Passport Photos — Korvia Guide
Standard 3.5 × 4.5 cm passport photos with a white backdrop — digital file for the EPIK online upload and 4–6 physical (developed) prints required later for the E-2 visa interview at the consulate, medical check, and arrival in Korea. Here is exactly what you need, where to get them, and how many to prepare.
3.5 × 4.5
Size (cm)
White
Background
Digital + Physical
Submission Format
4–6 prints
Developed Photos (physical)
Passport photos are photos taken at the standard 3.5 × 4.5 cmsize. There is no official “passport photo” certification — the term refers to a professional-looking square portrait on a white background that can be applied to an application. For EPIK, SMOE, GOE, GEPIK, and E-2 visa processing, you will need a clean digital copy and several printed reserves.
Digital photos are used for the initial application. Physical passport photos (typically 4–6 prints, 3.5 × 4.5 cm, white background) are required later for the visa interview at the consulate, medical check, and arrival orientation in Korea. Do not rely on digital files alone — printed photos are mandatory at multiple later steps.
Photo Requirements
Every Korean teaching application — and your E-2 visa — uses the same baseline spec.
Size
3.5 × 4.5 cm (Korean standard). Up to 2 × 2 inches (US standard) is also accepted for most applications.
Background
Completely white backdrop. Plain walls, bed sheets, or portrait paper all work if evenly lit.
Format — Digital + Physical Prints
Digital file for initial application upload. Physical prints (4–6 copies, 3.5 × 4.5 cm, white background) required later for visa interview at the consulate, medical check, and arrival orientation in Korea.
Color
Color photo only. Natural lighting, neutral expression, face clearly visible with no filters or heavy editing.
No Social Media Photos
Cropped selfies, Facebook profile images, or filtered photos are not accepted by EPIK, SMOE, GOE, or Korean immigration.
Recency
Photo should be taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance for passport and Residence Card (RC, formerly ARC) consistency.
Three Ways to Obtain Passport Photos
In-Store Photo Service
Walk into your nearest pharmacy, Walmart, CVS, Costco, or a dedicated photo studio. Staff will size and print the photos for you — most can deliver 3.5 × 4.5 cm sizing on request, and 2 × 2 inch US-standard is also widely accepted.
- ✓Fast — usually 5–15 minutes
- ✓Professional lighting and backdrop
- ✓No cropping or resizing required
Budget tip: Typical cost: $10–$20 for 4–6 prints. Ask for a digital copy (USB or email) — you will need it for online uploads.
DIY with epassportphoto.com
Shoot your own photo in front of a white sheet or wall, then upload to epassportphoto.com. The site crops your photo to official proportions and arranges a print-ready sheet you can save to USB and print at a local pharmacy or drug store.
- ✓Lowest cost option
- ✓Full control over lighting and expression
- ✓Digital file ready for online uploads
Budget tip: Cost: a few dollars for pharmacy printing — a fraction of in-store photo service prices.
Take Photos in Korea After Arrival
Korean photo studios produce the cleanest 3.5 × 4.5 cm passport photos at the lowest prices, typically around ₩10,000 for a full sheet. Useful for your Residence Card, bank account, and any repeat applications once in country.
- ✓Cheapest and fastest once in Korea
- ✓Studios know the exact Korean spec
- ✓Digital file is always included
Budget tip: Recommended after you land — hold a few photos in reserve for RC and in-country paperwork.
How Many Do You Need?
We recommend having at least 6 photos on hand. Korea requires them at several points across the application, visa, and post-arrival paperwork.
2
EPIK Final Documents
Required in the final-documents packet submitted after you pass your EPIK interview.
1–2
Visa Application
Required at your local Korean Consulate or Embassy during E-2 visa issuance.
1–2
Residence Card
Required in Korea when you apply for your RC within 90 days of arrival.
2+
Buffer / Reserves
Extra photos for bank accounts, transit cards, school ID, and unexpected paperwork in Korea.
EPIK Note
EPIK teachers submit 2 photos with their final documents. You will need additional photos during the E-2 visa issuance process and again in Korea to apply for your Residence Card. Planning for 6 prints total removes the need for emergency last-minute reprints during a busy travel window.
Do & Don't
Do
- ✓Use a completely white backdrop — plain wall, sheet, or portrait paper
- ✓Wear a solid-colored top that contrasts with the white background
- ✓Keep a neutral expression with your mouth closed
- ✓Face the camera directly — no tilt, no profile angles
- ✓Ensure even, soft lighting with no shadows on your face
- ✓Request both a digital file and printed copies when using a store
Don't
- ×Use Facebook, Instagram, or other social media profile photos
- ×Apply filters, heavy retouching, or skin-smoothing effects
- ×Wear hats, sunglasses, or anything covering the face (medical exceptions aside)
- ×Smile broadly or show teeth — keep the expression neutral
- ×Crop a vacation or group photo and submit it as a passport photo
- ×Use black-and-white photos — color only for Korean applications
Reminder for EPIK Applicants
When completing the EPIK online application, select “Classification” as Agency — Korvia Consulting. Your digital passport photo must be attached directly to the application. Photos pulled from social media are rejected by EPIK and by the Korean immigration office.
Ready to Apply to Teach in Korea?
Apply through Korvia and your recruiter walks you through every document — including your passport photo — at no cost.