2×2 Inch Photos for International Applications from Korea

When is a 2×2 inch photo required?

The 2×2 inch (51×51 mm) photo format is primarily used for international applications processed from Korea:

• US Visas (tourist, business, study, work)
• ESTA Applications for US travel
• Canadian Visas and immigration applications
• Green Card Applications (US permanent residence)
• International Passport Applications (non-Korean passports)
• Foreign Consular Services following US standards
• International Academic Programs
• Work Permits for North American countries
• Dual Citizenship Applications

Mandatory Technical Specifications

Exact Dimensions

• Size: 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm)
• Face height: 25–35 mm (from chin to top of head)
• Face-to-photo ratio: Approximately 50-69% of total height
• Position: Centered both horizontally and vertically

Image Quality Standards

• Resolution: Minimum 300 DPI for physical printing
• Digital resolution: 600 × 600 pixels minimum
• Digital format: High-quality JPEG
• File size: Between 240 KB and 12 MB
• Color: Color required (24 bits per pixel)
• Sharpness: Perfectly in focus image

Background and Composition

• Background: Uniform white or off-white
• No elements: Completely uniform, without patterns or textures
• Lighting: Even, without visible shadows
• Contrast: Clear between subject and background

US State Department Standards

Facial Position and Expression

• Position: Direct frontal, looking at the camera
• Expression: Neutral or very light natural smile
• Eyes: Open, clearly visible, without reflections
• Mouth: Closed or very subtle smile
• Head: Straight, without tilt

Clothing and Accessories

• Clothing: Dark colors or contrasting with white background
• Neckline: Avoid very deep necklines
• Glasses: Permitted if habitually worn and without reflections
• Jewelry: Discreet, not distracting attention
• Makeup: Natural, without drastic changes

Important Restrictions

• Head coverings: Only for documented religious reasons
• Uniforms: Avoid military or service uniforms
• Hats: Not permitted except for religious reasons
• Electronic devices: Completely prohibited

Differences from Standard Korean Format

Size Comparison

• Korean format (35×45 mm): Rectangular, taller than wide
• 2×2 inch format (51×51 mm): Square, equal width and height
• Total area: 2×2 format is approximately 30% larger
• Background: White (consistent with Korean standards)

Composition Differences

• Face proportion: Smaller in 2×2 format (more space around)
• Eye position: More vertically centered in 2×2 format
• Top space: Greater in square format
• Expression: Light smile may be acceptable (vs neutral for Korean)

Where to Get Professional Photos in Korea

Near US Embassy/Consulates

• Seoul (Gwanghwamun): Multiple photo studios near US Embassy
• Busan Consulate area: Specialized international photo services
• Quick service: Usually 15-30 minutes
• Experience: Familiar with US visa requirements

International Photo Studios

• Gangnam district: Professional studios with international experience
• Myeongdong: Tourist-friendly services with English support
• Hongdae: Student-oriented services for study abroad
• Itaewon: International community photo services

Convenient Options

• Department stores: Lotte, Shinsegae photo centers
• Photo booths: Some locations offer 2×2 inch settings
• Online services: Upload and print services
• Mobile apps: International photo creation apps

Recommended Locations by City

Seoul

• Gwanghwamun: Near US Embassy, multiple options
• Gangnam: High-end professional studios
• Myeongdong: Tourist and international services
• Hongdae: Affordable student-oriented options
• Itaewon: International community services

Busan

• Jung-gu: Near US Consulate
• Seomyeon: Central business district
• Haeundae: International tourist area

Other Cities

• Incheon: Airport area international services
• Daegu: Downtown professional studios
• Daejeon: University area photo services

Indicative Costs in Korea (2024)

• Professional studio: ₩15,000-30,000
• Embassy area studios: ₩12,000-25,000
• Department store: ₩10,000-20,000
• Photo booth: ₩8,000-15,000 (if available)
• Online service: ₩10,000-18,000

Application-Specific Requirements

For US Visas

• Strict compliance: Follow State Department specifications exactly
• No smiling: Neutral expression preferred
• White background: Must be completely white
• Professional quality: High-resolution printing required

For Canadian Visas

• Light smile: Natural smile permitted
• White background: Uniform white required
• Recent photos: Within last 6 months
• Professional printing: Commercial quality required

For Green Card Applications

• USCIS standards: Strict compliance required
• Professional photography: Strongly recommended
• Multiple copies: Order extras for process stages
• Digital backup: Keep high-resolution digital copies

Common Issues for Korean Applicants

Cultural Differences

• Smile acceptance: US allows light smiles vs Korean neutral standard
• Photo culture: Different standards between countries
• Studio familiarity: Not all Korean studios know international requirements
• Language barriers: Communication about specific requirements

Technical Challenges

• Size conversion: Converting between metric and imperial measurements
• Print quality: Ensuring international standard quality
• Background standards: Achieving pure white background
• Digital specifications: Meeting file size and resolution requirements

Solutions and Tips

• Use specialized studios: Choose photographers experienced with international requirements
• Verify specifications: Double-check measurements and quality
• Get multiple copies: Order extras for different applications
• Keep digital copies: Save high-resolution versions for future use

Language Support and Communication

English-Speaking Services

• Embassy areas: Most studios have English-speaking staff
• International districts: Gangnam, Itaewon, Myeongdong
• Tourist areas: Staff familiar with international requirements
• Online services: Many offer English interfaces

Useful Korean Phrases

• “2×2 inch 사진 필요해요”: “I need 2×2 inch photos”
• “미국 비자용 사진”: “Photos for US visa”
• “흰색 배경”: “White background”
• “고화질로 부탁드려요”: “High quality please”

Communication Tips

• Show requirements: Bring printed specifications
• Use translation apps: Google Translate or Papago
• Verify understanding: Confirm specifications before taking photos
• Check results: Review photos before finalizing

Need perfect 2×2 inch photos for your international applications from Korea? Our AI-powered tool ensures your photos meet all official requirements for quick approval.