PixKorea Passport Photo Size: Exact Requirements (2026)
South Korea's passport photo requirements are strict. The Korean Immigration Service enforces precise dimensions, a mandatory no-glasses policy introduced in 2020, and tight rules on head position, expression, and background. Get any of these wrong and your application bounces back.
This guide covers every specification for a South Korean passport photo, including exact pixel dimensions and how to prepare a compliant photo at home.
Korean Passport Photo Specs at a Glance
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Print size | 35 mm × 45 mm (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm) |
| Pixels (300 DPI) | 413 × 531 px |
| Pixels (600 DPI) | 827 × 1063 px |
| Aspect ratio | 35:45 (≈ 1:1.29) |
| Digital file size | JPEG, max 500 KB (online submission) |
| Background | Plain white |
| Head height | 25–35 mm (chin to top of head) |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Glasses | Not permitted (since 2020) |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
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Exact Dimensions: Millimeters, Inches, and Pixels
The official South Korean passport photo size is 35 mm wide × 45 mm tall, or approximately 1.38″ × 1.77″. This matches the ICAO 9303 standard used across most of Europe, including Schengen visa photos.
| Resolution | Width (px) | Height (px) |
|---|---|---|
| 300 DPI (standard print) | 413 | 531 |
| 600 DPI (high-quality print) | 827 | 1063 |
For online applications through the Korean Immigration Service portal, submit a JPEG file no larger than 500 KB. The recommended digital size is 413 × 531 pixels at 300 DPI.
The aspect ratio is 35:45, roughly 1:1.29. Standard smartphone photos use a 3:4 or 9:16 ratio, so you will need to crop your image to match. Note that this differs significantly from the square 51×51mm format used for Indian passport photos — never reuse photos between countries without checking the specs.
Head Position and Framing
Korean authorities measure head position carefully:
- Head height: Chin to top of head must measure 25–35 mm in the printed photo (roughly 56–78% of frame height).
- Face centered horizontally with equal space on both sides.
- Top margin: 3–5 mm between the top of your head and the photo edge.
- Shoulders visible at the bottom of the frame, straight and level.
- Head straight: No tilting or turning. Face the camera directly.
A head outside the 25–35 mm range triggers an automatic rejection.
The No-Glasses Rule
Since 2020, the Korean Immigration Service does not allow glasses in passport photos — prescription or otherwise. This applies to:
- Prescription glasses, sunglasses, tinted lenses, and reading glasses
- Contact lenses that change iris color
This policy improves facial recognition accuracy at automated passport gates. Even thin-framed glasses are prohibited.
Background and Appearance Rules
The background must be plain white — no patterns, shadows, textures, or gradients. Off-white, cream, and light gray are rejected. Stand at least one meter from the wall and use two light sources to prevent shadows. For more detail on background standards, see our passport photo background guide.
Clothing: Do not wear white or light tops — they blend into the background. Dark or medium tones work best. No hats or head coverings (religious coverings are permitted if they do not obscure the face).
Expression: Neutral, mouth closed. No smiling. Both eyes open and looking directly at the camera.
Hair: Must not cover your face, eyes, or eyebrows.
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How to Prepare Your Korean Passport Photo at Home
Step 1: Take the Photo
Use a smartphone or digital camera. Stand in front of a white wall with even lighting from both sides. Have someone else take the photo from about 1.5 meters distance using the rear camera. Remove your glasses before shooting.
Step 2: Crop to the 35:45 Ratio
Open your photo in Pixotter's crop tool and set the aspect ratio to 35:45. Position your face so the chin-to-crown distance falls within the 25–35 mm range. Center your face horizontally.
Step 3: Resize to 413 × 531 Pixels
Use Pixotter's resize tool to set the exact dimensions to 413 × 531 pixels. The resize happens entirely in your browser — your photo never leaves your device. For high-quality prints, resize to 827 × 1063 pixels instead.
Step 4: Check File Size and Submit
The JPEG must be under 500 KB. A 413 × 531 pixel JPEG at standard quality runs 50–200 KB — well within the limit. Before submitting, confirm: correct dimensions, file under 500 KB, white background with no shadows, no glasses, neutral expression, and photo taken within the last 6 months.
Common Rejection Reasons
Wearing glasses. The most common mistake for applicants unaware of the 2020 rule change. Remove all eyewear.
Wrong background shade. Off-white walls, textured paint, and shadows all trigger rejections. Use a white sheet or posterboard if your wall is not pure white.
Head too large or too small. The 25–35 mm chin-to-crown measurement is strictly enforced.
Shadows on the background. Move away from the wall and add a second light source.
Smiling or open mouth. Even a slight smile can trigger rejection. Practice a neutral expression.
Korean Visa Photo Requirements
Korean visa photos use the same specifications as passport photos: 35 × 45 mm, white background, no glasses, neutral expression, JPEG under 500 KB. The same automated validation system processes both. A passport-compliant photo will pass visa requirements. The only variable: some consulates require photos from the last 3 months rather than 6. Check with your specific Korean embassy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact pixel size for a Korea passport photo?
At 300 DPI, a Korean passport photo is 413 × 531 pixels. At 600 DPI, it is 827 × 1063 pixels. Both produce the required 35 × 45 mm print size.
Can I wear glasses in a Korean passport photo?
No. Since 2020, the Korean Immigration Service prohibits all glasses — including prescription glasses, reading glasses, and thin-framed glasses.
What file format does the Korean passport application accept?
The portal accepts JPEG files with a maximum size of 500 KB at 413 × 531 pixels.
Can I take a Korean passport photo with my phone?
Yes. Use the rear camera, stand in front of a white wall, remove your glasses, and have someone else take the photo. Then crop and resize to the correct dimensions.
Is the Korean visa photo the same size as the passport photo?
Yes. Korean visa photos use the same 35 × 45 mm dimensions, white background, and no-glasses rule.
Are Korean passport photo requirements the same as European ones?
The 35 × 45 mm size matches the ICAO standard used across Europe, including Schengen visa photos. However, the Korean no-glasses rule is stricter — most European countries still allow glasses if there is no glare.
How recent does a Korean passport photo need to be?
The photo must be taken within the last 6 months. If your appearance has changed noticeably, take a fresh photo regardless of date.
What happens if my Korean passport photo is rejected?
The Korean Immigration Service portal flags the specific issue: wrong dimensions, glasses detected, background not white, or head position outside tolerance. Fix the flagged issue and re-submit.
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