South Korean Passport Photo Requirements from the US
여권 사진 — Korean passport photos use 35×45mm with a strict pure white background and a 2022 glasses ban. Here is everything you need for renewal from the US.
Korean passport photos are 35×45mm — not the US 2×2 inch.
The US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square format will be rejected. Korean passports use a portrait 35×45mm format. Ask photo centers specifically for '35 by 45mm' or 'international passport photo.'
2022 Update: Glasses are no longer permitted
South Korea banned glasses in passport photos in 2022. This is one of the most common reasons Korean-American passport applications are rejected at US consulates. Remove glasses for your passport photo regardless of whether they are prescription or non-prescription.
Full Requirements — Korean Passport (여권)
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Size | 35×45mm (width × height) |
| Background | Pure bright white only — #FFFFFF |
| Color | Color — not black and white |
| Glasses | Not permitted (banned since 2022) |
| Expression | Natural — slight smile permitted |
| Eyes | Open, both clearly visible |
| Ears | Both ears visible |
| Head covering | Not permitted (religious exceptions) |
| Head size | Face fills 70–80% of frame |
| Paper | Matte or semi-matte |
| Recency | Within the last 6 months |
Key Differences from US Passport Rules
US passports accept off-white and light backgrounds. Korean passports require pure, bright white (#FFFFFF). A shadow behind your head that would pass for a US passport photo will fail for a Korean passport photo.
US passport rules require a completely neutral expression. Korean rules allow a natural, slight smile — your face should look relaxed and natural, not forced into a stiff neutral. This is a rare case where Korea is less strict than the US.
Both countries banned glasses in passport photos — the US in 2016, Korea in 2022. If you follow US passport photo rules for glasses, you are already compliant with Korean rules.
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How to Renew a Korean Passport from the US
Get photos with no glasses, pure white background, and a natural expression. Bring at least 2 printed 35×45mm copies to your consulate appointment. A digital JPEG may also be needed if your consulate requires online pre-registration.
Many Korean consulates now require or recommend online pre-registration through the overseas Korean portal (mofa.go.kr or the consulate website) before your in-person appointment. Complete this step first to reduce appointment time.
South Korea has 10 consulates in the US — more than most countries. Find your nearest location and book an appointment. Los Angeles and New York have the highest volume and longest waits. Atlanta, Houston, and Seattle typically have faster availability.
Current or expired Korean passport (원본), completed application form (여권발급신청서), 2 printed 35×45mm passport photos, Korean family registry or basic certificate (기본증명서 — available online through gov.kr), proof of US address if requested, and payment (~$50–$70 USD).
Processing takes 3–6 weeks. Some consulates offer in-person pickup or mail return. Track your application through the consulate. Emergency same-day processing is available at some consulates for documented urgent travel — ask when booking.
Korean Consulate Locations in the US (10 locations)
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Korean Passport Photo FAQ
What size is a South Korean passport photo?
South Korean passport photos must be 35×45mm (approximately 1.38×1.77 inches) — the same size as the EU standard. This is different from the US 2×2 inch (51×51mm) format. The background must be pure white (not off-white or light gray), and glasses have been prohibited since 2022. Most US pharmacy photo centers can produce 35×45mm on request — ask specifically for the 'international passport photo' size.
Are glasses allowed in Korean passport photos?
No — glasses have been prohibited in South Korean passport photos since 2022. This updated rule applies to all Korean passport applicants regardless of whether glasses are prescription or non-prescription. If you submit a photo wearing glasses, your application will be rejected. This is one of the most common reasons Korean-Americans have passport applications returned at consulates in the US.
What background color is required for a Korean passport photo?
South Korean passport photos require a pure, bright white background. Off-white, cream, ivory, or light gray backgrounds that are acceptable for US passports are not acceptable for Korean passports. The background must be uniformly white (#FFFFFF) with no shadows behind the head or shoulders. This is one of Korea's strictest passport photo requirements compared to other countries.
Can I renew my Korean passport from the US?
Yes. Korean nationals (재외국민) in the US can renew their passport at any of 10 Korean consulates across the US. South Korea has one of the densest consulate networks in the US, with locations in Washington D.C., Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Seattle, Boston, and Honolulu. An in-person visit is required for biometric enrollment and document submission.
What are all the South Korean passport photo requirements?
South Korean passport photo requirements: 35×45mm size, pure white background (no shadows, no off-white), color photo (not black and white), frontal view with face centered and head straight, natural expression (slight smile permitted — unlike US strict neutral expression requirement), eyes open and clearly visible, no glasses (prohibited since 2022), no head coverings (except religious exceptions), both ears visible, face fills 70–80% of frame height, taken within the last 6 months, printed on matte or semi-matte photo paper.
Does South Korea allow smiling in passport photos?
Yes — South Korea allows a natural, slight smile in passport photos, unlike the US which requires a completely neutral expression. The expression must be natural and not exaggerated. Your mouth should remain closed (or nearly closed), and the smile should not cause the eyes to close or squint significantly. This is a meaningful difference from US passport photo rules that surprises many Korean-Americans who follow the stricter US expression rules.
How long does Korean passport renewal take from the US?
Korean passport renewal from the US typically takes 3–6 weeks. In-person applications at Korean consulates are processed faster than mail-in applications. The Los Angeles and New York consulates have the highest volume and can have longer appointment wait times. The Korean government has also introduced same-day emergency issuance at some consulates for documented urgent travel needs.
What documents do I need to renew a Korean passport from the US?
Documents for Korean passport renewal from the US: current or expired Korean passport (원본), completed application form (여권발급신청서), 35×45mm passport photo (2 copies), proof of US residence or status (if applicable), Korean resident registration or family registry (기본증명서 — obtainable online through gov.kr), and the renewal fee (approximately $50–$70 USD). Overseas Korean nationals (재외국민) may need additional documentation.