Korea Plug Type and Voltage: 220V, Type C and F

What plug and voltage does Korea use?

Korea runs on 220 volts at 60 Hertz, according to the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO). Wall sockets have two round holes. The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) identifies these as Type C and Type F under the International Electrotechnical Commission system.

The round pins on a Korean plug are 4.0 to 4.8 mm thick and sit 19 mm apart, per the IBS living guide. Koreans often call the plug shape “dwaeji-ko” (pig nose), which is a useful word if you ask for an adapter in a shop.

What to do before you pack

Sort your devices into two groups before you leave home:

1. Look at the label on every charger and appliance. Find the line that starts with “Input” or “AC”.
2. If it reads 100-240V (or similar): the device handles Korean voltage. You only need a plug adapter with two round pins.
3. If it reads 110V or 120V only: a plug adapter is not enough. You need a voltage converter (step-down transformer), or leave the device at home.
4. Count your devices. One adapter per device you charge at the same time, or a single adapter with a multi-socket strip from home if the strip is rated for 220V.

Do I need an adapter or a converter?

An adapter changes only the plug shape, while a converter changes the voltage. Most travellers with phones, tablets, laptops and cameras need only an adapter, because their chargers already accept a wide input range.

Apple, as one example, says its USB power adapters are made for sources supplying 100V to 240V AC at 50Hz to 60Hz. That range covers Korean power at 220V and 60Hz. Other brands print the same kind of rating on the charger body, so check yours.

Device label says	What you need in Korea
Input 100-240V	Round two-pin plug adapter only
Input 220V or 230V, two round pins	Nothing, it plugs straight in
Input 220V or 230V, other plug shape	Round two-pin plug adapter only
Input 110V or 120V only	Voltage converter plus adapter, or leave it at home
Input 100V only	Converter that steps down to 100V (hard to find in Korea)

Which travellers need an adapter?

Anyone whose home plugs do not have two round pins needs an adapter. Flat pins and rectangular three-pin plugs will not go into the round holes KTO describes.

If your home country also uses two round pins, your plugs will usually fit. The voltage on each device still decides whether it is safe to use, so read the label even when the plug fits.

Where can I buy an adapter in Korea?

KTO lists several places to get one after you arrive:

• Your hotel front desk, which may lend or sell you one
• The airport
• Retail stores
• Major duty-free shops
• Convenience stores

Packing one from home is still the safer plan if you land late at night and need your phone straight away for maps or a ride. See the eSIM and SIM card guide for getting data working on arrival.

Can I charge on arrival at Incheon Airport?

Yes. Incheon Airport says it has charging stations with 110V, 220V and USB outlets around the airport, so you can top up a phone or laptop before you leave for the city.

Area	Where the charging stations are
Passenger terminal, 3rd floor	Departure hall, around the check-in counters
Passenger terminal, 1st floor	Arrival hall
Concourse	Departure area

The 110V outlets are useful if you carry a device rated 110V only and want a short charge before you sort out a converter. Plan your onward trip with the Incheon Airport to Seoul guide.

Common mistakes

• Using an adapter with a 110V-only appliance. An adapter does not lower the voltage. Check the label on styling tools and other small appliances as carefully as on chargers.
• Assuming a converter covers Japanese 100V devices. The IBS guide notes that converters stepping 220V down to 110V are common in Korea, but 220V to 100V models are hard to find. Bring a suitable converter from home, or a dual-voltage version of the device.
• Counting on finding a converter in town. IBS describes step-down converters as heavy and harder to find outside areas with large international communities. Adapters are much easier to find.
• Packing a single adapter for several devices. Phones, watches, earbuds and laptops all charge overnight. Bring enough adapters, or one adapter plus a 220V-rated strip.

When this does not apply

If every device you bring has a two-round-pin plug and a 220V or 100-240V rating, you need nothing extra. Many visitors from countries that already use two round pins fall into this group.

Rules for electrical goods do not change often, but check the official pages before you fly if you carry unusual equipment.