In Korea, there’s one crucial step standing between you and your accepted passport to travel around this amazing world – getting an approved passport photo.
Korea has some of the strictest passport photo rules in the world. Even the smallest violation can derail your entire application. From precise size dimensions to strict guidelines on your expression to your clothing, you must take everything right .
But don’t worry, this guide breaks down all the Korean passport photo requirements, tips, and tricks to ensure your passport photo is pixel-perfect and application-ready.
Technical and personal requirements
Korean Passport Photo Requirements in 2024
| Requirement | Specifications |
| Size | 35mm x 45mm (approximately 1.38 inches x 1.77 inches) |
| Head Size | 25-35mm from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head |
| Background | Plain white or very light background |
| Color | Full color |
| Expression | Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible |
| Attire | Everyday clothing. No uniforms (unless religious). Head coverings only allowed for religious or medical reasons. |
| Glasses | May be worn if they don’t obscure eyes or create reflections/shadows. Thick frames should be avoided. |
| Image Quality | Clear, sharp focus, no creases, stains, or alterations |
| Recency | Taken within the past 6 months |
Korean passport photo size and dimension
The official Korean passport photo requirements mandate specific dimensions and head size parameters. For the photo dimensions, the Korean passport photo size must be 35mm wide by 45mm tall (approximately 1.38 inches x 1.77 inches). This 35mm x 45mm size specification is a strict requirement for all Korean passport photos. In terms of head size, the passport photo rules state that the head, measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin, should range between 25mm to 35mm in height. Photos where the head size falls outside this 25mm to 35mm range are subject to rejection.
For digital passport photos submitted electronically, Korean passport photo guidelines recommend a minimum resolution of 300 pixels per inch (PPI). A 300 PPI resolution ensures clarity and detail in the Korean passport photo when printed. Lower resolutions may result in an unacceptable blurry or pixelated passport photo.
Background Requirements
The background specification for an official Korean passport photo is a pure white color with no patterns or objects. The Republic of Korea’s passport photo background rules mandate this plain white backdrop. In terms of color values, the acceptable white background shade must fall within the range of RGB 245 to 255. Any backgrounds outside this RGB range that appear too bright, dull, or off-white risk rejection.
The material for the passport photo backdrop should be non-reflective with a matte finish to prevent any glare or sheen. Improper backdrops like glossy paper can create unwanted reflections. Proper lighting setup is also crucial, with Korean passport authorities requiring evenly distributed lighting across the background without any shadows, hot spots, or unevenness. Shadows or uneven lighting introduce unnecessary contrast and may obscure facial features.
Facial Expression and Pose
Korean passport photo regulations have strict requirements for facial expressions and head positioning. A neutral facial expression with a closed mouth and no smiling is mandatory. The passport photo subject’s eyes must be open, clearly visible, and free from obstructions like hair or shadows. Failure to meet the neutral expression or visible eyes rules can result in rejection of the Korean passport photo.
Specific guidelines also govern the angle and position of the head in the passport photo. The head must face forward, with the face centered and looking directly at the camera. Tilting or angling the head to the side is not allowed. Furthermore, the Korean passport photo head position rules state that both ears must be visible on each side. Adhering to these head angle and ear visibility guidelines is critical.
Attire and Grooming Standards
For clothing in a Korean passport photo, the guidelines allow everyday casual or formal attire. Uniforms of any kind are not permitted, except for religious garments.
Hats, caps and head coverings are generally prohibited unless worn for religious or medical reasons backed by proper documentation. The passport photo subject should have a groomed, professional appearance.
Glasses may be worn in the Korean passport photo if they do not obstruct the eyes or create reflections or shadows on the face. However, thick or tinted frames should be avoided as they can obscure facial features. If glasses are not an everyday necessity, removing them for the passport photo session is recommended.
Recency of the Photo
Korean passport photo requirements mandate the submitted photo must have been taken within the past 6 months. Passport photos older than 6 months run a high risk of rejection due to changing appearances over time. However, exceptions may be granted for older photos if the applicant’s appearance has remained consistent with no significant changes to facial features, hair style/color, or other identifying characteristics
Even for recently taken passport photos, Korean officials scrutinize the accuracy in depicting the applicant’s current appearance. Any major changes in appearance between when the photo was taken and the passport submission, such as weight gain/loss, different hair styles, or presence/absence of glasses, can lead to rejection and a request for an updated photo.
Also read more about passport photo requirements in other Asian countries:
Exceptions and Special Cases
While stringent, Korean passport photo rules do allow some exceptions for special cases. Infants and very young children may have slightly different requirements, such as allowing photos taken closer than 6 months prior. Accommodations for disabilities and medical conditions that impact appearance, like hair loss or facial paralysis, are evaluated on a case-by-case basis with proper documentation.
Submission and Processing
Proper Photo Submission
For submitting a Korean passport photo, the acceptable formats depend on the application channel. Physical in-person applications at Korean embassies or consulates require printed passport photos on high-quality photo paper accompanying the paperwork.
However, some Korean diplomatic missions offer online application systems where applicants must upload a digital passport photo file adhering to their specified file formats, likely .jpg or .png, with maximum file size restrictions
The processing timeline for Korean passport photo approval aligns with the overall application processing time, which varies based on location and workload. Consult the official website of the specific Korean embassy or consulate for their current standard processing estimate. An expedited processing option, subject to additional fees, may be available to shorten the entire application process, including photo approval.
How to get professional photos for Korea passport/visa
To obtain Korean passport photos professionally, you can search for “passport photo studios near me” to find specialty stores dedicated to official ID and travel document photos.
Ensure general photo studios have explicit experience with Korean passport requirements before booking. Some retail stores with photo centers may offer this service if they are knowledgeable about the specific Korean specifications.
During the appointment, clearly communicate needing photos for a Korean passport application to ensure proper capturing. Review all photos at the studio for regulation compliance before leaving. Request multiple printed sets as a precaution in case reprints are needed.
Typical costs range from $10 to $25 or more for a basic passport photo package.
Taking Korean passport/visa photos at home
Step 1: DIY Photo Setup
Do you want to take a Korean passport photo setup at home? The essential equipment includes
- a digital camera or smartphone with a high-resolution camera
- a plain white backdrop like a poster board or large sheet of paper.
Natural lighting, such as facing a window or using a ring light, produces optimal results. However, avoid direct sunlight which can create harsh shadows. Proper overhead and front-facing lighting eliminates shadows on the background.
Step 2: Take the photo
Adjust the camera to take portrait photos
Step 3: Edit photos by Photo Editing Software
After capturing the raw images, photo editing software is necessary for cropping and resizing to the exact 35mm x 45mm dimensions required for Korean passport photo size.
Free tools like Microsoft Photos or online editors can handle basic cropping, resizing, and adjusting brightness/contrast levels to ensure proper exposure.
Premium editing suites like Adobe Photoshop offer more advanced capabilities for meeting stringent Korean specifications.
For the easiest way, you can use tools like Passportmaker.ai to automatically edit your photos by AI.
Conclusion
While Korean passport photo requirements are notoriously strict, avoiding common pitfalls is straightforward with proper preparation. The most frequent reasons for rejection – incorrect sizing, poor lighting, or problematic attire and expressions – can all be prevented by carefully reviewing your photos against the official guidelines before submission.
However, if your passport photo does get denied, don’t panic. Having a backup plan like additional photo sessions scheduled or digital copies ready for reprints will allow you to quickly resubmit a compliant set. Maintaining vigilance during re-takes by cross-checking every detail against the requirements is crucial to ultimately getting that passport approved.
With some upfront knowledge, the right photo setup, and contingencies in place, nailing the Korean passport photo process is an eminently achievable goal. Proper planning prevents costly delays and re-dos, paving the way for seamless travel document approval.
