South Korea uses 35×45 mm photos with both ears visible — a rule that catches many Americans off guard. Head size must be 32–36 mm, and no retouching is allowed. Americans get 90-day visa-free entry, so most travelers only need photos for Korean passport or F-4 visa renewals.
| Printed size | 35 × 45 mm (1.38 × 1.77 in) |
| Face height | 32–36 mm (chin to crown) |
| Head width | 25–35 mm |
| Background | Plain white |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
| Ears | Both ears visible |
| Recency | Within 6 months |
| Retouching | Not permitted |
Both ears must be fully visible — no hair covering them. This is the #1 surprise for Americans applying for Korean documents.
Korea explicitly prohibits digital retouching, filters, or beauty enhancements. Your photo must show your natural appearance.
Korea has tightened glasses rules. Remove them if possible — any glare or frame obstruction will cause rejection.
| Requirement | Korea Passport | Korea Digital | US Passport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size | 35 × 45 mm | 413 × 531 px at 300 DPI | 51 × 51 mm (2×2 in) |
| Face height | 32–36 mm | 32–36 mm equivalent | 25–35 mm (1–1⅜ in) |
| Head width | 25–35 mm | 25–35 mm equivalent | Not specified |
| Background | Plain white | Plain white | White or off-white |
| Expression | Neutral, no smile | Neutral, no smile | Neutral or natural smile |
| Ears | Both ears visible | Both ears visible | Not required |
| Glasses | Discouraged; remove if possible | Discouraged | Not allowed |
| Retouching | Not permitted | Not permitted | Not permitted |
| Recency | Within 6 months | Within 6 months | Within 6 months |
| File specs | N/A (printed) | ≤500KB, 300 DPI | JPG/HEIF, 54KB–10MB |
US citizens enjoy 90-day visa-free entry to South Korea under a bilateral visa exemption agreement. K-ETA requirements change frequently — check the latest status before travel.
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) is an entry requirement for nationals of visa-exempt countries. While US citizens are currently exempt, the requirement can change. When required, K-ETA needs a digital face photo.
Korea follows ICAO standards with some accommodations for very young children.
Korean nationals living in the US renew their passports through Korean consulates. The Korean diaspora in the US is one of the largest worldwide — approximately 1.8 million Korean-Americans, concentrated in the LA/Orange County area, NY/NJ, and the DC-Virginia corridor.
Check overseas.mofa.go.kr for your consulate's jurisdiction.
Korean passport offices use automated facial recognition — strict on ears, expression, and image quality.
Hair covering ears is the most common rejection. Pin hair back or tuck behind ears before the photo.
Beauty filters, skin smoothing, or any digital editing. Automated systems detect retouching and reject.
Any glare, reflection, or frame covering the eyes. Remove glasses for the safest result.
Face height outside 32–36mm or head width outside 25–35mm. Precise cropping is essential.
Correct 35×45mm format, ears-visible compliance, precise 32–36mm face height, and digital specs for K-ETA or online visa uploads. Works for Korean passport, visa, and F-4 applications.
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