Korea Passport Photo Guide for Foreigners (2026)
Korean passport photos are 35×45mm — a completely different format from the US 2×2 inch square. This guide covers the specs, where to print in Korea, and the Korean terms you'll encounter.
Korean Passport Photo Specs
| Size | 35 × 45mm (not 2×2 inch) |
| Head height | 70–80% of frame (32–36mm) |
| Background | White (plain, no patterns) |
| Digital file | 413 × 531px, JPEG, under 500KB |
| Glasses | Totally banned (no exceptions) |
If you’re used to American, British, or Australian passport photos, Korean passport photo specs will catch you off guard. The size is different (35×45mm, not 2×2 inch), glasses are completely banned (not just “no glare”), and AI-edited photos are explicitly prohibited. Here’s everything you need to know.
Photo Specifications
| Photo size | 35 × 45mm (width × height) |
| Head height | 70–80% of frame (32–36mm, crown to chin) |
| Background | White (pure white, no gradients) |
| Digital resolution | 413 × 531px minimum |
| File format | JPEG, under 500KB |
| Glasses | Totally banned — no exceptions |
| AI editing | Banned — no beauty mode, no filters |
| Validity | Taken within 6 months of application |
What’s Different from US/UK Photos
If you’ve only ever taken passport photos in the US, UK, or Australia, here are the key differences:
Size and shape. Korean photos are 35×45mm — a tall rectangle. US photos are 51×51mm (a square). UK photos are also 35×45mm, so if you’re British, the size is the same, but the head-size ratio differs.
Glasses are totally banned. The US banned glasses in passport photos in 2016, but many countries still allow them. Korea’s ban is absolute — prescription glasses, fashion frames, sunglasses, all of them. No medical exceptions.
AI editing is explicitly banned. Korea is one of the few countries that specifically calls out AI-generated and AI-edited photos. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that photos edited using “AI tools for editing, processing, synthesis, or creation” are not accepted. This includes your phone’s beauty mode.
Head size ratio is strict. Your head (hairline to chin) must fill exactly 70–80% of the frame height. That’s 32–36mm. Too small or too large, and your photo gets rejected.
Important for US Citizens
If you’re renewing your US passport at the US Embassy in Seoul, you need US-spec photos (51×51mm, 2×2 inches), not Korean-spec photos. Make sure you select the correct document type when creating your photo. This guide covers Korean document photo specs only.
Allowed vs Not Allowed
Not Allowed
- ✕ Glasses (all types — total ban)
- ✕ Colored or circle contact lenses
- ✕ AI editing, Photoshop, beauty mode, filters
- ✕ Smiling or showing teeth
- ✕ White or very light clothing
- ✕ Shadows on face or background
- ✕ Photos older than 6 months
Allowed
- ✓ Clear contact lenses (vision correction)
- ✓ Natural makeup
- ✓ Religious headwear (hijab, etc.)
- ✓ Small earrings (not covering face)
- ✓ Dark-colored clothing
- ✓ Natural, neutral expression
Where to Get Your Photo in Korea
As a foreigner in Korea, you have three options:
Option 1: Our tool + convenience store print (₩2,300 total) Upload your photo on our website (English interface — no Korean needed). We remove the background, crop to 35×45mm, and verify compliance. You get a digital file for online applications and a printable 4×6 sheet with 6 photos. Print the sheet at any convenience store for ₩1,000.
Option 2: Photo studio / 사진관 (₩15,000–50,000) Look for signs that say “사진관” (sa-jin-gwan) or “증명사진” (jeung-myeong-sa-jin). Staff will handle the specs, but most studios don’t have English-speaking staff. Point to your phone showing “여권사진” (passport photo) and they’ll understand.
Option 3: Photo booth / 포토부스 (₩10,000–15,000) Unmanned photo booths are found in subway stations and shopping areas. Look for machines labeled “증명사진” or “여권사진.” Some newer machines have English menus, but most are Korean-only.
| Method | Price | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Our tool + convenience store | ₩2,300 (~$1.70) | 3 min + print |
| Photo booth (포토부스) | ₩10,000–15,000 (~$7–11) | 5–10 min |
| Photo studio (사진관) | ₩15,000–50,000 (~$11–37) | 30 min+ |
How to Print at a Convenience Store
Korean convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Emart24) have PrintingBox kiosks that can print photos. Here’s how to use them, even if you can’t read Korean:
- Find a PrintingBox kiosk — look for a large printer/kiosk machine inside the store, usually near the entrance or counter. Not every location has one, but most do in urban areas.
- Select photo printing — on the screen, look for “사진 인화” (photo print). Some kiosks have an English language option.
- Transfer your file — you can use a USB drive, send via the PrintingBox app, or scan a QR code on screen to upload from your phone.
- Select 4×6 size — choose the 4×6 inch (10×15cm) print size. Our service provides a 4×6 template with 6 passport photos arranged on it.
- Pay and print — insert coins or pay with card. Cost is approximately ₩1,000 per sheet.
Don't read Korean? No problem.
Our tool works entirely in English. Upload your photo, we handle the Korean specs (35×45mm, white background, correct head ratio) automatically. The output file is ready to print — just transfer it to the PrintingBox kiosk and select 4×6 print.
Useful Korean Terms
When dealing with passport photos in Korea, you’ll encounter these terms at photo studios, kiosks, and government offices:
| Korean | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 여권사진 | yeo-gwon-sa-jin | passport photo |
| 증명사진 | jeung-myeong-sa-jin | ID/certificate photo |
| 사진관 | sa-jin-gwan | photo studio |
| 편의점 | pyeon-ui-jeom | convenience store |
| 프린팅박스 | peu-rin-ting-bak-seu | PrintingBox (convenience store kiosk) |
| 포토부스 | po-to-bu-seu | photo booth |
| 배경 | bae-gyeong | background |
| 흰색 | huin-saek | white |
| 인화 | in-hwa | photo print |
| 외교부 | oe-gyo-bu | Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
Common Foreigner Use Cases
This guide covers Korean document photo specifications. Depending on your situation, you may also need:
- Alien Registration Card (ARC / 외국인등록증) — uses similar specs to passport photos (35×45mm, white background)
- Korean driver’s license photo — 35×45mm with similar requirements
- Home country passport renewal — if renewing at your embassy in Seoul, check the specs for your country (US is 51×51mm, UK is 35×45mm)
- Visa applications for third countries — specs vary by destination country
For photos for other countries, check our country-specific guides to find the right specifications.
Official source
Korean passport photo requirements are set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Full specifications: passport.go.kr (Korean only).
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a Korean passport photo?
Korean passport photos are 35×45mm (3.5×4.5cm), following the ICAO international standard. This is different from the US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) format. Your head must fill 70–80% of the frame height.
Can I wear glasses in a Korean passport photo?
No. Korea has a total ban on glasses in passport photos — prescription, reading, or sunglasses. Unlike some countries that allow glasses without glare, Korea does not permit any eyewear at all.
Where can I print passport photos in Korea?
At convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Emart24) using PrintingBox kiosks for about ₩1,000. Photo studios cost ₩15,000–50,000, and photo booths cost ₩10,000–15,000.
Does Korea ban AI-edited passport photos?
Yes. Korea explicitly bans any photo edited, synthesized, or generated using AI tools. This includes smartphone beauty modes, skin smoothing filters, and any digital modification to your appearance.
Can I use a US passport photo format for Korean documents?
No. US passport photos are 51×51mm (2×2 inches) and Korean photos are 35×45mm. The dimensions, aspect ratio, and head-size requirements are all different. You need a photo specifically made for Korean specs.
How long is a Korean passport photo valid?
The photo must have been taken within 6 months of your passport application date. Photos older than 6 months will be rejected.
Can foreigners apply for a Korean passport?
Only Korean citizens can apply for a Korean passport. If you're a foreigner in Korea, you may need Korean-spec photos for your Alien Registration Card (ARC) or other local documents, which use similar specifications.
Create Your Korean Passport Photo
Upload your photo — we remove the background, crop to 35×45mm, and verify compliance with Korean specs. English interface, no Korean required. Ready in 3 minutes.
Create Photo Now₩1,300 (~$1) + ₩1,000 convenience store print • Photos never leave your device