AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
AUSTRALIA - NEW ZWALAND - USA - UK - PHILLIPINES - GERMANY - SOUTH KOREA - HONGKONG - VIETNAM - MALAYSIA - ITALY - SRILANKA - CANADA - CHINA - INDIA - JAPAN - NEPAL - BANGLADESH - IRAQ - IRAN - LEBANON - PAKISTAN
📋 What's in this guide
Both ears must be visible — Korea's most enforced rule
Korean MOFA explicitly requires both ears to be visible, or at minimum, both side-edges of the face clearly visible. Hair covering the ears is the single most common rejection cause. Unlike Australian, Japanese or Indian passport photos, this is a hard requirement in the official Korean guidelines.
Glasses are not permitted
Korean MOFA and the Sydney/Melbourne consulates do not accept photos with glasses. Any glasses — including clear prescription frames — risk rejection. The automated biometric system flags even thin-framed glasses. The safest approach is always to remove glasses completely.
Miniml ensures ear visibility and consulate compliance
When you select Korea, our expert reviewers specifically check that both ears are visible before approving your photo for print — in addition to all standard MOFA requirements.
Official specifications
The exact MOFA numbers — verified.
These are the official requirements from South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Every requirement below is enforced at the Consulate-General of Korea in Sydney and Melbourne.
| Requirement | Official Specification | Important Notes | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Photo dimensions | 35mm wide × 45mm high 2×2 inch format no longer accepted | The 2×2 inch square (51×51mm) format previously accepted for some Korean applications is now replaced by the standard 35×45mm portrait format. Do not use the older square format. | REQUIRED |
Head height (chin–crown) | 32–36 mm Face length: 25–35mm | Head must be centred and not tilted. Face must look directly forward. Both eyes must be at the same horizontal level. Head width (ear to ear) should be 25–35mm. | REQUIRED |
Face coverage | 70–80% of photo height | Face (chin to crown) must fill 70–80% of the photo height — equivalent to a 32–36mm head height in a 45mm photo. This aligns with standard ICAO biometric requirements. | REQUIRED |
Both ears visible | Required — or face edges clearly visible Korea-specific key rule | MOFA guidelines explicitly state both ears should be visible. If hair covers the ears, at minimum both lateral edges of the face must be clearly visible against the background. Hair covering ears is the #1 rejection cause. Pin hair behind ears for safest result. | KOREA SPECIFIC |
Background colour | Plain white or plain light grey No patterns, shadows or objects | Unlike Chinese photos (white only), Korean photos accept either white or a plain, uniform light grey. The background must be evenly lit with no shadows. Coloured, patterned or off-white backgrounds are rejected. | REQUIRED |
Expression | Neutral, mouth closed | Both eyes open and looking directly at camera. No smiling, frowning or exaggerated expressions. Even a slight smile may cause rejection at automated biometric checking. Head must be straight — not tilted or turned. | REQUIRED |
Glasses | Not permitted Removed from allowed items | Korean passport guidelines no longer permit glasses in photos. Previously, clear non-glare glasses were conditionally allowed. Korean consulates in Sydney and Melbourne enforce a no-glasses policy. Sunglasses are never permitted under any circumstances. | NOT ALLOWED |
Headphones / wireless devices | Not permitted Explicitly banned in MOFA guidelines | This is an unusual explicit rule in Korean photo requirements. Wireless earbuds, headphones, hearing devices and any similar devices are not permitted. This applies to any form of in-ear or over-ear device visible in the photo. | KOREA SPECIFIC |
White clothing | Not permitted Cannot blend with background | Do not wear white or very light-coloured clothing — MOFA guidelines explicitly state white clothing that cannot be distinguished from the background is not permitted. Pale colours that can be clearly distinguished from the background are acceptable. | KOREA SPECIFIC |
Same as previous documents | Not permitted Must be a new, fresh photo | MOFA guidelines explicitly state that photos identical or very similar to previous passport, alien registration card, or other official ID photos issued within the last 6 months will be returned and applications delayed. A fresh photo must be taken. | NOT ALLOWED |
Accessories (earrings) | Must not reflect light or cover face | Earrings and piercings that reflect light or cover the contour of the face are not accepted. Small, plain earrings are generally acceptable if they don't create glare. | CONDITIONAL |
Photo age | Within 6 months | Must represent your current appearance. Even within 6 months — significant hair colour change, major weight change, or other significant appearance change requires a new photo. | REQUIRED |
Detailed requirements
Every MOFA rule, explained clearly.
Korean passport photo requirements follow ICAO biometric standards with several unique additions. These are enforced at the Korean Consulate-General in Sydney and Melbourne.
Photo Size — 35 × 45mm
Korean passport photos are 35mm wide and 45mm high — the same portrait format used in Japan and most European countries. The head (chin to crown) must measure 32–36mm, filling 70–80% of the photo height. The face must be horizontally centred in the frame with the eyes roughly one-third down from the top.
Note: The older 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square format is no longer accepted for Korean passport applications. Always use the 35×45mm portrait format.
Both Ears Must Be Visible — Korea's Key Rule
This is the most uniquely Korean requirement and the most common rejection cause. MOFA guidelines explicitly require both ears to be visible — or, if the ears are covered by hair, at minimum the lateral edges of both sides of the face must be clearly visible against the background. This means hair cannot fall across the cheeks or frame of the face.
Pin hair firmly behind both ears before taking the photo. Tuck long hair behind the ears or tie it back. Check carefully — ear visibility is specifically inspected at Korean consulates in Australia.
White or Light Grey Background
Unlike Chinese photos (white only) and Japanese photos (white preferred), Korean passport photos accept either plain white or a plain, uniform light grey background. There must be no patterns, textures, gradients, shadows or objects. The background must be evenly lit with no variation in tone from one side to the other.
White is always the safest choice. If using light grey, ensure it is completely uniform — any shadow or tonal variation will cause rejection. Miniml defaults to white for all Korean orders.
Neutral Expression — Strict Enforcement
Your expression must be completely neutral — no smiling, no raised eyebrows, no frowning. Mouth must be gently closed. Both eyes must be fully open and looking directly at the camera. Even a very slight smile or animated expression is a rejection cause. Korean consulates apply biometric facial recognition standards strictly.
Look at the camera lens, not the preview screen. Relax your face completely — any tension or expression change is detectable by automated biometric systems.
No Glasses — Policy Enforced
Korean passport photos do not permit glasses. This applies to prescription glasses, reading glasses, fashion frames, and any other eyewear. The Korean consulates in Sydney and Melbourne apply this strictly. The automated biometric review system used by MOFA flags glasses as non-compliant, regardless of whether there is glare or reflection visible.
Remove all glasses before taking your passport photo. No exceptions are recognised unless you have a documented medical certificate confirming glasses cannot be removed — a rare circumstance.
No Headphones or Wireless Devices
This is uniquely stated in Korean MOFA requirements — wireless earbuds, headphones, hearing devices and any hands-free devices are explicitly not permitted in Korean passport photos. This rule was added in response to the widespread adoption of wireless earbuds and AirPods. Remove all in-ear or over-ear devices before taking your photo.
This explicit ban is unique to Korean passport requirements. Australian, Chinese and Japanese guidelines do not specifically mention this. Always remove all earbuds, earphones and hearing devices.
No White Clothing — Blends with Background
MOFA guidelines explicitly prohibit white clothing that cannot be distinguished from the background. This is because white shirts blend with white or light grey backgrounds, making shoulder detection impossible for biometric systems. Light colours that contrast clearly with the background are acceptable.
Wear a clearly distinguishable colour — dark navy, charcoal, dark green or similar tones work best. Avoid white, cream or very light-coloured tops completely.
Cannot Match Previous Documents
Korean passport guidelines explicitly state that photos identical or very similar to those used in previous passports, alien registration cards, refugee travel certificates or flight attendant IDs issued within the last 6 months will cause the application to be returned and delayed. A genuinely fresh photo must be taken — not a re-print of existing photos.
Take new photos for each application. Do not re-use photos from your current or previous Korean passport or alien registration card, even if the photo is recent.
Babies & Children — Special Rules
The same adult requirements apply to children, with specific allowances for very young children. For infants and toddlers under 36 months: lips can be slightly apart (they cannot hold their mouth closed). No toys, guardian, or other objects may be visible in the frame. The baby's head must still face directly forward at the camera.
For babies, lay them on a white blanket or support their head carefully. Take 30+ shots to get one where baby is facing forward with both sides of the face visible. Miniml has specific Korean baby photo experience.
K-ETA, F-4 & other Korean documents
Korean passport isn't the only photo you might need.
K-ETA, F-4 residency visa, alien registration cards, and long-term stay applications all require photos. Here's the full breakdown by document type.
🇰🇷 K-ETA Photo Requirements
Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation — digital upload only
Format
JPEG or JPG only — PNG, BMP and other formats not accepted
File size
Maximum 1MB — photos over 1MB are rejected by the K-ETA portal
Recommended px
413×531 pixels at 300 DPI — the portal's recommended specification
Background
Plain white — same as passport requirements
Face coverage
70–80% of photo — same as passport
Glasses
Not permitted — same as passport rule
Ears visible
Both ears must be visible or face edges clear
Apply at
k-eta.go.kr — automated compliance checker on upload
Who needs K-ETA
Non-Korean passport holders travelling to Korea, including Australian citizens visiting Korea as tourists
F-4 Visa (재외동포)
35×45mm — same as passport
White or plain light background
Both ears visible
No glasses
Taken within 6 months
For overseas Koreans with foreign citizenship
Alien Registration Card
35×45mm
White or plain light background
All passport rules apply
Cannot match passport photo
Required for long-term stays in Korea
Korean Visa Application
35×45mm portrait
Plain, evenly lit light background
Full face 25–35mm height
Taken within 6 months
2 photos typically required
D-2 Student Visa
35×45mm — standard passport format
Same photo rules as all Korean documents
2 identical copies required
Apply via Korean consulate
E-7 Work Visa
35×45mm — standard passport format
Same background and expression rules
Both ears visible
2 photos typically required
F-2 Resident Visa
35×45mm — standard format
All standard MOFA rules apply
2 identical copies
Taken within 6 months
All Korean documents use the same 35×45mm format
Unlike Indian applications which require different formats for different documents, all Korean documents — passport, K-ETA, F-4, D-2, E-7, alien registration — use the same 35×45mm size with white or light background. One photo format, multiple uses. Miniml's Korean order covers all of these applications.
Side by side comparison
Korean vs Australian —
where they differ.
Both countries use 35×45mm portrait photos, but several key requirements are different — especially ear visibility and background colour acceptance.
🇰🇷
Korean Passport Photo
For Korean Consulate applications
Photo size35 × 45 mm
Head height32–36 mm (70–80%)
BackgroundWhite OR plain light grey
Both ears visible✓ Required ⚠️
Glasses❌ Not permitted
White clothing❌ Explicitly banned
Headphones❌ Explicitly banned
Same as previous ID❌ Not permitted
🇦🇺
Australian Passport Photo
For Australian Passport Office
Photo sizeSame ✓ 35–40 × 45–50mm
Head heightSimilar ✓ 32–36mm
BackgroundWhite OR light grey Same ✓
Both ears visibleNot required Different
GlassesBanned entirely Same ✓
White clothingNot explicitly banned Different
HeadphonesNot explicitly mentioned Different
Same as previousNot restricted Different
Can I use my Australian passport photo for a Korean passport?
Not reliably. While the size is similar, Australian photos don't require ears to be visible — and Korean consulates specifically check this. Australian photos may also not have been taken with both ears deliberately visible. White clothing (common in Australian photos) is also not permitted for Korean applications. Always order photos specifically formatted for Korean MOFA requirements.
Quick reference
Do's & Don'ts for Korean photos.
✅You MUST do this
✓Photo size exactly 35mm wide × 45mm high
✓Head height 32–36mm — fills 70–80% of photo
✓Pin hair behind both ears — ear visibility required
✓Plain white or plain light grey background
✓Neutral expression, mouth closed, eyes fully open
✓Look directly at the camera lens
✓Uniform lighting, no shadows on face or background
✓Wear dark clothing contrasting with the background
✓Colour photo — black and white not accepted
✓Taken within the last 6 months
✓Take a genuinely fresh photo — not a copy of existing ID photos
❌You must NEVER do this
✗Let hair cover either ear
✗Wear glasses of any kind
✗Wear headphones, earbuds or wireless devices
✗Wear white or very light clothing (blends with background)
✗Smile or have any non-neutral expression
✗Tilt or turn your head in any direction
✗Have shadows on your face or background
✗Edit, filter or retouch the photo in any way
✗Submit a photo identical to your previous passport or Korean ID
✗Use earrings that reflect light or cover the face outline
✗Wear a hat, cap or head covering (unless religious)
Avoid rejection
Why Korean passport photos
get rejected in Australia.
These are the most common rejection causes at the Consulate-General of Korea in Sydney and Melbourne, based on verified applicant experiences and official MOFA guidelines.
1
Hair covering one or both ears
This is the #1 rejection cause for Korean passport photos in Australia. Korean MOFA explicitly requires both ears to be visible. Hair that falls across the cheeks, covers the ears, or obscures the side edges of the face will cause rejection. Korean consulates specifically check ear visibility during review — do not overlook this requirement.
Pin hair behind both ears
2
Glasses — any type
Korean consulates enforce a no-glasses policy. Prescription glasses, clear frames, thin-framed glasses and reading glasses are all rejected. The biometric automated review system flags glasses regardless of whether there is visible glare. Previously, non-reflective glasses were conditionally permitted — this has changed. Remove all eyewear before taking the photo.
Remove glasses entirely
3
White or light clothing blending with background
MOFA explicitly states white clothing not distinguishable from the background is prohibited. Applicants who take a quick photo wearing a white shirt or pale top against a white or grey background frequently have their photos rejected because shoulder detection fails in the biometric system. The shoulder outline must be clearly visible against the background.
Wear dark contrasting clothing
4
Same photo as current passport or alien registration card
Korean guidelines explicitly flag applications where the submitted photo is identical or closely similar to photos used in passports, alien registration cards or other official IDs issued within the last 6 months. Re-using existing photos or ordering reprints of old photos will delay your application. A fresh, new photo must be taken.
Take a fresh, new photo
5
Shadows on face or background
Single-source lighting, standing too close to the background wall, or overhead flash all create shadows. Korean biometric review systems flag shadow patterns on both the face and background. Even very slight shadows under the chin or beside the head are detected and will cause rejection.
Stand 1m from wall, even lighting
6
Wireless earbuds or headphones visible
Korean MOFA's explicit ban on "wireless, hands-free devices such as headphones" catches many applicants who take a casual photo while wearing AirPods or wireless earbuds and forget to remove them. Even very small, skin-toned earbuds are flagged by both human reviewers and automated systems.
Remove all earbuds and devices
7
Digital editing detected
Beauty filters, skin smoothing, background replacement and AI enhancements are flagged by automated detection. Most smartphones apply these automatically unless disabled. Even subtle beautification — such as softened skin texture from an automatic portrait mode — is detectable and causes rejection.
Disable all phone enhancements
8
Head tilted or not facing directly forward
The head must be perfectly straight — not tilted left or right, not tilted forward (chin down) or backward (chin up), and not turned to either side. Even a slight tilt causes facial recognition measurement errors. Korean consulates are strict about this because of the ICAO biometric compliance standard their passports must meet.
Head perfectly straight forward
Step by step
How to take your Korean
passport photo at home.
Korean photos have a specific focus on ear visibility that most home photo guides miss entirely. Follow these steps for a consulate-accepted result.
1
Set up a white or light grey background
Use a plain white wall, hang a white or neutral light-grey sheet, or tape white poster board behind you. Unlike Chinese photos (white only), Korean photos accept either white or plain light grey — but white is always the safest choice and what Miniml uses for all Korean orders. Ensure the background is completely uniform with no shadows, patterns or variations in tone.
Pro tip: Shoot near a large north-facing window on a bright day for even, shadow-free natural light. This simultaneously gives you a clean white background and uniform face lighting. Avoid warm incandescent bulbs which add a yellow cast.
2
Stand at least 1 metre from the background
Standing too close to the wall creates shadows behind your head — an automatic rejection. Move at least 1 metre away from whatever surface is behind you. Use two light sources if possible — one on each side at 45° angles — to eliminate all facial shadows and keep the background evenly lit.
Shadow check: Before you take the final photo, have someone check from the side that there is no shadow visible on the wall behind you. Even shadows you can't see in the photo from the front are detectable by automated review.
3
Pin your hair firmly behind both ears
This is the most critical step for Korean passport photos. Both ears must be clearly visible. Pin or tuck hair firmly behind both ears. Check in a mirror that neither ear is even partially covered by hair. Also check that the outline of both cheeks is clearly visible against the background — hair should not fall across the cheeks or the sides of the face.
Korean requirement reminder: Hair covering ears is the #1 rejection cause for Korean passport photos in Australia. Even if everything else is perfect, a photo with hair over one ear will be rejected. Check and double-check this before every shot.
4
Remove glasses, earbuds, headphones and accessories
Remove all eyewear — no exceptions. Remove any wireless earbuds or headphones — even ones you forgot you were wearing. Check that earrings do not reflect light or obscure the face outline. Do not wear a hat or head covering unless it is daily religious attire.
Korean-specific removal checklist: Glasses ✓ | Sunglasses ✓ | Wireless earbuds ✓ | Headphones ✓ | Large glare-causing earrings ✓ | Hat or cap ✓ | Hair bands that cover the ears ✓
5
Disable all phone camera enhancements
Before shooting, turn off Portrait Mode, Beauty/Skin Smooth mode, Smart HDR, Scene Optimiser, AI Camera, and any face enhancement setting. Korean biometric review detects all of these. Use plain Photo mode with default settings. Also ensure you are not wearing white or very light-coloured clothing — change into something dark that contrasts clearly with the background.
Clothing check: Hold your arm out in front of the background and check that your clothing colour is clearly distinguishable from the background. If your shirt blends with the wall behind you, the shoulder outline will fail biometric detection.
6
Take the photo — check ears, expression, head position
Look at the camera lens (not the screen). Completely neutral expression — relax your face, mouth gently closed, both eyes fully open. Head perfectly straight — not tilted, not turned, not angled. Take 20+ photos. Review on a large screen and run through the Korean checklist before uploading.
Korean passport photo checklist: Both ears visible ✓ | No glasses ✓ | No earbuds ✓ | Dark clothing ✓ | No shadows ✓ | White/grey background ✓ | Neutral expression ✓ | Head straight ✓ | Taken within 6 months ✓ | Not same as previous ID ✓
7
Upload to Miniml — we check ear visibility before printing
Upload your photo and select Korea. Our expert reviewers specifically check that both ears are visible — in addition to all other MOFA requirements. We apply the 35×45mm spec, check the 32–36mm head height, ensure background uniformity, and produce the digital file for K-ETA at the correct 413×531 pixel specification if needed.
Why Miniml for Korean photos: The ear visibility requirement is what most photo studios miss. Miniml explicitly checks this for every Korean order → — it's built into our Korean photo review checklist.
Consulate information
Korean Consulates in Australia.
Korean passport renewals must be submitted in person at the Consulate-General. Appointments are strongly recommended as walk-in services may be limited. All require 35×45mm photos with ears visible.
🌉 Sydney
Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea
Address
Level 10, 44 Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Services
Passport renewal, visa applications, notarial services, certificates
Opening hours
Mon–Fri · 09:00–12:30, 13:30–17:00 (closed AU & Korean public holidays)
Visa applications
Mon–Fri · 09:00–12:30 only
Passport collection
Mon–Fri · 09:00–12:30, 13:30–16:00
Jurisdiction
NSW, NT and surrounding areas
🏙️ Melbourne
Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea
Address
Level 10, 636 St Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004
Services
Passport renewal, visa applications, notarial services
Opening hours
Mon–Fri · 09:00–11:30, 13:00–16:00 (closed AU & Korean public holidays)
Contact
+61-3-9533-3800
Appointments
Recommended — contact consulate to book
Jurisdiction
VIC, TAS, SA, WA and surrounding areas
🏛️ Canberra
Embassy of the Republic of Korea
Address
113 Empire Circuit, Yarralumla ACT 2600
Services
Passport, visa and consular services for ACT and other states not covered by consulates
Opening hours
Mon–Fri · 09:00–12:30, 13:30–17:00
Tel
+61-2-6270-4100
Miniml tip
Order MOFA-compliant Korean passport photos from Miniml before your appointment — delivered to any Canberra address in 1–2 days
Also covers
QLD (Brisbane consular office), WA (Perth), SA (Adelaide)
Korean consulates in Australia do not take photos on-site
Unlike some other services, Korean consulates in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra do not offer photo-taking facilities. You must arrive with your compliant 35×45mm photos already printed — with both ears visible, no glasses, no earbuds, and appropriate clothing. Order from Miniml before your appointment to arrive fully prepared.
👂
Ear Visibility Verified
Our Korean photo review specifically checks that both ears are visible — the #1 rejection cause.
👤
Human Expert Review
Every photo checked by a trained expert against Korean MOFA requirements before printing.
✅
Consulate Acceptance Guarantee
Free reprint if your photo is rejected at the Korean consulate in Sydney or Melbourne.
📦
Delivered Australia-Wide
Free tracked delivery to any Australian address. Digital for K-ETA emailed same day.
Frequently asked questions
Korean passport photo questions answered.
Do both ears really need to be visible in a Korean passport photo?
+
Yes — this is explicitly stated in Korean MOFA guidelines and actively enforced at the Sydney and Melbourne consulates. Both ears must be visible in the photo. If your hair is long, you must pin it behind both ears before taking the photo. If ears are physically covered by hair, at minimum the lateral edges of both sides of the face must be clearly visible against the background. Hair covering even one ear is the single most common rejection cause for Korean passport photos in Australia.
What size is a Korean passport photo in Australia?
+
A South Korean passport photo must be 35mm wide × 45mm high — a standard portrait format. Head height (chin to crown) must be 32–36mm, filling 70–80% of the photo height. Note that the older 2×2 inch (51×51mm) square format previously accepted by some Korean consulates is no longer accepted — only the 35×45mm portrait format is now recognised.
Can I wear glasses in my Korean passport photo?
+
No. Korean passport photos do not permit glasses of any kind. This includes prescription glasses, reading glasses, clear fashion frames and any other eyewear. The Korean consulates in Sydney and Melbourne apply this strictly. The automated biometric review system flags glasses regardless of whether glare is visible. If you physically cannot remove your glasses for documented medical reasons, contact the consulate for guidance — a medical certificate will be required.
What is the background colour requirement for Korean passport photos?
+
Korean passport photos accept either plain white or plain light grey as background colours — this is different from Chinese photos (white only) and Japanese photos (white preferred). The background must be completely uniform with no patterns, shadows, textures or objects. Both sides of the background must be the same tone. Miniml uses pure white as default for all Korean orders, which is always the safest choice.
Can I wear earbuds or headphones in my Korean passport photo?
+
No. Korean MOFA guidelines explicitly prohibit "wireless, hands-free devices such as headphones" in passport photos. This is an unusual explicit ban that is unique to Korean requirements — most other countries don't specifically mention this. Remove all AirPods, wireless earbuds, hearing aids, earphones and any similar device before taking your photo.
How do I renew my Korean passport in Australia?
+
Korean passport renewals in Australia must be submitted in person at the Consulate-General. Locations: Sydney (Level 10, 44 Market Street), Melbourne (Level 10, 636 St Kilda Road), or the Embassy in Canberra (113 Empire Circuit, Yarralumla). You'll need: your current passport, valid Australian residency document, completed Korean application form, and 1–2 MOFA-compliant 35×45mm photos with ears visible. Consulate hours are limited — check the official consulate website and consider booking an appointment in advance.
What photo does the K-ETA application require?
+
K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorisation) requires a digital photo uploaded at k-eta.go.kr. Specifications: JPEG format, maximum 1MB, recommended 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI, plain white background, neutral expression, no glasses, ears visible. The K-ETA portal has an automated compliance checker that validates the photo on upload. Note: K-ETA is required for non-Korean nationals visiting Korea — including Australians. Korean passport holders do not need K-ETA for their own passport.
Can I use the same photo for my Korean passport and alien registration card?
+
No. Korean MOFA guidelines specifically state that applications will be delayed if the submitted photo is identical or closely similar to photos used in previously issued passports, alien registration cards, refugee travel certificates or flight attendant IDs (if issued within the last 6 months). You must take a genuinely new, fresh photo for each application — do not re-use existing photos or order reprints of old ID photos.
My Korean passport photo was rejected — what do I do?
+
Get the specific reason from the consulate in writing. Most common causes: hair covering ears, glasses, white clothing blending with background, digital editing detected, or photo matching a previous ID. If you ordered through Miniml and our photo was rejected for a compliance reason, we will reprint and redeliver at zero cost under our 100% acceptance guarantee. Email us the rejection notice and we'll process a free reprint within 1 business day.
What is the F-4 visa and what photo does it need?
+
The F-4 (재외동포) visa is for overseas Koreans — ethnic Koreans with foreign citizenship. It allows long-term residence in Korea (up to 2 years, renewable) and most forms of employment. The F-4 visa requires the same 35×45mm photo format as Korean passports — white or plain light background, both ears visible, no glasses, neutral expression, taken within 6 months. Apply at the Korean consulate in Sydney or Melbourne. Miniml's Korean passport photo order covers F-4 visa applications.
Understanding Korean Passport Photo Requirements in Australia
Australia has approximately 120,000 Korean-born residents, making South Korea one of the top five source countries for immigration in recent years. For Korean expats living in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and other Australian cities, renewing their Korean passport requires navigating the requirements set by South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) — which differ in several important ways from Australian passport standards.
The most distinctive Korean requirement is ear visibility. While Australian, Chinese and Japanese passport photo standards focus on face coverage, background colour and expression, the Korean MOFA guidelines explicitly require that both ears be visible in the photo — or at minimum that both lateral edges of the face be clearly visible against the background. This requirement is not found in Australian passport standards at all, which means that photos taken for Australian passports at AusPost or Officeworks frequently fail Korean consulate review because the photographer had no reason to ensure ear visibility.
Korean MOFA's unusually explicit ban on wireless devices and headphones reflects the modern reality of everyday technology. As wireless earbuds became ubiquitous in everyday wear, Korean authorities included a specific prohibition in the passport photo guidelines. This prohibition — explicitly listing wireless, hands-free devices such as headphones — is unique among major countries and catches applicants who take casual photos without removing their AirPods or other wireless earbuds.
The prohibition on white clothing is another MOFA-specific rule worth noting. Korean guidelines explicitly state that white clothing not distinguishable from the background is not permitted. For biometric automated systems, shoulder detection relies on the contrast between clothing and background. When a white shirt is worn against a white or grey background, the shoulder outline becomes invisible to automated processing, causing compliance failures that are not immediately obvious when reviewing the photo manually.
The Korean consulates in Sydney (Level 10, 44 Market Street) and Melbourne (Level 10, 636 St Kilda Road) process passport renewals during limited window hours. Neither consulate offers on-site photo services, meaning applicants must arrive with compliant photos already prepared. The consulate windows in Sydney operate for applications from 9:00–12:30 only, making preparation essential. K-ETA applications for non-Korean nationals visiting Korea require a separate digital photo uploaded at k-eta.go.kr — same requirements, 413×531 pixels at 300 DPI, JPEG, maximum 1MB.
Miniml's Korean passport photo service builds every MOFA requirement into the review process. Our expert reviewers specifically verify ear visibility for every Korean order — the step that most photo studios miss because ear visibility is not a requirement for Australian photographs. We apply the 35×45mm specification, check head height to the 32–36mm standard, verify white or light background, and produce the correct digital file for K-ETA applications. Orders are delivered to any Australian address in 1–2 business days, with digital files emailed the same day.
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