대한민국 여권 (South Korean Passport) Photo Requirements 2026
The South Korean passport, officially issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, is one of the world's most powerful travel documents — granting visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 190 countries as of 2026. To maintain this status, the Korean government enforces some of the strictest biometric photo standards in the world, fully aligned with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines. Understanding and meeting these requirements in 2026 is essential to avoid application delays or outright rejection at consulate offices worldwide.
The required photo size is 35mm wide × 45mm tall (approximately 1.38 × 1.77 inches). The digital equivalent must be 413 × 531 pixels at 300 DPI — the standard for all Korean consulate and Ministry of Foreign Affairs submissions. The photo must be printed in full color on high-quality photo paper; matte or glossy finishes are both acceptable. Only one printed photo is required when applying in person at a Korean consulate abroad. Digital photos are not accepted for passport applications — a physical print is mandatory.
Head Size and Facial Geometry Standards
The head must measure between 32mm and 36mm from the crown (excluding hair) to the chin, which translates to 70% to 80% of the total photo height. The face must be perfectly centered and front-facing, with both ears fully visible — a requirement that surprises many first-time applicants. Hair must not cover the forehead, eyebrows, or ears. The eyes must be open, looking directly into the camera, and must not be obstructed by hair, glasses, or any accessory.
Background, Lighting, and Expression Rules
The background must be pure white (#FFFFFF) with no gradients, shadows, patterns, or other people or objects. Lighting must be uniform — no flash reflections on the face or background, and absolutely no red-eye. The expression must be completely neutral: mouth firmly closed, no smiling, no frowning. This is not a stylistic preference — Korean facial recognition software at Incheon Airport's automated immigration gates uses precise biometric mapping of the distance between facial landmarks. Any expression that alters the mouth contour, raises the cheeks, or shifts the nose-to-chin distance can cause biometric mismatch and immigration delays.
Clothing, Accessories, and Prohibited Items (2026 Update)
Applicants must not wear white clothing, as it cannot be distinguished from the white background. Uniforms of any kind are prohibited. Glasses are strongly discouraged in 2026 — updated Korean consulate guidelines now explicitly recommend removing eyeglasses due to the high rejection rate caused by glare, frame obstruction, or lens distortion. Tinted glasses, sunglasses, and colored contact lenses are strictly forbidden. Head coverings are not permitted unless required for religious or verified medical reasons, and even then, the full face from forehead to chin must remain fully visible.
Recency and Authenticity Requirements
The photo must have been taken within the last six months prior to the date of application. Digital retouching, beauty filters, skin smoothing, Photoshop editing, or any form of AI-generated alteration of the applicant's appearance is strictly prohibited. The photo must be a true, unmodified representation of the applicant's natural appearance — including skin tone, facial features, and any natural marks.
South Korea Passport — 2026 Technical Specifications
2026 Checklist: South Korean Passport Photo
- Size: 35×45 mm printed, 413×531 px digital at 300 DPI.
- Background: Pure white (#FFFFFF), no shadows or gradients.
- Head size: 32–36 mm (70–80% of photo height), both ears fully visible.
- Expression: Completely neutral — mouth closed, no smile, no frown.
- Eyes: Open, forward-facing, not covered by hair or glasses.
- Glasses: Remove all eyewear; not permitted per 2026 guidelines.
- Clothing: No white tops, no uniforms; avoid white or very light colors.
- Retouching: Strictly prohibited — natural appearance required.
- Recency: Photo must be taken within 6 months of application date.
- Format: Color JPEG, printed on high-quality photo paper.
Get It Right the First Time in 2026
South Korea's biometric passport standards are among the most precise in the world. Our AI-powered tool automatically calibrates your photo to the exact 32–36mm head size, pure white background, and neutral expression required by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs — giving you a fully compliant, rejection-proof passport photo in seconds.