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South Korea uses Type C and Type F plugs with 220V electricity at 60Hz. If you're coming from the US, UK, or Australia, you'll need a plug adapter. US and Canadian travelers may also need a voltage converter for certain devices.
Landing at Incheon Airport with a dead iPhone and a US charger that didn’t fit anywhere taught me an important lesson: South Korea’s outlets are not like back home. The country uses Type C and Type F plugs with two round pins, so without the right adapter, your devices are useless.
Here’s everything you need to know about South Korea’s electrical system, which adapters to buy, and whether you’ll need a voltage converter.
South Korea uses Type C and Type F plugs. Both have two round pins, but there's an important difference between them that affects grounding and safety.
Type C plugs have two round pins that are 4mm in diameter and spaced 19mm apart. These plugs are ungrounded, meaning they don't have an earth connection. You'll find Type C on smaller devices like phone chargers, laptop adapters, and electric toothbrushes.
Type C works throughout South Korea because it fits into Type F sockets. This is the same plug used across most of Europe, so if you've traveled to Germany, France, or Spain before, you've already used this plug type.
Type F plugs also have two round pins, but they include two grounding clips on the sides. This makes them safer for higher-power devices like hair dryers and larger appliances. Type F is the primary standard in South Korea, and newer buildings typically install Type F sockets.
The good news: Type F sockets accept both Type C and Type F plugs. So if you're coming from continental Europe with either plug type, you're already covered.
Type F is the dominant plug throughout Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and most of Eastern Europe. If your devices work there, they'll work in South Korea.
Getting the right adapter before you fly saves hassle. Airport shops charge ridiculous markups, and while you can find adapters in Seoul's electronics markets, hunting them down eats into your travel time.
Here are the best options to buy online:
The EPICKA is one of the most popular travel adapters and works in over 200 countries. It includes four USB ports plus an AC socket, so you can charge multiple devices at once.
For South Korea, it covers both Type C and Type F outlets. The retractable pins mean it won't poke holes in your bag. Compact, reliable, and widely reviewed.
The TESSAN features 65W GaN-powered charging with multiple USB-C and USB-A ports. It's ideal if you need to charge power-hungry devices like laptops alongside your phone and camera.
TESSAN adapters cover 150+ countries and include safety features like temperature control and overload protection. The European version covers Type C and Type F, making it perfect for South Korea.
Ceptics adapters come with Quick Charge 3.0 USB ports and often include a travel pouch. They sell country-specific adapters that are lighter and cheaper than universal ones.
For South Korea, look for their "Europe Adapter" which handles Type C and F outlets. Solid middle-ground option.
If you just need something simple, Amazon Basics makes a straightforward European plug adapter. No USB ports, no fancy features—just a basic plug converter. Lightweight and cheap enough to throw a spare in your bag.
South Korea runs on 220V at 60Hz. Whether you need a voltage converter depends entirely on where you're traveling from:
Coming from the US or Canada?
Your country uses 120V. That's a significant voltage difference. However, most modern electronics (smartphones, laptops, tablets, cameras) are dual voltage (100-240V) and don't need a converter. Check your charger's label. If it says "INPUT: 100-240V," you're fine with just an adapter.
But single-voltage devices like older hair dryers, curling irons, or some electric shavers rated only for 120V will be damaged if plugged into South Korea's 220V outlets. Either buy a voltage converter or leave those devices at home and buy travel-sized versions locally.
Coming from the UK, Europe, or Australia?
Your countries use 220-240V, which is compatible with South Korea's 220V. You don't need a voltage converter - just a plug adapter (UK travelers use Type G, which is different from Korea's Type C/F).
There are four main ways to get internet access in South Korea:
South Korea isn't alone in using Type C and F plugs. There are actually 15 different plug types used globally, labeled A through O. Here's where the major plug types are used:
| Plug type | Countries |
| Type A & B | United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan |
| Type C | Most of Europe, South America, Asia (including South Korea) |
| Type D | India, Nepal, some African countries |
| Type E | France, Belgium, Poland |
| Type F | Germany, Netherlands, South Korea, Austria |
| Type G | United Kingdom, Ireland, Singapore, Malaysia |
| Type H | Palestine, Israel |
| Type I | Australia, New Zealand, China, Argentina |
| Type J | Switzerland, Liechtenstein |
| Type K | Denmark, Greenland |
| Type L | Italy, Chile |
| Type M | South Africa, Lesotho |
South Korea shares its plug types with most of continental Europe. If you're planning a trip that includes both Seoul and Berlin, one adapter covers both.
Planning to visit other Asian destinations? Check out our guides on Japan plug types, Thailand plug types, and Vietnam plug types.
No. The US uses Type A and Type B plugs with flat prongs, while South Korea uses Type C and Type F with round pins. You'll need a plug adapter to charge your devices in South Korea.
No. The UK uses Type G plugs with three rectangular pins. South Korea uses Type C and Type F with two round pins. British travelers need an adapter, but not a voltage converter since both countries use similar voltage (220-240V).
No. Canada uses the same plugs as the US (Type A and B), which are incompatible with South Korea's Type C and F outlets. Canadian travelers need both an adapter and should check if their devices are dual-voltage.
South Korea uses 220V at 60Hz. This is compatible with most European and Australian devices (220-240V) but different from the US/Canada (120V). Most modern chargers are dual-voltage and work fine, but single-voltage appliances need a converter.
Yes. Apple chargers are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work anywhere in the world. You just need a plug adapter to fit South Korea's Type C or Type F outlets.
Adapters are available at Incheon Airport convenience stores, electronics shops in Myeongdong and Hongdae, and department stores like Lotte and Shinsegae. However, prices are higher than buying online before your trip. Amazon has adapters starting around $10.
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