“Will my electronics work there?”
From plug types to voltage compatibility, this guide covers everything you need to keep your phone, laptop, and camera charged in Korea.
⚡ What’s the Voltage in Korea?
South Korea uses 220V / 60Hz electricity, the same as many European countries.
If you're coming from North America (110V) or Japan (100V), this matters!
| Korea | 220V | 60Hz | C & F |
| USA / Canada | 110V | 60Hz | A & B |
| UK | 230V | 50Hz | G |
| Australia | 230V | 50Hz | I |
| Japan | 100V | 50/60Hz | A & B |
💡 Tip: Many modern electronics (phones, laptops, cameras) are dual voltage.
Check the label:
Input: 100-240V ~ 50/60Hz → You’re safe!
If it only says 110V, you'll need a voltage converter or transformer (for devices like hair dryers, electric shavers).
🔌 What Plug Types Are Used in Korea?
South Korea primarily uses Type C and Type F plugs:
- Type C – Two round pins
- Type F (Schuko) – Two round pins with grounding clips on the side
- Both fit into the same outlets in Korea
✅ If you're from Europe, your devices will likely fit without any adapter.
❗ If you're from the US, UK, Australia, or Japan, you'll need an adapter.
🧳 Best Plug Adapters for Korea
✅ Recommended Multi-Plug Adapters:
| EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter | Works in 150+ countries, USB ports included |
| Skross World Adapter PRO+ | Compact, high-quality, fits Korea |
| TESSAN Korea Plug Adapter | Budget-friendly, Type C & F specific |
📦 Buy them on: Amazon, Coupang (if in Korea), or duty-free stores at Incheon Airport.
🛑 Avoid cheap adapters from street vendors—they may not support grounded plugs or fast charging.
🔥 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting voltage compatibility.
- Charging your 110V-only device directly into a 220V outlet = 💥
- Not checking plug shape.
- US flat plugs won’t fit!
- Using a converter for too long.
- Converters are for short-term use only. Use a transformer for daily items.
📱 Will My Electronics Work in Korea?
| Smartphone | ✅ Yes | Dual voltage |
| Laptop | ✅ Yes | Dual voltage |
| Camera Charger | ✅ Yes | Most are dual voltage |
| Hair Dryer | ⚠️ Maybe | Check label |
| Curling Iron | ⚠️ Maybe | Consider Korean models if unsure |
| Rice Cooker | ❌ No | Voltage mismatch causes failure |
🏨 Hotel and Airbnb Tips
- Most Korean hotels and Airbnbs do NOT provide adapters—bring your own.
- Some newer accommodations offer USB charging ports, but it’s not guaranteed.
📌 Ask your host or hotel in advance:
"Do you have international plug adapters available?"
✈️ Where to Buy Adapters in Korea
- Incheon Airport: Electronics & duty-free shops
- Convenience stores: GS25, CU (limited availability)
- Daiso: Budget travel adapters (~₩5,000)
- Online: Coupang, Gmarket (Korean address required)
Tip: Search for “멀티 어댑터” or “여행용 플러그” on Korean shopping sites.
📌 Quick Survival Korean
| Plug adapter | 플러그 어댑터 (peulleo-geu eo-daep-teo) |
| Voltage | 전압 (jeon-ap) |
| I need an adapter. | 어댑터 필요해요. (eo-daep-teo pil-yo-hae-yo) |
| This won’t fit. | 이거 안 맞아요. (i-geo an ma-ja-yo) |
