What Plug Do You Need for South Korea? (+ Bonus Travel Tips for First-Timers)
Planning your trip to South Korea? Among all the excitement — street food, K-dramas, cherry blossoms, and shopping — don’t forget one essential thing: power plugs and voltage compatibility. The last thing you want is a dead phone or a fried hairdryer.
Here’s everything you need to know about charging your devices in South Korea.
What Power Plug Does South Korea Use?
South Korea uses Type C and Type F power plugs.
- Type C: Two round pins (also known as the "Europlug")
- Type F: Two round pins with two earth clips on the side (also called "Schuko")
Both types are commonly used throughout Europe, so if you’re coming from places like Germany, France, Spain, or the Netherlands — your devices should plug in just fine.
Voltage and Frequency in South Korea
- Voltage: 220V
- Frequency: 60Hz
This is important because some devices, especially from North America (which uses 110V), may not work properly or could be damaged if plugged in directly.
First-Time Visiting South Korea? Here Are a Few Extra Tips
South Korea is a vibrant mix of modern cities, rich traditions, and mouthwatering food. Whether you're heading to the neon streets of Seoul or the serene temples of Gyeongju, it's good to know a few local tips that’ll make your first trip smoother.
South Korea Travel Essentials 🇰🇷
Planning a holiday to South Korea? Here's our checklist of travel essentials for a smooth and hassle-free trip!
🚅 For starters, the Korea Rail Pass is a must for your adventures. It will come in useful when you are exploring various cities as you can get unlimited rides via high-speed rail, and allows you to transit and travel to over 600 stations and 80 different routes!
🏮 South Korea Essentials: Transportation Passes & Top Must-Dos
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Here are some handy travel tips for your first adventure in South Korea!
1) Get an eSIM for instant connectivity
Skip the hassle of physical SIM cards and stay connected as soon as you land with a 5G eSIM from Klook. It’s quick to activate and super convenient — no need to swap out your original SIM.
2) Download Naver Maps or KakaoMap
Google Maps doesn’t work well in South Korea due to government restrictions on mapping data. For accurate directions, use:
- Naver Map (available in English)
- KakaoMap (detailed, especially for public transport)
3) Get a T-money Card for Easy Transport
The T-money card is a rechargeable smart card used for subways, buses, and even taxis in most major cities.
- Buy it at any convenience store (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven)
- Can be used in Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Jeju, and more
- Also works for purchases at vending machines and some stores
👉 You can get a T-money card via Klook to save time on arrival!
4) Shopping Tax Refunds for Tourists
You can get a tax refund on purchases over ₩30,000 (~US$22) in many stores.
- Look for the “Tax Free” sign
- Show your passport when buying
- Claim your refund at the airport or instant kiosks in some malls
🛍️ Popular spots like Myeongdong and Dongdaemun have tax refund counters on-site!
FAQs About South Korea’s Electric Outlets
1) What type of plug is used in South Korea?
South Korea uses Type C and Type F plugs. Both have two round pins. Type F also has two grounding clips on the side, but Type C plugs can fit into Type F sockets.
2) What is the voltage in South Korea?
The standard voltage is 220V with a frequency of 60Hz. Devices from countries with 110V (like the US and Japan) may require a voltage converter.
3) Do I need a power adapter in South Korea?
If your plug is not Type C or F, then yes, you’ll need an adapter. Travelers from the UK, US, Australia, Singapore, and Japan will likely need one. European travelers usually won’t.
More South Korea Inspiration
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Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
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