South Korean Passport Fees in 2026. Application and Renewal Costs
The cost of a South Korean passport depends on the service you need. Applying for a regular passport, requesting an emergency passport, or replacing an existing document may each involve different fees.
Read on to find out about the official passport prices for 2026, along with payment information and other passport-related costs.
Table of contents
- South Korean passport types
- Latest South Korean passport fee changes
- South Korean passport fees abroad
- Emergency passport fees
- Additional passport service fees
- How to pay South Korean passport fees
- Get your photo for a South Korean passport application online!
- FAQ
South Korean passport types
South Korea issues three passport types for different categories of travelers. Each passport has a distinct cover color and is issued according to the holder's status and travel purpose. In the table below, we compare the main features of each passport.
| Passport type | Cover color | Issued to | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary passport | Dark blue | South Korean citizens traveling for tourism, business, study, or other personal purposes | 10 years for most adults; 5 years for minors and men who have not completed mandatory military service |
| Official passport | Gray | Members of the National Assembly, government officials traveling on official duty, and eligible accompanying family members | 5 years |
| Diplomatic passport | Red | Diplomats, senior government and military officials, and eligible accompanying family members | 5 years |
Latest South Korean passport fee changes
The Republic of Korea increased passport fees by KRW 2,000 on March 1, 2026. The adjustment reflects the higher production costs of electronic passports introduced in 2021 and marks the first nationwide passport fee increase in around two decades.
Below, you’ll find the domestic South Korean passport application fees effective since March 1, 2026.
Adult passport fees (18 years and older):
- 10-year, multiple-entry, 58 pages: KRW 52,000
- 10-year, multiple-entry, 26 pages: KRW 49,000
Passport fees for children and minors:
- Ages 8–17:
- 5-year, 58 pages: KRW 44,000
- 5-year, 26 pages: KRW 41,000
- Under 8 years old:
- 5-year, 58 pages: KRW 35,000
- 5-year, 26 pages: KRW 32,000
Single-entry passport fees:
- 1-year: KRW 17,000
The South Korean passport renewal fee in Korea is the same as the regular issuance fee for the type of passport being renewed, since Korea generally treats renewals as new applications.
South Korean passport fees abroad
The fees for overseas applications vary by country. Each embassy or consulate sets the final amount in the local currency using the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' fee conversion method. Because the official exchange rate used for these calculations remains 1 USD = 1,000 KRW, applicants in some countries may pay more than the equivalent cost in South Korea. Below are the common prices abroad.
- 10-year multiple passport, 58 pages: USD 52.
- 10-year multiple passport, 26 pages: USD 49.
- 5-year passport, age 8 and older, 58 pages: USD 45.
- 5-year passport, age 8 and older, 26 pages: USD 42.
- 5-year passport, under age 8, 58 pages: USD 38.
- 5-year passport, under age 8, 26 pages: USD 35.
- 1-year single passport: USD 17.
Some South Korean embassies and consulates also charge a small card or payment processing fee for payments made through their remote consular payment system.
Emergency passport fees
South Korea issues two types of emergency travel documents for urgent situations: an emergency passport and a temporary travel document. Since they serve different purposes, their costs, validity, and permitted use differ.
Emergency passport (긴급여권)
An emergency passport is a non-electronic, single-entry passport with 12 pages. It is issued when urgent travel is necessary and there is not enough time to obtain a regular passport. The passport is generally valid for 1 year. The prices are as follows:
- The South Korean emergency passport cost is KRW 53,000.
- Reduced fee: KRW 20,000 if the application is due to the death or critical illness of a close family member and the required supporting documents are provided. If the documents are submitted after issuance, the difference can be refunded.
Temporary travel document (여행증명서)
If your passport is lost or stolen abroad, a South Korean embassy or consulate can issue a temporary travel document (travel certificate). It is a separate document issued in limited cases to allow travel when a passport cannot be issued or used.
This 14-page document allows you to return to South Korea, has a short validity period, and is generally not intended for regular international travel. The temporary travel document costs KRW 23,000.
Emergency passports and travel certificates are commonly issued when:
- your passport has been lost or stolen abroad;
- you need to travel urgently and cannot wait for a regular passport;
- you face a family or medical emergency, such as the death or critical illness of a close relative.
Additional passport service fees
Some passport-related requests require separate service fees even if you are not applying for a new passport. These include replacing certain passports, updating personal details, and requesting official passport certificates. Below, we explain the costs of additional passport services.
Replacing a damaged passport / reissuing a passport (여권 훼손에 따른 재발급): for a standard adult passport, the fee is generally the same as the normal issuance fee for that passport type. For example, a 10-year 58-page passport is KRW 52,000 in Korea and USD 52 abroad.
Replacing a passport before expiry/passport with remaining validity (남은 유효기간 부여 여권): KRW 27,000 in Korea and USD 27 abroad.
Changing personal information (성명·주민등록번호 등의 정정): KRW 5,000 in Korea and USD 5 abroad.
Passport fact certificate (여권사실증명): KRW 1,000
Passport record certificate (여권발급기록증명서): KRW 1,000.
Note: A "Passport Fact Certificate" may be available free of charge when issued through an automated civil service kiosk.
How to pay South Korean passport fees
The fees are paid when you submit your application. The available payment methods depend on whether you apply in South Korea or through an overseas embassy or consulate. Here, we explain how payment works in each case.
Applying at a passport office in South Korea
If you apply in person at a city hall, district office, or another passport office, you can usually pay by credit or debit card. Some offices also accept cash, but card payment is the standard option.
Applying online
For online passport renewals, payment is made electronically through the application platform, such as Government24 or a supported banking service. The applicable fee is based on the payment date, not the date you submit your application. This is especially important if passport cost are about to change.
Applying at a South Korean embassy or consulate abroad
Payment methods vary by embassy or consulate. Depending on the location, you may be able to pay by cash, bank card, bank transfer, or in the local currency. Some missions publish their fees in U.S. dollars, while others accept payment in local currency or Korean won. It is recommended that you check the payment instructions provided by the embassy or consulate where you plan to apply.
Get your photo for a South Korean passport application online!
A compliant photo is an essential part of your passport application. With Visafoto, a trusted online photo editing service, taking your passport photo is more affordable and quicker than ever. Read on to learn how to take a professional-quality passport photo at home. It only takes two simple steps:
- Upload a photo taken in natural light to the Visafoto tool below.
- Select the country and document type (for example, South Korea, passport).
Visafoto takes care of the rest. The service automatically adjusts your photo to meet the official requirements, including the correct size, background, head position, and composition. You'll receive a digital photo ready for online submissions, plus a print template if you need a paper copy.
If necessary, Visafoto also enhances image quality by improving lighting, increasing sharpness and resolution, and correcting framing. You can even use a photo of an existing printed passport photo instead of taking a new one – Visafoto will optimize it for reuse. If your photo already meets the official standards, no unnecessary edits are made.
Original photo:
Photo after Visafoto processing:
Visafoto has processed passport and visa photos since 2013 and delivers a 99.7% acceptance rate, with over 1 million approved photos. If your photo is rejected, you'll receive a full refund. Customer support is available 24/7.
FAQ
Why do some fee tables list separate amounts for “passport issuance fee” and “international exchange contribution,” and how is the total calculated in practice?
South Korean passport prices include two separate charges:
- Passport issuance fee: Covers the production and processing of the passport, including secure materials, administrative work, and issuance.
- International exchange contribution: A mandatory charge collected under the Korea International Exchange Foundation Act to support international exchange and public diplomacy programs. By law, this contribution cannot exceed KRW 15,000.
The total passport fee is the sum of these two amounts. For example, after the March 2026 cost update, a 10-year, 58-page passport costs KRW 52,000: KRW 40,000 for passport issuance and KRW 12,000 for the international exchange contribution. Some passports, including single-entry and emergency passports, are exempt from the contribution, so only the issuance fee applies.
Is the passport application fee refundable?
Yes, but only in certain situations. If your application is rejected before the passport is issued, for example, because of an invalid photo or ineligible applicant status, the full fee, including any applicable surcharges, is refunded through the application system. Once a passport has been issued, the fee is generally non-refundable.
If my child turns 18 right before or after we apply, which fee category applies (minor or adult), and is it based on age at application or at issuance?
The passport fee is based on the applicant's age on the application date. If your child is under 18 when the application is submitted, the minor fee applies. If they are already 18, the adult fee is charged.
What happens to the fee if I submit an application with incorrect documents and need to reapply? Do I pay again or just correct the paperwork?
If your application is rejected because of incorrect information or non-compliant documents, such as an unsuitable passport photo, the passport fee is automatically refunded within 7 days for eligible Government24 online applications.
After the refund is processed, you must submit a new application and pay the fee again. In many cases, your previously entered information remains saved, so you only need to correct the rejected documents before resubmitting. However, if it becomes a true new application, the normal fee can apply again.