Korean Power Plug Guide: Types, Adapters & Where to Buy

Are you planing traveling to Korean? Don't Forget--they use Type C (2 round pins) or Type F (2 pins + ground clips), with 230V / 50Hz​. A universal adapter (especially ​​Europlug compatible​​) will keep your devices charged while you are in Korean. Must double-check your chargers support 230V input! Read this guide to stay connected and enjoy your Korean tour!

Korean Power Plug Types – What You Need to Know

🔌 ​​Power Plug Types in Korea​n

Korean sockets are in the shape of a pig's nose, with two circular holes on top.

Basically, there are two types of "plugs" for Korean electrical appliances: Type C and Type F, both of which can be used with Korean sockets

In addition, the hole diameter of sockets in South Korea is 4.8mm. When purchasing adapters, remember to pay attention to the thickness of the plug. If it is only 4mm, it may be too loose when inserted and is prone to fall off.

⚡ ​​Voltage & Frequency​ in Korean​

​​The voltage in South Korea is generally 220V. Most restaurants can use 220V and 110V power supplies, and the frequency of the power supply network is 60Hz. If the plugs of electrical appliances have the function of voltage transformation, there is no need to prepare transformers.

✅ ​​What You Need​ in Korean​

​​Universal Travel Adapter​​

• Ensure the adapter supports ​​Type F/C​​.
• If you are not sure, "European-style" adapters always work perfectly.

​​Voltage Check​​

• ​​Safe devices​​ (100–240V support): Phones, laptops, cameras.
• ​​Risky devices​​ (110V-only): Hair dryers, straighteners, rice cookers from North America/Japan.Then use a ​​voltage converter​​ or buy locally (₩15,000–30,000 at Daiso/E-mart).

Notes:

In addition, sockets in South Korea are divided into two types. One is the flat socket we usually see, and the other is the socket with an indented part. If you carry a universal plug, be aware that some are too large in size or too short, which may make them unusable. When encountering such a situation, you can only purchase the travel plugs they produce at convenience stores or supermarkets in South Korea. Only in this way can you use them normally!

Korean Power Plug Voltage & Frequency

⚡ ​​South Korea Power Specifications​​

​

✅ ​​Compatible Plugs​​:

• Europe (Type C/F), China (Type I), Australia (Type I with adapters).

❌ ​​Incompatible Plugs​​:

• North America (Type A/B), UK (Type G), Thailand (Type O).
  ✅ ​​Solution​​: Universal adapter supporting ​​Type F/C​​.

​

Korean Power Plug: Adapters & Converters Guide

🔌 ​​Power Adapter Options for South Korea​​

1. ​​Type F Adapter (Schuko Standard)​​

• ​​Purpose​​: Directly fits Korea's most common sockets (2 round pins + side grounding clips)
• ​​Key Features​​:
• • Grounding spring clips for stable 220V connection
  • Flame-retardant PC shell (look for KCC/KS certification)
  • 4.8mm pin diameter ensures tight fit (no wobbling)
• ​​Best For​​: High-watt devices (hair dryers, laptops)

2. ​​Universal Travel Adapter​​

• ​​Purpose​​: Works in 150+ countries including Korea (Type F/C)
• ​​Key Features​​:
• • Adjustable pins for Type F/C/G/A/I (covers future trips)
  • Built-in USB-C/USB-A ports (5V/3A max)
• ​​Best For​​: Multi-device charging; travelers visiting multiple countries

3. ​​Type C Adapter (Europlug)​​

• ​​Purpose​​: Basic backup for low-watt devices
• ​​Key Features​​:
• • Compact size (ideal for portability)
  • 4.0mm pin diameter (fits but may feel loose)
• ​​Caution​​: Avoid for grounded/high-power devices

Where to Buy Adapters for Korean Travel?

🛒 ​Best Places to Buy Adapters in Australia

​Kmart/Amazon Adapter​

1. ​​Universal Travel Adapter​​ ($8 AUD)
2. • Supports ​​Type C/F​​ (South Korean), ​​A/B​​ (US), ​​G​​ (UK).
   • ​​USB-A port​​ included (max 5V/2.1A).
2. ​​Europe Travel Adapter​​ ($6 AUD)
3. • Direct ​​Type I (Aus) → Type C​​ (South Korean).
   • No USB ports.

🛍️ ​​Best Places to Buy Adapters in Korea​

If you forget to purchase it before your trip, it doesn't matter. You will still have places to buy it after landing in South Korea​.

​​1. Convenience Stores (CU/GS25/7-Eleven)​​: You can buy some basic ​​Type C adapters​​ (ungrounded) at airports, subway stations and street corners. The price usually from ₩5,000–7,000.

​​2. Daiso: It's very easy to find Daiso as ​​there are 2,000+ stores nationwide (look for ⓓⓐⓘⓢⓞ yellow signs). You can get adapters for low-watt devices like phones or power banks. The price usually from ₩5,000–7,000.​

​​3. Electronics Stores (Technomart, Hi-Mart)​: You can always find Anker, Xiaomi certified type F adapters and universal options. The price is from​ ₩15,000–30,000.

Where to Charge Your Devices Easily in Korean?

If you need to charge when you are traveling in Korean, here are the top easy charging spots in Korea​.​

1. ​​Subway Stations ​

• ​​Where​​: Platform waiting areas (Lines 1–9), transfer corridors, and some trains (newer cars).
• ​​Outlets​​: Dedicated ​​USB-A/USB-C ports​​ + Type F outlets (bring adapter!).
• ​​Key Stations​​: Gangnam, Hongdae, Myeongdong, Seoul Station.
• Tip: Look for benches with built-in charging pads (e.g., Jamsil Station Line 2).

2. ​​CU/GS25/7-Eleven Convenience Stores: in the corner counters or seating areas, you can get USB ports for phone and tablet, and for some 220V outlets.​

3. ​​Cafés (Coffee Shops)​​

• ​​Best Chains​​:
• • ​​Starbucks​​: Guaranteed outlets at every table (Seoul/Busan).
  • ​​Ediya Coffee​​: Wall outlets + USB under seats.
  • ​​Paik's Coffee​​: Outlets at 90% of tables.
• ​​K-Etiquette​​: Order first → claim outlet spots (free if seated).

4. ​​Public Libraries & Community Centers: you can find​ "주민센터" signs in every district to get free high-speed wifi + Type F/USB charging walls.

Good news: Recently, machines that offer free charging and free power bank rental services have appeared in over 150 subway stations on Seoul Subway Lines 5, 6, 7 and 8. The machine mainly has two functions: rental and charging. On the right side of the machine, there is a "Free Charging area" with charging cables for feature phones, Android phones and Apple phones. There is no time limit for charging. On the left side, you can rent a power bank for free (free for 3 hours, and pay for exceeding that time).

Korean Power Plug | Global Electrical Standards

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