South Korean Student Visa Photo Guide
Prepare a correct photo for your South Korean D-2 student visa application with these official rules[1].
Official Size and Submission Rules
The cited Finnish embassy guidance requests one passport photo for a D-2 student visa, taken within six months[1]. The photo size is 35 by 45 mm[1].
Check the instructions for the mission handling your application, since local missions may have different submission steps. The cited Finnish embassy guidance requests a passport photo[1].
Background and Lighting Details
The cited embassy guidance requests a front-view colour passport photo against a white or off-white background[1]. Use a plain white or off-white background and make sure your face is fully visible.
When you take the picture at home, stand a short distance away from the wall to avoid harsh shadows behind your head. Turn on soft room lights so your face has even light on both sides. Avoid standing directly under a bright overhead lamp because it can cast dark shadows under your eyes and nose.
Head Height and Framing
The supplied facts do not list a head-height measurement for this visa photo. Use the photo size specified by the mission handling your application.
Center your head and shoulders in the frame. Look straight ahead at the camera lens. Keep your shoulders level and relaxed. Leave a small space around your head and shoulders so you can crop the image to the correct 35 by 45 millimeter size later.
Glasses, Headwear, and Expression
The supplied facts do not specify rules for glasses in this visa photo. If you choose to wear glasses, make sure the frames do not cover your eyes and that there is no glare on the lenses.
The supplied facts do not specify rules for headwear, expression, or mouth position. Check the local mission’s instructions[1].
Taking Your Photo at Home Step by Step
The supplied facts do not state who must take the photo or prohibit selfies. However, asking a friend or family member to take the picture helps you avoid distortion.
Set your camera or phone at eye level. Stand about one meter away from the background wall. Use the back camera of your phone rather than the front selfie camera for better image quality. Follow the photo instructions from the mission handling your application.
Printing Your Photo on a 4x6 Sheet
The cited embassy guidance requests one passport photo[1].
Follow the mission’s instructions for printing and submitting the photo.
Before You Go
Before you visit the local Korean mission, double-check all your application documents. Look at your printed photo to check the size with a physical ruler.
Make sure the background is clean white or off-white without patterns or shadows. Check that the photo is recent and was taken within the last six months[1]. Local Korean missions may set additional submission steps[1], so read their website carefully before you submit your D-2 student visa packet.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear glasses in my South Korean student visa photo?
The supplied facts do not specify whether glasses are allowed.
How old can my visa photo be?
The embassy requests a photo taken within six months[1].
What background color do I need?
The embassy requests a front-view color passport photo against a white or off-white background[1].
Is a digital upload enough for the D-2 visa?
The cited embassy guidance requests one passport photo[1].
What is the official photo size?
The size is 35 by 45 millimeters[1].
Can I take the photo with my phone?
The supplied facts do not state who must take the photo or prohibit selfies, but asking a helper gives better results.