Getting your South Korean passport photo right the first time matters. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) enforces strict biometric standards — a 35×45mm frame, precise head-height measurements, both ears visible, an all-white background, and no glasses. Photos that miss any of these specifications are rejected outright, which delays your application and costs you another trip to the photo shop. Passport Photo Maker handles the crop, framing, and background automatically so your photo meets every MOFA requirement before you submit.
A South Korea passport photo must be 35 mm wide by 45 mm tall (1.38 × 1.77 inches) on a plain white or very light grey background, with the face measuring 32–36 mm from chin to crown, both ears visible, no glasses, and taken within the last 6 months. At 300 DPI that equals 413 × 531 pixels.
| Requirement | Value |
|---|---|
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm / 1.38 × 1.77 in) |
| Aspect ratio | 7 : 9 portrait |
| Pixels @ 300 DPI | 413 × 531 px |
| Pixels @ 600 DPI | 826 × 1062 px |
| Face height (chin to crown) | 32 – 36 mm |
| Background | Plain white or very light grey |
| Ears | Both must be visible |
| Glasses | Not permitted |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed, both eyes open |
| Age of photo | Within the last 6 months |
| Issuing authority | Ministry of Foreign Affairs (외교부, MOFA) |
The 35 × 45 mm frame is shared with the UK, Schengen area and Australia — see the 35x45 photo size guide for the full cross-country comparison, or browse every national standard in the requirements by country hub.
The diagrams below mark every measurement a MOFA officer checks: the 35 × 45 mm frame, the 32–36 mm chin-to-crown face height, and the requirement that both ears stay visible.
Resizing a photo to 35×45mm sounds simple — until you try to do it correctly. Biometric framing means the face must sit within a specific zone, not just centered. Getting the head-height ratio right, removing the background cleanly, and outputting the image at the correct DPI for printing all require precision that most generic photo editors don't provide. Here's what happens automatically when you upload:
Your photo is cropped to the exact dimensions MOFA specifies, no guessing or manual pixel counting.
Face detection positions your head within the 32–36mm height zone required by MOFA standards.
Any background is removed and replaced with a compliant white or light gray background automatically.
Download a printable 4×6" sheet with multiple passport-size photos arranged for home or lab printing.
Output files meet the minimum 300 DPI resolution required for clear, sharp passport photos.
No design software, subscriptions, or manual measurements. Upload, verify, download — done.
All specifications below are based on official Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) guidelines. Verify any changes at the MOFA Passport Portal before submitting. Each rule links to the detailed standard in our passport photo rules library.
| Specification | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm | Width × Height (approx. 1.38 × 1.77 in) |
| Aspect Ratio | 7 : 9 portrait | Not square — a US 2×2 photo cannot be reused |
| Pixels @ 300 DPI | 413 × 531 px | 826 × 1062 px at 600 DPI |
| Background | Plain white or light gray | No patterns, shadows, or colored surfaces — see background colour rules |
| Face Height | 32–36 mm | Measured from chin to top of head (not to hair peak) — see head size rules |
| Face Coverage | Roughly 70–80% of frame height | See face size requirements |
| Eye Line | Horizontal and centred | Interpupillary line must be level — see eyes requirements |
| Ears | Both must be visible | Hair covering either ear can cause rejection — see ears visibility rules |
| Hair | Must not cover eyes or ears | Pull hair back before shooting — see hair rules |
| Lighting | Even and diffuse | No shadow on face or background — see shadow rules |
| Resolution | Minimum 300 DPI | Required for print clarity — see resolution rules |
| File Format (Digital) | JPEG / JPG | PNG accepted at some digital portals — confirm with office |
| Color | Full color | Black-and-white photos not accepted |
| Glasses | Not permitted | All eyewear must be removed — see glasses rules |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed | Both eyes open, face directly facing camera — see smile rules |
| Head Covering | Not permitted | Exception: religious headwear with document — see head covering rules |
| Photo Age | Within 6 months | Must reflect current appearance |
| Copies Required | 1, sometimes 2 | Varies by office and application type — confirm before your visit |
| Print Media | Glossy or matte photo paper | Plain or inkjet paper is refused — see print at home guide |
| Digital Submission | Supported | Via online renewal portal (전자여권); check eligibility |
| Shadows | Not permitted | No shadows on face or background |
| Retouching | Not permitted | No filters, digital manipulation, or beauty retouching |
Digital submissions: For the electronic passport renewal system (전자여권 / 전자민원), digital photo file size and pixel dimensions may have additional requirements. Always confirm on the official MOFA portal at passport.go.kr.
MOFA publishes the photo size in millimetres, but the online renewal portal validates the file in pixels. Both describe the same photo. The conversion is millimetres ÷ 25.4 × DPI, which gives 413 × 531 pixels at the standard 300 DPI.
| DPI | Pixel size | Accepted? |
|---|---|---|
| 72 DPI (screen) | 99 × 127 px | No — far below minimum |
| 150 DPI | 207 × 266 px | No — below biometric minimum |
| 300 DPI (standard) | 413 × 531 px | Yes — the standard |
| 600 DPI (high-res) | 826 × 1062 px | Yes — accepted |
Enlarging a small photo does not work. Upscaling a 207 × 266 pixel image to 413 × 531 interpolates rather than adding detail, and the result is soft around the eyes and hairline — automated checks measure sharpness and refuse it. Always shoot wide and crop down.
Compare with the 2x2 photo size used by the US and India, or see every national format in the passport size photo dimensions reference. For reframing a wide source image, the crop guide explains how the 7:9 ratio and face-height band are applied together.
Understanding where and how your photo is used during the application process helps you avoid submission errors. Here is the standard process for a South Korean resident applying for a new passport or renewal:
Gather your completed passport application form (여권발급신청서), current national ID (주민등록증), existing passport (for renewals), and 1–2 compliant 35×45mm photos. Some offices accept an online form submission with a digital photo instead.
First-time applicants typically visit a regional passport office (여권민원실). Renewal applicants may use their local district office (주민센터) or the online renewal system if they hold a valid electronic passport.
Present your documents and compliant passport photo at the counter. Officials compare the submitted photo against MOFA's biometric checklist at this stage. A non-compliant photo will be rejected, and you'll be asked to return with a new one.
Fees vary based on passport type (5-year vs 10-year) and number of pages (24 or 48 pages). Standard processing fees in South Korea range from approximately ₩15,000 to ₩53,000 depending on the document requested.
Standard processing takes approximately 4–7 business days in South Korea. Expedited options may be available at select offices. Overseas applications through Korean embassies can take 2–4 weeks. You'll receive a notice to collect your passport in person.
South Korea's passport photo requirements align closely with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) biometric standards but include a few Korea-specific points worth knowing before you take your photo:
South Korea was one of the last major passport-issuing countries to remove all glasses from permitted photo items. As of the most recent MOFA update, no glasses of any type — prescription, sunglasses, or decorative — are permitted. This applies even if your glasses cannot be removed for medical reasons (in such cases, contact MOFA directly for special documentation requirements). Full detail on how other authorities handle eyewear is in our glasses rules guide.
MOFA requires that both ears are visible in the photo. This is a genuine point of difference from the UK and Schengen standards, where ear visibility is not mandatory. Hair covering one or both ears may result in rejection, so pull your hair back before taking your photo. See ears visibility rules and hair rules.
Your head must face the camera directly — no tilting up, down, left, or right. The interpupillary line (an imaginary line between the eyes) must be horizontal and centered in the frame. See face position rules.
For physical submissions, photos must be printed on standard glossy or matte photographic paper. Inkjet printouts on plain paper or photos with a visible paper texture are typically rejected. Printer settings and paper choice are covered in print passport photo at home.
Your photo must show your natural skin tone and facial features. Skin smoothing, colour filters, exposure adjustments, or beauty enhancements — even subtle ones — are prohibited. Switch off portrait mode and any beautification setting before you shoot. Passport Photo Maker applies background removal only and does not alter your facial appearance.
MOFA applies the same 35×45mm dimension rules and the same 32–36 mm face-height band to children's passport photos, but makes practical accommodations for infants and very young children who cannot follow standard posing instructions.
For children aged 7 and under, minor allowances may apply for expression and posture. When in doubt, bring 2–3 photo options to the district office so the officer can select the most compliant one.
Positioning, lighting and timing technique for newborns and toddlers is covered step by step in our baby passport photo at home guide.
Yes — and more applicants are doing it. Taking your passport photo at home is acceptable under MOFA rules, provided the final printed or digital image meets all specifications. Here's how to do it right:
Any modern smartphone camera (12MP or higher) is sufficient. Use the rear camera rather than the front-facing selfie camera, which often introduces distortion at close range. Have someone else take the photo rather than using a selfie mode. If your phone saves HEIC files, convert to JPEG first using our HEIC to JPEG guide.
Use even, diffused natural light from a window — ideally facing you, not behind you. Avoid direct sunlight which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, position two light sources on either side of your face to eliminate side shadows. Overhead lighting alone creates unflattering under-eye shadows that MOFA may flag.
Hang a white bed sheet or stand in front of a white or very light gray wall. The background must be completely plain — no artwork, furniture, doorframes, or patterns in the background area. If your background isn't perfectly white, Passport Photo Maker can replace it automatically upon upload.
Position yourself approximately 1 to 1.5 metres (3–5 feet) from the camera, and keep at least 50 cm clear of the wall behind you so no shadow falls on it. Your head and upper shoulders should fill the frame. Avoid being too close (face appears distorted) or too far away (face is too small to crop correctly).
South Korea operates an online passport renewal system (전자여권 온라인 발급) available through the MOFA passport portal at passport.go.kr. Not all applicants qualify — the online system is generally limited to adult renewal applicants who already hold a valid South Korean electronic passport (e-passport).
When you download your South Korea passport photo from Passport Photo Maker, choose the JPEG format at 300 DPI to ensure digital portal compatibility. The tool outputs a file sized appropriately for both print and digital use.
If your export is above the portal's ceiling, the reduce file size guide and compress to 240 KB guide cover how to shrink the file without dropping below the pixel minimum. Broader portal rules are in the digital passport photo requirements guide.
Online passport renewal via the MOFA portal is not available to first-time applicants, to applicants who lost their previous passport, or to applicants whose last passport was issued before a certain year. Always check eligibility at passport.go.kr before attempting an online application.
For counter submission at a district office or embassy, printing is part of the specification rather than an afterthought. MOFA windows refuse photos on plain or ordinary inkjet paper, so paper choice matters as much as the crop.
| Setting | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Print resolution | 300 DPI minimum — export at 413 × 531 pixels or larger |
| Paper | Glossy or matte photographic paper, 200–250 gsm |
| Copies per 4 × 6 inch sheet | Six 35 × 45 mm photos with cutting margins |
| Copies per A4 sheet | Around twenty, though most applications need only one or two |
| Scaling | Disable fit-to-page and auto-scaling — these change the physical size |
| Colour management | sRGB. Turn off printer auto-enhance and colour correction |
| Cutting | Guillotine or steel rule for square edges. Do not trim inside the printed border |
| Handling | Let ink dry fully. Do not fold, staple or glue the photo face |
Passport Photo Maker exports a 4 × 6 inch sheet automatically — print it on photo paper, cut along the guide lines, and the dimensions are exact. Printer settings and cutting technique are covered in full in the print passport photo at home guide, and multi-copy sheet layout in the print sheet guide.
Use the upload widget on this page or visit Passport Photo Maker. Upload any JPEG, PNG, or WebP photo taken against a plain background. The South Korea 35×45mm template will be selected automatically based on the page you're on.
Face detection positions your head within the MOFA-compliant 32–36mm face-height zone and crops the photo to exactly 35×45mm at 413 × 531 pixels. Adjust the crop manually if needed — the crop guide explains how the 7:9 ratio and face-height band interact.
The background is automatically removed and replaced with a clean white background. You can switch to light gray if your specific submission requires it. Review the edges to make sure no background color bleeds into your hair or clothing.
Use the compliance checklist in the editor to verify dimensions, head size ratio, background color, and brightness. The tool flags any specifications that may not pass MOFA review so you can correct them before downloading.
Download your individual 35×45mm JPEG at 300 DPI for digital submission, or download the printable 4×6" sheet with multiple photos arranged for printing at home or at any photo lab. Both formats are included at no extra charge.
South Korean and US passport photos share the same general idea — a frontal biometric photo on a white background — but there are meaningful differences in size, head measurements, and format that make a US photo non-compliant for a Korean passport application, and vice versa.
| Specification | South Korea (MOFA) | United States (State Dept.) |
|---|---|---|
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
| Aspect Ratio | 7:9 (portrait rectangle) | 1:1 (square) |
| Pixels @ 300 DPI | 413 × 531 px | 600 × 600 px |
| Face / Head Height | 32–36 mm (about 70–80% of frame) | 25–35 mm (about 50–69% of frame) |
| Background | White or light gray | White or off-white |
| Ears | Both must be visible | Not mandatory |
| Glasses | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed | Neutral or natural smile |
| Resolution | Minimum 300 DPI | Minimum 300 DPI |
| Digital Format | JPEG (MOFA portal) | JPEG (travel.state.gov) |
| Max Photo Age | 6 months | 6 months |
| Validity Period | 5 years (under 18) / 10 years | 5 years (under 16) / 10 years |
The most important practical difference is the photo shape and size. A US passport photo (square, 2×2 inches) is physically larger than a Korean passport photo (rectangular, 35×45mm). Never submit a cropped US passport photo for a Korean application — the proportions are incorrect and the submission will be rejected immediately. See the US passport photo page for that standard in full.
Most of East and Southeast Asia uses the same 35 × 45 mm frame as Korea, with China the notable exception. What differs across the region is head height and file size.
| Country | Photo Size | Pixels @ 300 DPI | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | 35 × 45 mm | 413 × 531 px | White / light grey |
| Japan | 35 × 45 mm | 413 × 531 px | Plain white |
| Taiwan | 35 × 45 mm | 413 × 531 px | Plain white |
| Singapore | 35 × 45 mm | 413 × 531 px | Plain white |
| Mongolia | 35 × 45 mm | 413 × 531 px | Plain white |
| Hong Kong | 40 × 50 mm | 472 × 591 px | Plain white |
| China | 33 × 48 mm | 390 × 567 px | Plain white |
A Korean 35 × 45 mm photo can usually be reused for a Japanese, Taiwanese or Singaporean application, but never for a Chinese passport or a China visa, both of which use the unique 33 × 48 mm frame.
MOFA officers follow a strict checklist when reviewing submitted photos. These are the most frequently cited reasons for rejection at Korean passport offices, each linked to the rule that explains the exact tolerance. The full cross-country breakdown is in passport photo rejection reasons.
Any size other than 35×45mm is refused. Even 35×40mm or 30×40mm photos common elsewhere in Asia are non-compliant. See the crop guide.
Off-white, cream, light blue or patterned backgrounds are refused. See background colour rules.
Too large and biometric processing becomes unreliable; too small and the face cannot be measured. See head size rules.
Korea requires both ears visible, unlike the UK or Schengen. See ears visibility rules.
Directional lighting creates under-chin and side-face shadows. See shadow rules.
Any eyewear results in automatic rejection. See glasses rules.
A neutral expression with closed lips is required for adults. See smile rules.
The eye line must be horizontal. Looking at a phone screen instead of the lens is the usual cause. See face position rules.
If your appearance has changed or the photo is clearly dated, MOFA may request a new one on the spot.
Very bright or very dark images obscure facial features and fail biometric scanning.
Skin smoothing, portrait blur and beauty filters alter facial geometry and are detected.
Copy paper and ordinary inkjet paper are refused at MOFA windows. See the print at home guide.
A file below 413 × 531 pixels prints pixelated at 35 × 45 mm. See resolution rules.
Passport photo requirements are established by the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and are subject to change without notice. The specifications on this page are compiled in good faith from publicly available MOFA documentation but may not reflect the most recent updates.
Always verify current requirements directly at passport.go.kr or by contacting your nearest MOFA office or Korean embassy before submitting your application.
Passport Photo Maker helps you produce technically compliant photos based on the specifications above, but final approval of your passport photo rests solely with the issuing authority. ClonyPDF cannot guarantee acceptance by MOFA or any affiliated office.
The specifications on this page are compiled from the following official and international sources. Where a national requirement differs from ICAO, the Korean national requirement is applied.
South Korean passport photos must be exactly 35mm wide by 45mm tall — a portrait rectangle with a 7:9 ratio, not a square. This differs from US passport photos, which are square at 2×2 inches. The face height within the photo must be between 32mm and 36mm, measured from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head.
At 300 DPI a 35 × 45 mm photo equals 413 × 531 pixels. At 600 DPI it equals 826 × 1062 pixels. 300 DPI is the minimum accepted resolution for both printed and digital submission — a file below that prints pixelated at 35 × 45 mm and fails the sharpness check. Upscaling a smaller image does not help, because interpolation adds pixels but not detail.
South Korean passport photos are 35×45mm with a 7:9 portrait ratio and a face height of 32–36 mm. US passport photos are square at 2×2 inches (51×51mm) with a head height of 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm), filling 50–69% of the frame. Korea also requires both ears visible, which the US does not. The two formats are not interchangeable — see the full comparison table above.
No — glasses of any kind are not permitted in South Korean passport photos. This includes prescription glasses, reading glasses, sunglasses, and fashion frames. MOFA's ban on eyewear aligns with ICAO biometric standards, which require unobstructed facial scanning. Remove all eyewear before taking your photo. See our glasses rules guide.
Yes. MOFA requires both ears visible, which is a genuine point of difference from the UK and Schengen standards where ear visibility is not mandatory. Hair covering one or both ears can cause rejection, so pull hair back before shooting. See ears visibility rules.
A plain white or very light grey background with no patterns, gradients, shadows or objects. For digital submission through the online portal, plain white is the safer choice because very light grey is sometimes refused by the automated checker. See background colour rules.
If MOFA rejects your photo, you'll need to provide a replacement before your application can proceed. The officer will usually explain the specific reason for rejection. Take a new photo addressing the flagged issue and re-upload it to Passport Photo Maker to generate a corrected compliant version before returning. Rejection does not restart the fee payment — only the photo needs to be replaced.
The same 35×45mm size and 32–36 mm face height apply. Infants under 12 months may be photographed lying on a plain white sheet provided the face is fully visible and no hands, arms or other person appear in the frame. Minor expression allowances are more readily applied to young children than adults. Korean passports issued to applicants under 18 carry a 5-year validity, so a fresh photo is needed at each renewal. See the child requirements section and our baby passport photo guide.
Yes, though both typically require a 35×45mm photo with a white background. Korean visa photos are for foreign travellers visiting South Korea, and the specific requirements depend on the visa category and issuing embassy. Korean passport photos follow MOFA's standards for Korean nationals only. If you need a photo for a South Korean visa application, see our South Korea visa photo guide.
The MOFA online renewal portal (passport.go.kr) is primarily designed for domestic applicants. Koreans living abroad typically need to apply through the nearest Korean embassy or consulate, which may have slightly different processing times and submission formats. Some embassies accept digital photo uploads via their own portals — contact your local Korean diplomatic mission directly to confirm the current process.
Most standard South Korean passport applications require one compliant 35×45mm photo. However, some district offices or specific application types may request two. For renewal applications at embassies or consulates abroad, it's wise to bring two copies. Passport Photo Maker's printable sheet includes multiple photos so you'll always have extras on hand.
Yes. Use a smartphone as long as you shoot with the rear camera (not the front-facing selfie camera), ensure even lighting, and use a plain white or light grey background. Switch off portrait mode and any beautification setting, because these alter facial geometry and are detected. The final output still needs correct sizing, a clean background and photo-paper printing — Passport Photo Maker handles the first two automatically after you upload. If your phone saves HEIC files, convert them first using our HEIC to JPEG guide.
After generating your photo in Passport Photo Maker, download the printable sheet — a 4×6" page with six 35×45mm photos arranged for printing. Print on a colour photo printer using glossy or matte photo paper at 300 DPI, and disable fit-to-page scaling. Cut each photo to the 35×45mm border with a guillotine. Most pharmacies and photo labs can also print the sheet for you. See the print at home guide.
Upload your photo once and get a MOFA-compliant 35×45mm passport photo at 413×531 pixels, ready to print or submit digitally — in under 60 seconds.
