South Korea requires passport photos measuring 35×45 millimeters (approximately 1.38×1.77 inches). At 300 DPI, this translates to 413×531 pixels — dimensions that ensure your photo prints clearly without pixelation or blurriness when submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This matches the standard 35×45mm format used across most of Europe and Asia. However, if you've previously obtained passport photos for the US (which uses a 2×2 inch / 51×51mm square format), those won't work for your Korean passport application. The Korean format is rectangular with a 7:9 aspect ratio, not square.
Why South Korea Uses the 35×45mm Passport Photo Size
The Korean government settled on 35×45mm as the standard to accommodate their biometric passport system. The additional length provides adequate space for facial recognition algorithms to map distinctive features accurately. This matters because South Korea was among early adopters of biometric passports, and the specifications were designed around technology that remains in use today.
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South Korean Passport Photo Digital Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 35mm / 1.38 inches / 413px |
| Height | 45mm / 1.77 inches / 531px |
| Aspect Ratio | 7:9 |
| DPI | 300 minimum |
| File Format | JPEG or PNG |
| File Size | Under 300KB |
If you're taking the photo yourself and resizing it, maintain the exact 7:9 aspect ratio. Cropping incorrectly is one of the most common rejection reasons. Many photo editing apps default to square or 4:3 crops, so double-check before saving.
Print Quality for South Korean Passport Photos
For physical prints, demand at least 300 DPI from your photo service. Some kiosks output at 150 or 200 DPI, which may appear acceptable on screen but will show visible grain when printed at passport size. A reputable photo service in Seoul or one of the many online passport photo services that specialize in Korean requirements will know to set the correct resolution.
Ask specifically for "35×45mm passport photos" when ordering. Don't assume — verify the dimensions on the receipt or with the technician before leaving.
Head Height Rules for South Korean Passport Photos
South Korea requires your head to fill 60–80% of the photo's vertical space — measured from the crown of your head to the bottom of your chin:
- Too small (under 60%): Insufficient facial detail for the biometric system. Rejected.
- Too large (over 80%): Face extends too close to the photo edges. Rejected.
Target 70–75% for safe positioning within the acceptable range. In a 45mm-tall photo, your head should measure roughly 27–36mm from chin to crown.
Glasses and Appearance Rules for Korean Passport Photos
South Korea is one of the few countries that allows glasses in passport photos. You may wear prescription eyeglasses, provided:
- The frames do not obscure your eyes or eyebrows
- There is no glare or reflection on the lenses
- The frames are not excessively thick or colourful to the point of altering facial appearance
- Sunglasses and tinted lenses are not permitted
If your glasses produce glare in photos, tilt your head down very slightly or adjust the lighting angle. Alternatively, remove them — wearing glasses is permitted, not required.
Expression must be neutral with mouth closed. No smiling, no raised eyebrows. Both eyes fully open and looking directly at the camera.
Hair must not cover the forehead, eyebrows, or eyes. Fringes should be swept aside. Both ears should be visible if possible.
Head coverings are only permitted for religious reasons. The face must remain fully visible from chin to forehead with no shadows.
Heavy makeup, beauty filters, or digital retouching that alters your natural facial features will result in rejection.
South Korean Passport Photo Size vs Neighbouring Countries
| Country | Print Size | Pixels (300 DPI) | Head Height | Background | Glasses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Korea | 35×45mm | 413×531 | 60–80% | White | ✅ Allowed |
| Japan | 35×45mm | 413×531 | 71–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
| China | 33×48mm | 390×567 | 60–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
| Singapore | 35×45mm | 413×531 | 60–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
| Philippines | 35×45mm | 413×531 | 60–80% | White | ❌ Banned |
| United States | 51×51mm | 600×600 | 50–69% | White | ❌ Banned |
South Korea and Japan share identical dimensions and background colour, but differ on glasses — Korea allows them while Japan does not. South Korea is one of the few countries in the region that permits glasses. China uses a slightly different size (33×48mm). The US uses a completely different square format. If you hold dual citizenship, you need separate photos for each passport.
Common South Korean Passport Photo Sizing Mistakes
Using US-format photos. US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square photos are immediately rejected. South Korea requires 35×45mm rectangular.
Incorrect aspect ratio. Many photo apps default to square or 4:3 crops. South Korea requires 7:9. Always crop to the correct ratio first, then resize.
Low-resolution digital files. Photos that look fine on a phone screen may show visible grain when printed at 35×45mm. Always capture at maximum camera resolution and ensure the final file is at least 413×531px at 300 DPI.
Glasses glare. Since Korea allows glasses, many applicants keep them on but forget about lens reflections. Check the preview carefully — any glare across the eyes will cause rejection.
Head too small or too large. The 60–80% range sounds generous, but it's easy to miss. Taking photos from too far away (head under 60%) is the most common direction of error.
Where to Get Correctly Sized Korean Passport Photos
Convenience store photo booths. Booths in CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven locations across South Korea offer 35×45mm passport photos. Prices range from ₩5,000–8,000. The machines are generally reliable — check the preview screen carefully before printing. Available 24/7, which is convenient for last-minute applications.
Professional studios (사진관). Photography studios in downtown areas, department stores, and near government offices handle high volumes of passport photos. Prices range from ₩15,000–25,000 for professional lighting and retouching within acceptable limits. Worth it if you want to minimise rejection risk.
Government passport offices. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs passport centres in Seoul, Busan, and other major cities have nearby photo services or in-house options. Staff are experienced with exact requirements.
Korean citizens abroad. Korean consulates can direct you to approved photo services. In cities with large Korean communities — Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo, Sydney, London — studios near the consulate typically know the 35×45mm format. Always confirm dimensions and that they are not providing the local country's format by default.
DIY at home. Stand against a plain white wall with soft, even lighting. Use a high-resolution camera or smartphone, shoot at chest level, and crop to exactly 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI. Position your head to fill 70–75% of the frame. If wearing glasses, check the preview for glare before accepting the shot.
Korean Passport Photo Digital Upload Requirements
When applying through the Korean Passport Information System (여권정보시스템) online, your digital photo must meet:
- File format: JPEG or PNG
- Dimensions: 413×531 pixels minimum
- File size: Under 300KB
- Background: Pure white, no shadows or gradients
- Colour space: sRGB
The 300KB file size limit is stricter than many countries. Reduce file size by adjusting JPEG compression quality — but don't over-compress, as visible artefacts around the face or hairline may cause rejection.
South Korean Passport Photo Size for Babies and Children
Infants and young children follow the same 35×45mm size requirement, with practical allowances:
Newborns and infants (under 1). Lay the baby on a plain white sheet and photograph from directly above. Eyes should ideally be open, though some leniency is given for very young infants. No toys, hands, or pacifiers in the frame.
Toddlers (1–5). Use a car seat or high chair against a white background. Have an assistant hold the child's attention with a toy above the camera — the toy must not appear in the photo. The child's face must fill 60–80% of the frame.
Children's passports in South Korea have shorter validity (5 years for under-18s vs 10 years for adults). Because children's faces change quickly, a fresh photo is always required at renewal. Even between renewals, if the child's appearance has changed significantly, a new photo may be needed for travel.
South Korean Passport Photo Size: Key Takeaways
Your South Korea passport photo must be exactly 35×45mm at 300 DPI (413×531 pixels). The 7:9 aspect ratio is non-negotiable. Head height must fill 60–80% of the frame. Glasses are allowed but must be glare-free. Get it right the first time to avoid delays.
Need to verify your photo meets all Korean requirements before submitting? Use our passport photo checker to upload and analyze your image against Ministry of Foreign Affairs standards.
For detailed guidance on background requirements, read our guide to South Korea passport photo background. And if you're a Korean citizen traveling abroad, our South Korea travel requirements page has all the details.
