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MyKoreanTrip

Essentials

Electricity and plugs in Korea

Voltage, plug type, and whether you need an adapter.

Korea runs on 220V, 60Hz, using Type C and Type F plugs — two round pins, the same shape used across most of continental Europe.

Do you need an adapter?

  • Coming from the US, UK, Australia, or Canada: yes, a plug adapter is essential — your plug shape won't fit Korean sockets at all.
  • Coming from continental Europe: usually no adapter needed, since Type C/F plugs are shared.
  • Voltage: most modern electronics (phone chargers, laptop chargers, camera batteries) are dual-voltage (100–240V) and will work fine on Korea's 220V without a separate converter — check the small print on the charger brick for "INPUT: 100-240V" to confirm. Anything single-voltage from a 110V country (some hairdryers and straighteners) needs a real voltage converter, not just a plug adapter, or it can be damaged.

Buying one

A universal travel adapter covers you if you're continuing to other countries; if Korea is your only stop, a cheap Type C/F-specific adapter from any electronics store, convenience store chain, or Incheon Airport itself will do the job for a couple of dollars.

A Korean wall socket, showing the two round holes of a Type C/F plug

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Common questions

What plug does Korea use?
Korea uses the round two-pin Type C and Type F plugs, the same as most of continental Europe. The supply is 220 volts at 60 hertz.
Do I need an adapter for Korea?
If you are coming from the UK, the US, Japan, Australia or most of Asia, yes — you need a plug adapter. If you are coming from continental Europe, your plugs already fit.
Do I need a voltage converter in Korea?
Almost certainly not. Phone, laptop and camera chargers are dual voltage and handle 220V fine — check for '100-240V' on the charger. Only single-voltage 110V appliances, such as some US hair dryers, need a converter.
Are US plugs compatible with Korean sockets?
No. US flat two-pin plugs do not fit Korean round sockets, and US 110V appliances can be damaged by Korea's 220V supply. Bring an adapter, and check the voltage rating on anything with a motor or a heating element.

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