Korean passport photo rules: A guide from Gangnam Station

Check the size, head length, white background, expression, glasses and AI editing restrictions before your photo session.

G.STUDIO GangnamPublished Oct 22, 2026MOFA rules checked Oct 22, 2026

Korean passport photos must meet the specifications published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). This guide summarizes the official rules and examples for people preparing a photo near Gangnam Station.

The passport office makes the final decision. Use this as a pre-shoot checklist, and check digital application files separately from printed photo dimensions.

Printed photo3.5 × 4.5 cmwidth × height

Head length3.2–3.6 cmtop of head to chin

Photo dateWithin 6 monthsbefore application

Online file413 × 531 pxJPG/JPEG · up to 500 KB

Official MOFA passport photo checklist — Checklist: close-up framing, background edits, head length and glasses glare

Official MOFA photo size and background example — Size and background: head length and white background

Official MOFA photo quality and lighting example — Quality and lighting: shadows, skin tone and sharpness

Official MOFA face direction and expression example — Face and expression: forward-facing pose and visible face

Official MOFA eyes and glasses example — Eyes and glasses: gaze, lens glare and frame position

Official MOFA clothing and accessories example — Clothing and accessories: covered hair, earphones and face outline

Official MOFA infant passport photo example — Infants: other people or objects, gaze and mouth position

Match the photo size and head length

A printed photo must be 3.5 cm wide and 4.5 cm high. Head length, from the top of the head excluding hair to the chin, must be 3.2–3.6 cm. Avoid close-up shots or edits that change facial proportions.

For online reissue, MOFA recommends 413 × 531 px. The accepted range is 395–431 px wide and 507–550 px high. Use a JPG/JPEG file under 500 KB; 300 dpi is recommended. These digital and print dimensions serve different purposes.

Use a white background and clear, natural lighting

The background must be evenly white, without borders or stains. No other person or object may appear. Do not remove the background or composite a person onto white using editing software.

Print on glossy or matte photo paper, not plain paper. Avoid shadows and glare, and represent natural skin tone. Do not use blurred, pixelated, creased or stained photos.

Face and shoulders forward, expression neutral

Center the head and face the camera straight on with shoulders forward. Side poses and tilting the head are not allowed. Keep the mouth closed with no teeth showing; do not squint or raise the eyebrows.

Keep the eyes naturally open and look ahead. Hair must not cover the eyes or make the face outline difficult to identify. Arrange hair so the full face from forehead to chin is visible.

Glasses are allowed if the lenses do not reflect light

Ordinary glasses are allowed, but lenses must not reflect light and frames must not cover the eyes. Colored or circle contact lenses, tinted glasses and sunglasses are not allowed.

A small catchlight may be acceptable if it does not affect iris shape or color. Hats and headbands are not allowed. Daily religious head coverings may be accepted if the face remains visible. Jewelry must not glare or cover the face; earphones and headphones are not allowed.

Do not retouch or edit a passport photo with AI

MOFA does not allow arbitrary retouching with photo software or filters. AI editing, alteration, compositing and generated images are also prohibited. Do not remove the background or change face or head size.

For a passport photo near Gangnam Station, use a real photograph and meet the required framing. Do not alter facial features in the submitted image; check that the final file reflects the person's actual appearance and meets MOFA requirements.

The same basic rules apply to infants

Infants must meet the same basic size and forward-facing requirements. Toys, a guardian's hand or face, and other people or objects must not appear.

For children up to 36 months who cannot keep their mouths closed, a slightly open mouth may be accepted. Keep the child's face visible and facing forward.

Frequently asked questions

Before taking a passport photo near Gangnam Station

What size should a Korean passport photo be?

The print is 3.5 × 4.5 cm. Head length, excluding hair, must be 3.2–3.6 cm from the top of the head to the chin.

Can I wear glasses?

Ordinary glasses are allowed if there is no lens glare and the frame does not cover the eyes. Colored lenses and sunglasses are not allowed.

Can I use AI retouching or replace the background?

MOFA does not allow AI-edited, composited or generated photos, or arbitrary editing with photo software or filters.

What are the online file requirements?

MOFA recommends 413 × 531 px, with an accepted width of 395–431 px and height of 507–550 px, as a JPG/JPEG under 500 KB. Check the official page for current details.

Do these rules also apply to visas or driver's licenses?

This guide covers Korean passport photos. Visa and other ID photo requirements can differ; check the issuing authority.