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Can You Use an AI Photo for a Korean Passport?

Check whether an AI-edited or generated image can be submitted for a South Korean passport.

AI-generated photos cannot be submitted

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not allow AI-based editing, processing, compositing, or generated images. A generative-AI result cannot be submitted even when it closely resembles your face.

Changing only the background is also unsafe

Removing the original background and compositing a person onto white is listed as unacceptable. Take the source photo in front of a compliant white background instead.

Avoid facial retouching and beauty filters

Changing skin, facial shape, eye size, or hair can interfere with identity verification. Disable automatic beauty modes in the phone camera before shooting.

Keep AI use separate from the submitted file

You may study a reference to understand a direct pose or even lighting, but that is different from using an AI-produced file. The submitted image should be a compliant, directly captured photograph.

What to check after taking the photo

Use the Ministry's online checker after taking the photo. Contact the passport office if any requirement remains unclear.

  • Disable beauty mode
  • Shoot against a real white background
  • Do not remove or composite backgrounds
  • Do not submit generated output
  • Use the official checker

Sources and references

  1. 대한민국 외교부: 여권사진 규격
  2. 대한민국 외교부: 온라인 여권 사진 검증
  3. 대한민국 외교부: 온라인용 사진파일 안내