South Korea Passport, Visa, and ID Photos
Get ready for your South Korean application by following the exact official photo rules for passports, visas, and identity cards.
Official Documents and Sizes
South Korea requires specific photos for many different official documents. This guide covers the South Korean passport photo, South Korean resident registration card photo, South Korean driver’s licence photo, and South Korean international driving permit photo.
It also covers the South Korean residence card photo, South Korean visitor visa photo, South Korean student visa photo, and South Korean work visa photo.
The guide also covers the South Korean K-ETA and refugee application photos. The listed photos are 35×45 mm; the K-ETA size is common, with no single official size listed[1][2].
Head Height Rules
Official rules set exact head height measurements from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head for many documents. For a South Korean passport photo and a South Korean international driving permit photo, your head must measure between 32 and 36 mm[3][4].
For a South Korean residence card photo, a South Korean visitor visa photo, and a South Korean refugee application photo, the required head height is 25 to 35 mm[5][6][2].
For other documents like the South Korean resident registration card photo, South Korean driver’s licence photo, South Korean student visa photo, South Korean work visa photo, and South Korean K-ETA photo, the head height rule is not set[7][8][9][1].
Background and Appearance
For a South Korean passport photo, use a plain white background[3].
Keep your expression neutral and look straight at the camera. Avoid wearing heavy makeup, hats, or tinted glasses that obscure your face. Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or eyebrows, and keep your mouth closed with a natural expression.
Submission Methods
You can submit both printed and digital versions for a South Korean passport photo, South Korean driver’s licence photo, South Korean visitor visa photo, and South Korean work visa photo[3][8][6].
Printed submissions are required for the South Korean resident registration card photo, South Korean international driving permit photo, South Korean residence card photo, South Korean student visa photo, and South Korean refugee application photo[7][4][5][9][2].
The South Korean K-ETA photo requires digital submission only[1].
Practical Tips for Your Photo
Face a bright window to get even natural lighting on your face without harsh shadows. Ask a friend or family member to take the picture instead of holding the camera yourself.
Keep the camera at your eye level and stand about one to one and a half meters away from the lens. This prevents facial distortion and keeps your proportions correct. Taking your picture against a plain wall in daytime gives you the best results without needing studio gear.
Before You Go
Before you head to the office or upload your files, double check all requirements for your specific document. Gather any supporting paperwork, application forms, and payment methods required by the authority.
Check whether you need printed copies or digital uploads, as mixing them up can delay your process. If you print your own sheet, verify that the dimensions match the official requirement before cutting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make simple errors when taking photos at home. Avoid casting shadows on the background by standing a little bit away from the wall.
Do not wear white clothing that blends into the white background. Check that your eyes are wide open and looking directly into the lens. Avoid smiling too broadly or frowning, as a neutral look is best.
Using the Tool on This Page
You can use the tool above to crop your photo to the listed dimensions for your application.
After you crop your image, you can arrange it on a sheet and print it as an ordinary 4x6-inch photo at any local photo kiosk.
Frequently asked questions
What size must a South Korean passport photo be?
A South Korean passport photo must be 35x45 mm with a head height of 32 to 36 mm[3].
Can I submit a digital photo for a South Korean visitor visa?
Yes, visitor visas allow both printed and digital photo submissions[6].
What background color is required?
Official guidelines require a plain white background[3].
What is the head height requirement for a residence card?
The head height for a South Korean residence card photo must be between 25 and 35 mm[5].
Is the K-ETA photo size officially fixed?
The K-ETA uses a common size with no single official size set by authorities[1].
How far should I stand from the camera?
Stand about one to one and a half meters away from the lens to keep your facial proportions correct.