IDPhotoTool

South Korea Passport Photo Maker

The current database preset for a South Korea passport photo is 35 × 45 mm with a plain white background. The head, from chin to crown, must occupy 71–80% of the photo's height. For digital submission that is 413 × 531 pixels at 300 DPI. The database record was reviewed on 2026-07-13; confirm the current rule with the issuing authority. Background replacement is disabled for this profile; only the permitted checks and geometry operations are available.

Make yours below — free preview, one-time $3.99 for HD.

Before you upload
Good starting photo for a passport photo with even lighting and proper camera distance

Recommended

Good starting photo

Passport photo example showing a selfie taken too close to the camera×

Too close

Avoid close-up selfies

Passport photo example with backlighting and strong facial shadows×

Poor lighting

Avoid backlighting and strong shadows

Face forward, head and shoulders visible, even light and a plain background.

Recorded photo preset

Output: 35 × 45 mm · 413 × 531 px @ 300 DPI

Automatic background processing is unavailable for this document profile. Review the recorded official guidance before submitting.

The free file is a watermarked preview, not a submission-ready official photo.

HD download includes the exact-size digital photo, a 600 DPI print master, and a ready-to-print 4×6" sheet.

What IDPhotoTool can change

Available for this profile

  • Crop
  • Resize
  • Reposition

Unavailable for this profile

  • × Background replacement
  • × Facial retouching

Background processing is disabled by the recorded restriction for this profile.

Read the recorded official guidance

How to take a photo that passes

📏

Keep your distance

Avoid a close-up selfie. Step back far enough to keep your head and shoulders in frame, or ask someone else to take the photo. This is general capture guidance, not a document-specific authority distance rule.

👁️

Face the camera straight on

Camera at eye level, look directly into the lens, neutral expression with your mouth closed. Don't tilt your head.

💡

Find even light

Face a window or light source so there are no shadows on your face. Use the plain background required by your authority; some documents do not permit digital replacement.

South Korea passport photo requirements

Size35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in)
Digital size413 × 531 px at 300 DPI
BackgroundWhite
Head height7180% of photo height
Authority sourceMinistry of Foreign Affairs (passport.go.kr)Application guide; confirm the photo specification.
  • Photo must be 35 x 45 mm.
  • Head height must be 32–36 mm.
  • Plain white background.
  • Both ears should be visible where possible.
  • Taken within the last 6 months.

Database last reviewed 2026-07-13 · see the full requirements database. Always confirm with the issuing authority before submitting your application.

Glasses & head coverings in South Korea

👓 Glasses: Allowed only without glare; most applicants remove them to avoid rejection.
🧕 Head coverings: Not allowed except for religious reasons; ears should be visible where possible.

Why South Korea passport photos get rejected

  • Retouching that alters facial features — Korea explicitly rejects edited photos
  • Head size outside 32–36 mm
  • Ears hidden when hair could be tucked back
  • Background not pure white
  • Accessories like large earrings casting shadows

More detail in our guide to the 8 most common rejection reasons.

Where to submit your application

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (passport.go.kr)

Apply at any city hall or district office passport desk with a printed photo, or use the online renewal service with a digital photo upload.

What does a passport photo cost in South Korea?

Photo studio / boothphoto studios (사진관)₩10,000–15,000
IDPhotoTool HD downloadunlimited retakes · digital + printable 4×6" sheet · watermarked preview free$3.99

Save roughly 47% or more — and skip the trip entirely.

Frequently asked questions

Is my photo uploaded to a server?

Cropping, resizing and basic checks are handled in your browser whenever possible. Your photo is uploaded temporarily only when a feature requires server-side processing, and temporary files are automatically deleted.

Will my photo be accepted by the authorities?

The tool crops your photo to the selected document dimensions and places head-position guides based on the current database record. You are responsible for confirming the issuing authority's current rules and following the posing guidance (neutral expression, no glasses, even lighting).

How do I print my passport photo?

The HD download includes a 4×6 inch print sheet with several copies laid out with cut lines. Print it at any pharmacy, photo kiosk or online print service as a standard 4×6 photo, then cut along the lines.

What does the free version include?

You can use the quality checks, cropping, all size presets and background removal where the selected document permits it, then download a watermarked preview for free. The one-time HD purchase removes the watermark and adds the print sheet.

What kind of photo should I start with?

Use a sharp, well-lit photo taken straight-on at eye level, with your full head and shoulders visible and some space around them. Avoid harsh shadows, hats and glasses.

Photo makers for other countries