HomeUS → South Korea
Do I need an adapter from the US to South Korea?
You need a Type F adapter for South Korea.
United States: Type A/B, 120 V, 60 Hz → South Korea: Type C/F, 230 V, 60 Hz.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type A/B plugs do not fit South Korea's Type C/F sockets. Pack a Type F adapter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 230 V. Type A/B plugs do not fit South Korea's Type C/F sockets. Pack a Type F adapter.
Single-voltage device (120 V) on a 230 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type F plug adapter.
Some models are dual voltage and some are not. Check the INPUT line on the charger: 100–240 V works on 230 V with just a plug adapter; a single voltage needs a converter. Type A/B plugs do not fit South Korea's Type C/F sockets. Pack a Type F adapter.
Some models are dual voltage and some are not. Check the INPUT line on the power supply: 100–240 V works on 230 V with just a plug adapter; a single voltage needs a converter. Type A/B plugs do not fit South Korea's Type C/F sockets. Pack a Type F adapter.
Single-voltage device (120 V) on a 230 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type F plug adapter.
What to buy for South Korea (on amazon.com)
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Why
Plug shape. The US uses Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins and a round earth pin). Sockets in South Korea are Type C (two round 4 mm pins, 19 mm apart) and Type F (two round 4.8 mm pins with earth clips on the sides). They are not compatible, so you need a plug adapter.
Voltage. The US is 120 V; South Korea is 230 V. Different voltage families. Dual-voltage devices (INPUT 100–240 V) are fine; single-voltage devices need a converter or will be damaged. Adapter or converter?
Frequency. The US is 60 Hz; South Korea is 60 Hz. No change to worry about.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an adapter from the US to South Korea?
Yes. US plugs are Types A and B and sockets in South Korea are Types C or F, so you need a Type F adapter.
Do I need a voltage converter from the US to South Korea?
Only for single-voltage appliances. The US is 120 V and South Korea is 230 V, so an US hair dryer, straightener or kettle needs a step-down converter (or a dual-voltage model). Phones, laptops and chargers marked INPUT 100–240 V just need the plug adapter.
Will my US phone charger work in South Korea?
Yes. Phone and laptop chargers are dual voltage (100–240 V). You only need a Type F plug adapter.
What about the reverse trip, South Korea to the US?
You need a Type B adapter for the United States, plus a voltage converter for your hair dryer or straightener. Full guide to the US.