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South Korean Passport Photo Requirements for 2026
Check South Korean passport photo size, background, recency, and editing rules from official guidance reviewed in June 2026.
Start with the core dimensions
A South Korean passport photo must be 3.5 cm wide by 4.5 cm high. Head length from the top of the head to the chin must be 3.2 to 3.6 cm, and the color upper-body photo must have been taken within six months of application.
Use a uniform white background
The background must have no border, stains, objects, or other people. The Ministry also says photos created by removing a background and compositing the person onto white are not acceptable.
Show the face as it actually appears
Face the camera directly and keep hair or accessories from hiding the facial outline. An open mouth, exaggerated smile, glare covering the eyes, or tinted lenses may cause problems.
AI and arbitrary editing are not allowed
The Ministry guidance prohibits arbitrary editing and filters, including AI-based editing, processing, compositing, and generated creations. Do not submit the output of a generative image service as a Korean passport photo.
Pre-submission checklist
Rules can change, so review the official page again immediately before applying.
- 3.5 cm × 4.5 cm
- Head length 3.2–3.6 cm
- Taken within six months
- Uniform white background
- No AI, filter, or compositing