Passport and ID Photos in South Korea: Complete Guide

What is the South Korean photo size for visas, passports, and IDs? Where to get passport photos in Seoul? And what's the most affordable method to get a professional South Korean ID photo? Our guide has all the details.

Table of contents

• South Korea passport, visa, and ID photo requirements
• K-ETA photo size and format
• South Korea Alien Registration photo specifications
• Where to take ID photos in Korea? Common choices and prices
• South Korea passport photo size editor
• ID photo app for iOS and Android
• “Korean style” passport photo. Passport photo dress-code, make-up and retouching in South Korea
• Where to print a passport-sized photo in South Korea?

South Korea passport, visa, and ID photo requirements

To get a passport, visa, or ID in South Korea, photos need to follow specific rules set by the authorities:

• South Korean passport photo size should be 35 mm wide and 45 mm high. Korean passport photo size in inches is 1.38 by 1.77. The head should be 32 mm to 36 mm from chin to hair top.
• Passport photo size for South Korea visa is also 35×45 mm. But the head should be between 25 mm and 35 mm from chin to the top of the hair.
• Photos must be in color and printed on high-quality photo paper.
• The background should be plain white, with no shadows or objects.
• The face must be shown straight on, with eyes open and both clearly visible.
• A neutral facial expression is needed; no smiling or frowning. The mouth must be closed.
• The head should be straight and centered without any tilt or turn.
• Avoid wearing white clothing that blends into the background.
• Hats are not allowed unless worn for religious reasons, in which case the face must be fully visible.

Here is an example:

K-ETA photo size and format

The K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is a digital travel pass required for eligible visitors before entering Korea. When applying online, you need to upload a digital photo that meets the following conditions:

• File type must be JPG/JPEG
• File size is less than 100 KB
• Photo dimensions must be less than 700×700 pixels
• Your head should be centered, and your shoulders and upper chest should appear in the image.
• Your face must be clear and recognizable.
• No image distortions or digital touch-ups are allowed.
• Maintain a neutral expression and focus directly on the camera.
• Glasses with colored lenses or thick frames are not permitted.
• Headgear is not allowed unless it's for religious or medical purposes. The face must be fully visible.

South Korea Alien Registration photo specifications

If you're planning to stay in South Korea for over 90 days, whether it's for work, study, or other reasons, you'll need an Alien Registration Card (ARC). The ID photo for your ARC should meet these standards:

• The photo must be in color.
• It should measure 30 mm wide by 40 mm tall.
• Your head should be 20 to 30 mm tall in the photo, with 3 to 5 mm of space above it.
• The photo should be taken within the last six months.
• A plain white background is required.
• Glasses can be worn, provided the frames don't obscure the eyes and there's no glare. Dark-tinted glasses are not allowed.
• Head coverings are permitted for religious or medical reasons, but facial features must remain fully visible. Other headwear is not allowed.
• Ensure that the photo is clear, with balanced lighting and color—not too dark or too light.
• Avoid shadows on your face or behind your head.
• 'Red eye' effects are not acceptable.
• Keep your expression neutral and face the camera directly.

Where to take ID photos in Korea? Common choices and prices

In South Korea, you can get your passport or ID photo taken at various places. Professional photo studios charge between KRW 18,000 and KRW 35,000 (about USD 13 and USD 25), which is typically higher than other options.

For a more budget-friendly alternative, retail stores and copy centers provide photo services for about KRW 12,000 to KRW 15,000 (approx. USD 9 and USD 11).

Photo booths at subway stations offer a quick and economical choice, with prices around KRW 10,000 (about USD 7). However, the quality might not be as high as that from professional studios.

South Korea passport photo size editor

To save your time and money, consider getting your passport photo edited online using Visafoto. This Korea passport photo size editor ensures photo compliance for registration cards without the need to visit a photo studio. Since 2013, Visafoto has handled ID images and is familiar with the requirements for documents worldwide, including passports, visas, and driving licenses.

Simply take a photo of yourself following the guidelines and upload it to Visafoto. The service will take care of the background, sizing, and dimensions. If you're not happy with the results, we'll replace the photo for free. If it's not accepted, we offer a full refund.

You'll get a digital version for online submissions and a print-ready copy.

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here, and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport, or ID.

You will have two types of photos: a digital one for electronic applications and another one suitable for printing.

Here they are:

ID Photo App for iOS and Android

Meet the 7ID App by Visafoto.com, a convenient tool for creating perfect ID, passport, and visa photos right from your smartphone. Compatible with both iPhone and Android devices, this app makes the process easy and convenient.

Using 7ID is straightforward: simply upload your photo, choose the type of document and country, and the app will automatically adjust your image to match official requirements. This includes setting the correct size, format, background color, and positioning of your face and eyes.

You'll receive both a digital version and a print template ready for standard paper sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5. Plus, our technical support team is available around the clock to assist you.

“Korean style” passport photo. Passport photo dress-code, make-up and retouching in South Korea

In South Korea, “Korean style” passport photos follow specific guidelines for attire, make-up, and retouching, ensuring they meet the country's standards for official ID photos. Here's what you need to know:

Attire guidelines

• Avoid wearing white, as it can blend with the background. Opt for lighter colors that contrast with a plain white backdrop.
• Generally, hats or head coverings aren't allowed, except for religious purposes. If worn, the full face should remain visible.
• Keep accessories minimal. Earrings should not reflect light or hide facial features. Avoid large or shiny jewelry that could distract from the face.

Make-up tips

• Opt for make-up that naturally enhances your features without being too dramatic. A subtle look is preferred for a professional appearance.
• Use a light foundation to maintain an even skin tone, avoiding heavy contouring. The focus is on a clear and accurate representation.
• Use eyeliner and mascara to subtly define the eyes. Stick to neutral lip colors instead of bold or dark shades.

Editing guidelines

• South Korean regulations prohibit digital alterations that significantly change your appearance. Avoid excessive retouching to ensure the photo reflects your actual look.
• Ensure the photo is clear, with no marks or creases, and printed on quality photo paper. It should allow for easy identification during immigration checks.

Where to print a passport-sized photo in South Korea?

Where to take passport photos in Korea? Visafoto and 7ID provide a convenient file containing four individual photos on one sheet, making printing easy. Here's how to print them:

At home:

1. Use a 10×15 cm (4×6 inch) photo paper.
2. Find the photo template on your computer.
3. Right-click on the file and select 'Print'.

Using a printing service:

1. If you don't have a printer, locate a nearby printing service.
2. Request a print on 10×15 cm (4×6 inches) paper.
3. Many services in South Korea offer online ordering and payment, so you can pick up your prints when convenient. Popular choices include Photobi Studio, Kinko's, and Printingbox.