May 29, 2026 · Country Guide
South Korean Passport Photo Requirements 2026 – MOFA Rules
South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (외교부, MOFA) issues the next-generation Korean e-Passport and sets biometric photo requirements in line with the ICAO standard. This guide covers the full requirements — size, background colour, face height, digital submission options, the Korean ID card format difference, and the military passport.
Important: ID card and passport use different photo formats
The South Korean passport requires a 35×45mm ICAO photo. The South Korean national ID card (주민등록증) uses a 3×4cm (30×40mm) format. These are not interchangeable — make sure you prepare the correct size for each document.
Quick summary
35×45mm, plain white background (not light grey), face 25–35mm, neutral expression, no glasses, no digital retouching, taken within 6 months.
Core Photo Requirements
- Size: 35mm wide × 45mm tall — the ICAO standard shared with Japan, most of Europe, and Australia.
- Face height: Chin to crown must measure 25–35mm within the 45mm frame. The face must be centred horizontally.
- Background: Plain white only. Korean MOFA specifically requires white — light grey, off-white, or any tinted background is not accepted.
- Expression: Neutral, relaxed. Mouth closed. Both eyes fully open, looking directly into the lens.
- Glasses: Not permitted. Korean MOFA follows the ICAO requirement prohibiting any eyewear in biometric passport photos.
- Recency: Taken within 6 months of the application date.
- Colour: Full colour only — black-and-white is not accepted.
- Retouching: Digital retouching, filters, or any alteration to skin tone, eye colour, or facial features is not permitted.
Why South Korea Requires White (Not Light Grey)
Many ICAO countries — including Germany, Switzerland, Australia, and the UK — accept either a plain white or a light grey background. South Korea is stricter: Korean MOFA specifies plain white only.
This matters if you are using an automated background removal tool. Make sure the tool produces a pure white background (hex #FFFFFF or equivalent), not an off-white or light grey tone. A grey or off-white result will likely cause rejection at Korean MOFA counters or during the digital upload verification process.
Next-Generation Korean e-Passport (2021)
South Korea introduced its next-generation e-Passport in 2021. The new passport features a blue polycarbonate cover, an enhanced IC chip with improved security features, and a 10-year validity for adults. The biometric chip stores the holder's facial image and fingerprints in line with ICAO Doc 9303.
Applications can be made at district offices (구청, 읍·면사무소) throughout South Korea, or through online channels via the Government24 portal (정부24) for eligible applicants. Korean citizens abroad apply at Korean embassies, consulates, or overseas Korean government service centres (민원24 해외 출장소).
Military Passport (군용여권)
South Korea issues a military passport (군용여권) to male citizens completing mandatory national service who need to travel internationally on official military business. The military passport uses the same ICAO 35×45mm biometric photo requirements as the standard MOFA passport. After completing national service, citizens apply for a standard MOFA passport for personal travel.
Korean Document Photo Formats Compared
| Document | Size | Face height | Background | Max photo age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korean passport (MOFA e-Passport) | 35×45mm | 25–35mm | Plain white only | 6 months |
| Korean national ID card (주민등록증) | 30×40mm (3×4cm) | Face fills frame | Plain white | Recent |
| Japan passport | 35×45mm | 32–36mm | Plain white | 6 months |
| Singapore passport | 35×45mm | 25–35mm | Plain white | 3 months |
Always verify current requirements with the official authority.
Common Rejection Reasons
Background not pure white
Use a plain white (not light grey or off-white) background. Korean MOFA requires white only.
Glasses visible in photo
Remove all glasses before taking the photo — no exceptions.
Digital retouching applied
Submit a natural, unedited photo. Beauty filters and skin smoothing are not permitted.
Photo older than 6 months
Retake the photo within 6 months of your application.
Face height outside 25–35mm range
Adjust framing so chin-to-crown measures 25–35mm in a 35×45mm photo.
Shadows on face or background
Use even front lighting. Stand away from the background wall to avoid shadows.
Printed on non-photo paper
Print on glossy or semi-gloss photo paper at the correct resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a South Korean passport photo?
South Korean passport photos must be 35×45mm with the face height (chin to crown) measuring 25–35mm within the frame. This follows the ICAO biometric standard used by Korean MOFA (외교부).
Can I wear glasses in a South Korean passport photo?
No. Korean MOFA (외교부) follows the ICAO biometric standard, which prohibits all glasses — including prescription glasses, tinted glasses, and sunglasses — in passport photos.
Does South Korea require a plain white background or is light grey also accepted?
South Korea requires a plain white background only. Unlike some other ICAO countries that accept light grey (such as Germany, Switzerland, and Australia), Korean MOFA specifies white only. Off-white or light grey backgrounds are not accepted.
Is the Korean ID card (주민등록증) photo the same format as the passport photo?
No. The Korean national ID card (주민등록증) uses a 3×4cm (30×40mm) photo format, which is different from the 35×45mm ICAO format required for the passport. Make sure you use the correct format for each document.
Can I submit a passport photo digitally in South Korea?
Yes. The South Korean government provides an online passport application system (정부24 / Government24) for eligible applicants. Applicants can upload a digital photo that meets MOFA requirements: 35×45mm ratio, white background, correct head size, no glasses, no retouching. Confirm the current portal at passport.go.kr.
Does South Korea issue a separate military passport?
Yes. South Korea issues a military passport (군용여권) for male citizens completing mandatory national service. The military passport uses the same ICAO 35×45mm photo requirements as the standard passport. After completing military service, citizens apply for a standard MOFA passport.
Always verify current requirements with the official authority — Korean MOFA (passport.go.kr) or your nearest South Korean embassy or consulate. Requirements are subject to change.
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