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The Challenge
South Korea follows strict ICAO biometric standards for passport photos—35×45mm, head height 32-36mm measured from crown (not hair) to chin, white background only. Korean immigration uses automated clearance systems that reject non-compliant photos. Professional studios charge ₩10,000-20,000. One wrong measurement = delayed passport and missed travel.
South Korean passport photo requirements (ICAO standard)
The Republic of Korea follows ICAO Document 9303 guidelines for passport photographs. Photos must be 35×45mm in colour on photographic paper (not regular paper). Head height is measured from the crown—the top of the skull excluding hair—to the bottom of the chin, and must be 32-36mm. This is critical: Korea measures from crown, not from the top of the hair. White background is mandatory with no frame, shadows, or other objects. Korean automated immigration clearance systems (including airport e-gates) use the passport photo for facial recognition, so compliance is essential for smooth border crossing.
Critical: Head height is measured from CROWN, not top of hair
- Korea measures 32-36mm from crown (top of skull) to chin—NOT from top of hair
- Voluminous or tall hairstyles: the visible hair above the crown does NOT count toward head height
- The full head including hair must still fit within the 45mm frame
- Both the top of hair and bottom of chin must be visible in the photo
- This is the most common source of confusion for Korean passport photos
South Korea passport photo requirements checklist
- 35×45mm dimensions, colour, on photographic paper
- Head height 32-36mm from crown (top of skull excluding hair) to chin
- Full head visible from top of hair to bottom of chin
- Plain white background with no frame, shadows, or objects
- Taken within last 6 months
- Face and shoulders front-view, aligned toward camera
- Neutral expression—no smiling, no frowning
- Mouth closed
- Eyes open, looking directly at camera
- No coloured contact lenses
- No tinted glasses or sunglasses
- No glasses unless prescription (frames must not cover eyes)
- No white clothing (cannot be distinguished from background)
- Pale clothing is permitted if distinguishable from background
- No hats or head coverings (religious attire permitted if worn daily)
- Full face visible—forehead to chin, not covered by hair or accessories
- No Photoshop or digital modifications
- No red-eye
Common rejection reasons
- Head height outside 32-36mm range (measured crown to chin, not hair to chin)
- White clothing blending with white background
- Coloured contact lenses (explicitly prohibited by Korean authorities)
- Photoshop modifications or beauty filters detected
- Shadows on face or background
- Flash reflection in pupils or glasses
- Printed on regular paper instead of photographic paper
- Face partially covered by hair, accessories, or glasses
- Smiling or mouth open
- Head tilted or turned to one side
- Red-eye not corrected
How to print South Korean passport photos at home
- Paper: Use photographic paper (required). Regular paper prints will be rejected. Available at Daiso, stationery shops, or online.
- Printer settings: Select highest quality, 100% scale (no 'fit to page'), colour mode.
- Paper size: Choose 4R (102×152mm) for 4-6 photos, or A4 for larger sheets.
- Cutting: Use sharp scissors or paper trimmer. Cut precisely along grey guide lines.
- Size verification: Final photos must measure exactly 35×45mm. Use ruler to confirm.
- Alternative: Print at photo booth (즉석사진) in subway stations, convenience stores, or photo studios. Cost: ₩5,000-8,000.
- Note: Korean passport applications require in-person submission—no online application exists. Bring printed photos.
One photo format for passport, visa, and ARC
South Korea uses the same 35×45mm format for passport applications, embassy visa submissions, and Alien Registration Card (ARC) applications. Same dimensions, same head height, same background rules. Create one compliant photo and use it for multiple applications within the 6-month validity period. For K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorization), a separate digital format is required—use the dedicated K-ETA photo tool.
Good vs bad South Korean passport photo examples
Taking passport photos of infants under 24 months
- Same requirements as adults apply, with one exception below.
- Infants who cannot close their mouth may open it slightly and show teeth.
- Infant's toys or guardian must not be in the picture.
- Infant must be looking at the camera.
- Lay baby on white blanket or sheet for overhead photo.
- Use natural light to avoid shadows—no flash on infant's face.
- Guardian's hands must not be visible in the photo.
- Take multiple shots—expect 15-20 attempts for one compliant photo.
Korean visa photo requirements
Korean embassy visa applications (tourist, work, student, E-series, D-series, F-series visas) use identical 35×45mm specifications as passport photos. Two printed photos typically required for paper-based embassy submissions, though requirements vary by consulate. Some consulates accept scanned digital versions for certain visa types—verify with your specific Korean consulate before applying. For the K-ETA electronic travel authorization, a separate digital photo format is needed.
Alien Registration Card (ARC) photo
Foreign nationals living in South Korea must apply for an Alien Registration Card at their local immigration office within 90 days of arrival. The ARC application requires a 35×45mm photo meeting the same specifications as passport photos. Bring printed photos on photographic paper to the immigration office. Photo booths at immigration offices are available but often have long queues—prepare photos in advance.
Cost comparison: DIY vs professional in South Korea
- Professional photo studio (사진관): ₩10,000-20,000 for passport photos
- Subway station photo booth (즉석사진): ₩5,000-8,000 for 4-6 photos
- Convenience store photo printing: ₩1,000-3,000 per sheet
- This tool: Free. Print at home for ₩500-1,000 per sheet (photographic paper + ink)
- Savings: ₩5,000-19,000 per application
- Tip: Photo booths in major subway stations (Seoul, Busan) produce ICAO-compliant photos automatically
Need a K-ETA photo instead?
K-ETA (Korean Electronic Travel Authorization) requires a separate digital photo format: max 700 pixels wide, ≤100KB, JPG/PNG. The K-ETA portal does not accept 35×45mm print-format photos. Use the dedicated K-ETA photo tool for digital submissions to the K-ETA portal.
Official Korean Government Resources
- Passport Photo Requirements — Republic of Korea Official ICAO-compliant passport photo specifications from Korean government
- Korea Immigration Service — Passport Information Korea Immigration Service for visa and ARC applications
- K-ETA Official Portal Korean Electronic Travel Authorization for visa-exempt travellers
Step-by-Step Workflow
Upload Photo
Position Head Using Guidelines
Select Enhancement
Download or Print Sheet
Specifications
- Photo Size
- 35×45 mm (3.5×4.5 cm)
- Resolution
- 826×1063 pixels at 600 DPI
- Head Height
- 32-36 mm crown to chin (71-80% of frame)
- Measurement
- Crown (top of head excluding hair) to bottom of chin
- Background
- Plain white, no frame
- Recency
- Taken within last 6 months
- Expression
- Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open
- Paper Type
- Photographic paper (not regular paper)
- Valid For
- Passport, visa, Alien Registration Card (ARC)
Best Practices
- Head height 32-36mm is measured from CROWN (top of skull) to chin—NOT from top of hair
- No coloured contact lenses—this is explicitly prohibited by Korean authorities
- No white clothing—it blends with the required white background. Pale colours OK if distinguishable
- Photographic paper required—regular printer paper will be rejected
- No Photoshop or digital modifications—Korean authorities explicitly check for this
- Same 35×45mm format works for passport, embassy visa, and ARC applications
- Korean passports require in-person application—bring printed photos to the passport office
- For K-ETA, use the separate K-ETA photo tool (different digital format required)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are South Korean passport photo requirements?
35×45mm colour photo on photographic paper with plain white background. Head height 32-36mm measured from crown (top of skull, not hair) to chin. Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes open. No coloured contacts, no white clothing, no Photoshop. Taken within last 6 months. Follows ICAO Document 9303 guidelines.
How is head height measured for Korean passport photos?
From the crown—the top of the skull excluding hair—to the bottom of the chin. This is 32-36mm. Hair above the crown does not count toward the measurement. The full head including hair must still be visible in the frame. This is the most common point of confusion.
Can I use the same photo for passport, visa, and ARC?
Yes. Korean passport, embassy visa applications, and Alien Registration Card all use identical 35×45mm specifications. One photo works for all if taken within 6 months. K-ETA requires a separate digital format.
Can I wear coloured contact lenses?
No. Korean authorities explicitly prohibit coloured contact lenses in passport photos. You must also avoid tinted glasses and sunglasses. Regular prescription glasses are permitted if frames do not cover the eyes and there is no flash reflection.
Can I apply for a Korean passport online?
No. Korean passport applications require in-person submission at a passport office. You must bring printed photos on photographic paper. There is no online application portal for Korean passports.
Why can't I wear white clothing?
Korea requires a plain white background. White clothing cannot be distinguished from the background, which compromises biometric identification and automated immigration systems. Pale clothing is permitted if clearly distinguishable from white.
Can I use Photoshop to edit my photo?
No. Korean authorities explicitly state that Photoshop-modified photos are not permitted. This includes retouching, beauty filters, skin smoothing, or any digital alteration. The photo must show your natural, unmodified appearance.
What are the rules for infant passport photos?
Infants under 24 months follow the same requirements as adults, with one exception: an infant who cannot close their mouth may open it slightly and show teeth. No toys or guardian's hands may be visible. The infant must look at the camera.
Where can I get passport photos in South Korea?
Photo studios (사진관) cost ₩10,000-20,000. Subway station photo booths (즉석사진) cost ₩5,000-8,000 for 4-6 photos. Convenience store printing costs ₩1,000-3,000. DIY with this tool is free plus ₩500-1,000 for photographic paper.
Do I need this for K-ETA?
No. K-ETA requires a different digital format: max 700 pixels wide, ≤100KB, JPG/PNG. Use the dedicated K-ETA photo tool. This passport photo tool generates 35×45mm print-ready photos which are not suitable for K-ETA portal upload.