Korea's Plug Type & Voltage
South Korea uses Type C and Type F power plugs — the round two-pin European-style sockets. The voltage is 220V at 60Hz. If you are coming from a country that uses a different plug shape (US, UK, Australia, China), you will need a physical adapter to plug in your devices.
Type C is the standard round two-pin plug without grounding. Type F is the same shape but with grounding clips on the sides. Both fit into the same Korean wall socket, so a basic Type C adapter works for most traveler electronics.
| Specification | Korea Standard |
|---|
| Plug Types | Type C (round 2-pin), Type F (round 2-pin grounded) |
| Voltage | 220V |
| Frequency | 60Hz |
| Socket Shape | Round recessed, two round holes |
Korea's 60Hz frequency is different from most European countries (50Hz), but this does not affect modern electronics. Your phone, laptop, and camera charger will work fine.
Who Needs an Adapter?
If your home country uses flat-pin plugs — the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, or China — you need a plug adapter for Korea. If you come from continental Europe (Germany, France, Spain, etc.), your plugs will fit Korean sockets directly with no adapter needed.
| Home Country | Adapter Needed? | Notes |
|---|
| USA / Canada | Yes | US uses Type A/B flat pins |
| UK / Ireland | Yes | UK uses Type G three-prong |
| Australia / NZ | Yes | AU uses Type I angled flat pins |
| Japan | Yes | Japan uses Type A flat pins, 100V |
| Continental Europe | No | Same Type C/F round pins |
| India | Yes | India uses Type D/M round pins (different size) |
Modern phone chargers, laptop adapters, and camera chargers are almost always dual-voltage (100-240V). Check the fine print on your charger — if it says "100-240V", you only need a plug adapter, not a voltage converter.
What Adapter to Buy
For most travelers, a simple US-to-European (Type C) plug adapter is all you need. These cost ₩2,000-₩5,000 in Korea or $5-$10 on Amazon. If you travel frequently, a universal travel adapter with multiple plug types and USB ports is a better investment — brands like Epicka and Ceptics are popular.
You almost certainly do not need a voltage converter. Hair dryers and curling irons are the main exception — older models may be single-voltage (120V only) and could burn out on Korea's 220V. Check the label on your device. If it says "120V only," either buy a dual-voltage version or plan to use the hotel's hair dryer.
- Phone/laptop/tablet charger — plug adapter only (dual-voltage).
- Camera battery charger — plug adapter only (dual-voltage).
- Electric toothbrush charger — plug adapter only (usually dual-voltage).
- Hair dryer / curling iron — check label; may need dual-voltage model.
- CPAP machine — check label; most modern ones are dual-voltage.
Do not plug a 120V-only appliance into a 220V Korean outlet. It will overheat and potentially catch fire. Always check the voltage label on your device.
Where to Buy One in Korea
If you arrive without an adapter, they are easy to find. Convenience stores at Incheon Airport (CU, GS25) sell basic adapters for ₩3,000-₩5,000. Daiso stores (Korea's ₩1,000+ variety chain) carry them in every neighborhood. Electronics shops in Yongsan and larger marts like E-Mart also stock universal adapters.
Many mid-range and luxury hotels provide loaner adapters at the front desk — just ask. Some modern hotels have USB charging ports built into bedside tables or desks, which eliminates the adapter issue entirely for phones and tablets.
- Incheon Airport convenience stores — ₩3,000-₩5,000.
- Daiso — ₩1,000-₩3,000 for basic adapters.
- E-Mart, Homeplus — ₩5,000-₩15,000 for universal adapters.
- Hotel front desk — often free loaner adapters available.
Korea's Plug Type & Voltage
South Korea uses Type C and Type F power plugs — the round two-pin European-style sockets. The voltage is 220V at 60Hz. If you are coming from a country that uses a different plug shape (US, UK, Australia, China), you will need a physical adapter to plug in your devices.
Type C is the standard round two-pin plug without grounding. Type F is the same shape but with grounding clips on the sides. Both fit into the same Korean wall socket, so a basic Type C adapter works for most traveler electronics.
| Specification | Korea Standard |
|---|
| Plug Types | Type C (round 2-pin), Type F (round 2-pin grounded) |
| Voltage | 220V |
| Frequency | 60Hz |
| Socket Shape | Round recessed, two round holes |
Korea's 60Hz frequency is different from most European countries (50Hz), but this does not affect modern electronics. Your phone, laptop, and camera charger will work fine.
Who Needs an Adapter?
If your home country uses flat-pin plugs — the US, Canada, UK, Australia, Japan, or China — you need a plug adapter for Korea. If you come from continental Europe (Germany, France, Spain, etc.), your plugs will fit Korean sockets directly with no adapter needed.
| Home Country | Adapter Needed? | Notes |
|---|
| USA / Canada | Yes | US uses Type A/B flat pins |
| UK / Ireland | Yes | UK uses Type G three-prong |
| Australia / NZ | Yes | AU uses Type I angled flat pins |
| Japan | Yes | Japan uses Type A flat pins, 100V |
| Continental Europe | No | Same Type C/F round pins |
| India | Yes | India uses Type D/M round pins (different size) |
Modern phone chargers, laptop adapters, and camera chargers are almost always dual-voltage (100-240V). Check the fine print on your charger — if it says "100-240V", you only need a plug adapter, not a voltage converter.
What Adapter to Buy
For most travelers, a simple US-to-European (Type C) plug adapter is all you need. These cost ₩2,000-₩5,000 in Korea or $5-$10 on Amazon. If you travel frequently, a universal travel adapter with multiple plug types and USB ports is a better investment — brands like Epicka and Ceptics are popular.
You almost certainly do not need a voltage converter. Hair dryers and curling irons are the main exception — older models may be single-voltage (120V only) and could burn out on Korea's 220V. Check the label on your device. If it says "120V only," either buy a dual-voltage version or plan to use the hotel's hair dryer.
- Phone/laptop/tablet charger — plug adapter only (dual-voltage).
- Camera battery charger — plug adapter only (dual-voltage).
- Electric toothbrush charger — plug adapter only (usually dual-voltage).
- Hair dryer / curling iron — check label; may need dual-voltage model.
- CPAP machine — check label; most modern ones are dual-voltage.
Do not plug a 120V-only appliance into a 220V Korean outlet. It will overheat and potentially catch fire. Always check the voltage label on your device.
Where to Buy One in Korea
If you arrive without an adapter, they are easy to find. Convenience stores at Incheon Airport (CU, GS25) sell basic adapters for ₩3,000-₩5,000. Daiso stores (Korea's ₩1,000+ variety chain) carry them in every neighborhood. Electronics shops in Yongsan and larger marts like E-Mart also stock universal adapters.
Many mid-range and luxury hotels provide loaner adapters at the front desk — just ask. Some modern hotels have USB charging ports built into bedside tables or desks, which eliminates the adapter issue entirely for phones and tablets.
- Incheon Airport convenience stores — ₩3,000-₩5,000.
- Daiso — ₩1,000-₩3,000 for basic adapters.
- E-Mart, Homeplus — ₩5,000-₩15,000 for universal adapters.
- Hotel front desk — often free loaner adapters available.