Honestly, the hardest part of getting a Korean passport isn't the paperwork—it's the photo. You think you've followed the rules, then you show up at the consulate or a local ward office (Gu-cheong), and the clerk shakes their head because your head is 2 millimeters too small.
It’s frustrating.
The official korean passport photo size is a non-negotiable 35mm x 45mm. If you’re used to the US standard 2x2 inch square, forget it. That won't work here. South Korea follows the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, but with some very specific local quirks that can lead to an instant rejection if you aren't careful.
The technical specs you actually need
Let’s talk numbers. You need a photo that is 3.5 cm wide and 4.5 cm high. But the "frame" isn't the only thing that matters. The Republic of Korea Ministry of Foreign Affairs is obsessed with the size of your face within that frame.
Your head—from the tip of your chin to the very top of your hair—must be between 32mm and 36mm.
Think about that for a second. That means your face takes up nearly 70% to 80% of the entire photo. If you zoom out too much to show off your favorite shirt, you're done. If you zoom in so much that your hair is cut off, you're also done.
- Width: 35mm
- Height: 45mm
- Face Height (Chin to Crown): 32mm–36mm
- Recency: Must be taken within the last 6 months.
I've seen people try to use their "good" photo from three years ago. Don't do it. Facial recognition software at Incheon Airport is incredibly sophisticated, and if your passport photo doesn't match your current "vibe" (or age), you’re asking for a secondary inspection.
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The background "White" isn't just white
The background must be plain white. Not "off-white," not "eggshell," and definitely not "light grey."
Basically, it needs to be a flat, matte white. This creates a massive problem if you happen to love wearing white shirts. If your white t-shirt blends into the white background, the computer can't "find" your shoulders. This is a top-tier reason for rejection.
Pro-tip: Wear a dark navy or black shirt. The contrast makes the edges of your body clear, which the automated scanning systems love.
Lighting and shadows
You’ve gotta avoid the "basement" look. If there’s a shadow behind your ears or a dark patch on one side of your face because the light was hitting you from the side, the photo is useless. The lighting must be even across your entire face.
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No, you really can't wear those glasses
This is a relatively recent change that still catches people off guard. For years, you could wear your daily glasses as long as there was no glare.
Not anymore.
The current guidelines basically say: Just take them off. Even if you're legally blind without them, the Korean government prefers a clear view of your eyes and the bridge of your nose. Reflections on the lenses or thick frames obscuring your pupils are the fastest way to get your application tossed in the "denied" pile.
The same goes for:
- Colored contacts: Absolutely forbidden. They want your natural eye color.
- Hair over eyes: Your eyebrows need to be visible. If you have "see-through" bangs, make sure they aren't clumped together covering your brow line.
- Large jewelry: If your earrings are reflecting the camera flash like a disco ball, take 'em out.
What about the "Natural" expression?
In Korea, they call it a "neutral" expression. This means no teeth. A slight, closed-mouth smile might pass if the clerk is having a good day, but why risk it?
Keep your mouth shut, eyes open, and look directly at the lens. Don't tilt your head. I know we all have a "good side," but for the korean passport photo size requirements, the government only cares about your "front side." Both ears don't strictly have to show anymore (a rule change from a few years back), but your face outline must be totally unobstructed by hair.
Digital vs. Printed
If you're applying online through the Government24 portal, the digital requirements are a bit different. You need a JPEG file under 200kb with a resolution of 413 x 531 pixels (which scales to that 35x45mm size).
If you're printing them at home, use high-quality matte or glossy photo paper. Regular printer paper is a "no-go" because the ink bleeds and ruins the facial recognition markers.
Actionable Next Steps
- Measure your face: If you have a photo already, grab a ruler. If the distance from chin to crown is less than 32mm, go back to the studio.
- Check your wardrobe: Pick a dark-colored top (navy, black, or deep green) to contrast against the white background.
- Prep your hair: If you have long hair, tuck it behind your ears or shoulders to ensure your face contour is visible.
- Go professional: Unless you are a Photoshop wizard with a high-end printer, it's usually worth the 15,000–25,000 KRW to go to a professional studio (sa-jin-gwan) near a passport office. They know these rules better than anyone.