Everything you need to know about South Korea national ID card (주민등록증) photo requirements, including exact dimensions, background color, pose rules, and how to take a compliant photo at home.
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country | South Korea (한국) |
| Document Type | National ID Card (주민등록증) |
| Photo Size | 35 × 45 mm (3.5 × 4.5 cm) |
| Resolution (DPI) | 600 |
| Head Size | 25–35 mm from chin to top of head |
| Background Color | White |
| Printable | Yes — on matte or glossy photo-quality paper |
| Digital for Online Submission | Yes |
| Digital Photo Size | 827 × 1063 pixels minimum (at 600 DPI) |
| Photo Paper Type | Matte or glossy |
| Color | Color only (black and white not accepted) |
| Number of Photos | 2 identical photos |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
The South Korean government has specific requirements for national ID card photos. Below is a comprehensive guide to ensure your photo is accepted.
No sunglasses or tinted glasses are allowed. Clear prescription glasses may be worn, but it is recommended to remove them to avoid potential issues with reflections or glare.
You don't need a professional studio. Follow these simple steps to take a compliant South Korea ID card photo at home using your smartphone.
Any modern smartphone camera (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, etc.) is more than capable of taking an ID card-quality photo. Make sure the lens is clean and the camera is set to the highest resolution.
Place your phone on a tripod or ask someone to take the photo for you. Selfies tend to have the wrong angle and distortion.
Stand facing a window with natural daylight for the best even lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows. If using indoor lighting, use multiple light sources from different angles to eliminate shadows.
Wear your normal everyday clothing. Avoid uniforms and white tops that blend with the background. Make sure your hair does not cover your eyes or cast shadows on your face.
Stand about 4 feet (1.2 meters) in front of the camera with your head facing directly forward. Keep your shoulders relaxed and your head level — not tilted. Ensure your entire face from chin to forehead is visible.
Keep your face relaxed with a neutral expression. Both eyes must be open and your mouth closed. Do not smile. Your expression should be calm and natural.
Comparison of acceptable and unacceptable ID card photos
A South Korea ID card (주민등록증) photo must be exactly 35×45 mm. Your head must measure between 25 and 35 mm from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head.
Clear prescription glasses may be allowed, but sunglasses and tinted glasses are strictly prohibited. It is recommended to remove glasses for the best result to avoid reflections or glare.
No. You must maintain a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and your mouth closed. No smiling, frowning, or exaggerated expressions.
Yes! You can take your ID card photo with any smartphone. Simply upload it to PassportPhoto.help and our AI will automatically crop, resize, remove the background, and ensure it meets all official South Korea ID card photo requirements.
The background must be plain white. No patterns, objects, shadows, or other people should be visible. If you don't have a white wall, don't worry — our tool will automatically replace your background with white.
The 주민등록증 (national ID card) is issued to all Korean citizens age 17 and above. It is a mandatory identification document required for various administrative and legal purposes in South Korea.
You need to submit 2 identical photos with your South Korea ID card application.
Your ID card photo must have been taken within the last 6 months. It should reflect your current appearance, including any significant changes to your face.
