications) |
Photos for Korean Documents
Korean Passport ()
For Korean citizens. Biometric passport valid for 10 years.
Create Now → Full Guide →Korean Photo Guidelines
Pro Tip for K-Visa Applicants
Korean Immigration is pretty strict about photo quality. The most common rejection reasons are: wearing glasses, shadows on face, or blurry images. Take your photo in natural daylight near a window for best results! Our tool will handle the rest. 📸
Do's ( )
- • Face camera directly, head straight
- • Both eyes open, looking at camera
- • Pure white background only
- • Natural skin tone, even lighting
- • Show ears clearly (push hair back)
Don'ts ( )
- • No glasses (any type)
- • No colored contact lenses
- • No hats or head coverings
- • No smiling or open mouth
- • No photo filters or retouching
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I take a Korean passport photo? ▼
In Korea, you can visit any 사진관 (photo studio) – they're everywhere near subway stations and government offices. But honestly? You can save money and time by using our free online tool! Just take a photo with your phone against a white wall, upload it, and we'll format it perfectly. Works great for both embassy applications abroad and renewal in Korea. 📱
Is K-ETA photo the same as visa photo? ▼
Yes! K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) uses the same photo specifications as the Korean visa – 35×45mm with white background. The same photo works for K-ETA, tourist visa, and any Korean immigration application. One photo fits all! 🎯
Can I wear makeup in Korean passport photo? ▼
Yes, light natural makeup is fine! Just avoid heavy contouring, dramatic eye makeup, or anything that significantly changes your appearance. The goal is for immigration officers to easily match the photo to your face. K-beauty natural look is perfect! ✨
How recent should my Korean visa photo be? ▼
Your photo must be taken within the last 6 months. If you've had major appearance changes (different hairstyle, significant weight change, grew a beard), take a new photo even if the old one is recent. Immigration should be able to recognize you immediately!
Ready to Create Your Korean Photo?
Our free tool creates immigration-compliant photos instantly. Works for Korean passport, K-Visa, ARC, student visa, work permit – everything! No signup needed.
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