South Korea Passport Photo Size and Requirements
A South Korean passport photo must be 35x45mm (3.5x4.5cm), with head height from the hairline (excluding hair) to the chin measuring 32-36mm, on a plain white background, taken within 6 months of application.
This tool crops your photo to exactly 35x45mm at 300 DPI to match the official spec - 413x531 pixels, the size recommended for online submission.
| Photo size | 35 × 45 mm (1.4" × 1.8") |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 300 DPI (413 × 531 px) |
| Max file size | 200 KB |
| Format | JPG |
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Can you use AI background removal for this photo?
South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs passport guidance excludes photos edited with software, filters, or AI-generated/composited images - the photo must be an original, unedited capture. Cropping and resizing to the exact size are format changes and are fine; changing the background or retouching your appearance is not. This tool defaults to Compliance Mode for this document - crop and resize only, no background changes. We recommend staying in Compliance Mode and retaking your photo against a plain white wall instead of switching to Edit Mode.
General photo rules
These apply broadly, but always confirm the specifics for this document on the official source below.
- Neutral facial expression, mouth closed, both eyes open
- Face the camera directly, with no head tilt
- No hats or head coverings, except for religious or medical reasons - your full face must still be visible
- A recent photo, typically taken within the last 6 months
- A plain, evenly lit background with no shadows, patterns, or other people or objects
- Glasses are discouraged or restricted by a growing number of countries due to glare - check the official source below for this document specifically
How to take this photo at home
- Stand about 3-6 feet in front of a plain, light-colored wall with no shadow falling behind you.
- Use even, natural light facing you - a window works well. Avoid harsh overhead light, backlighting, or a direct flash, which all cast shadows.
- Hold the camera at eye level, at arm’s length or propped on a stand, and look straight into it.
- Keep a neutral expression, mouth closed, both eyes open, and remove hats or sunglasses.
- Take a few shots, then upload the sharpest one here - cropping to the exact size, and background removal if you use it, are handled automatically.
Many governments accept a digital photo upload for online applications as well as a printed photo for in-person or mail applications - check the official source below for which your application needs. This tool exports both a single photo file and a 4x6 print sheet, so either way you're covered.
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Frequently asked questions
What size is a South Korean passport photo?
35mm wide by 45mm tall (3.5 x 4.5cm), per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' official passport guide.
What background color is required?
Plain white, with no shadows, marks, or borders.
How is head height measured?
From the hairline (excluding hair itself) to the chin, 32-36mm - a stricter reference point than the "top of head including hair" measurement some other countries use. This tool's alignment guide approximates that zone, but there was no published diagram pinpointing the exact hairline reference within the frame, so check your result against the official page before submitting.
Is there a resolution requirement?
300 DPI for a printed photo. For online submission, the government recommends 413x531 pixels - exactly 35x45mm at 300 DPI - within an accepted range of roughly 395-431px wide by 507-550px tall.
Can I use a filter or AI editing?
No - the official guidance explicitly excludes software-edited, filtered, or AI-generated/composited photos.
Is there an official maximum file size?
We couldn't find a published KB limit on the official page - this tool's export ceiling for this template is a reasonable placeholder based on comparable countries' requirements, not a government-sourced figure. Check the online application's upload screen, which will reject a file that's too large.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Korea) - Passport Guide. Requirements change over time - always confirm the current specification before submitting.