Travel Guide

South Korea Plug Type and Adapter

South Korea uses plug types C and F at 220 V, 60 Hz. Which adapter fits Korean sockets and which US devices need a converter.

Updated September 2026
4 min read
Taro SchenkerBy Taro Schenker

The short answer

South Korea uses plug types C, F at 220 V, 60 Hz. From the US you need a type C adapter.

South Korea uses round-pin sockets, types C and F, at 220 V and 60 Hz. US plugs don't fit; a type C adapter does.

The sockets in South Korea

What you need, by where you're from

"Converter" applies only to single-voltage devices. Chargers marked 100-240V need an adapter at most.

Traveling fromAdapterVoltage converter
United States or CanadaType CFor 120 V-only devices
United Kingdom or IrelandType CNot needed
Mainland EuropeNot neededNot needed
Australia or New ZealandType CNot needed
JapanType CFor 100 V-only devices

The adapter to pack for South Korea

A type C adapter that takes US plugs. None of these convert voltage.

TESSAN European Travel Plug Adapter
Most PopularBestseller

TESSAN European Travel Plug Adapter

Budget Europe adapter with 2 USB ports for Type C outlets

  • Fits Type C outlets across Europe
  • 2 USB charging ports
  • Compact and lightweight
$15.99Amazon price as of Sep 25, 2026, 8:55 PM UTC. Details
Prime
Check Price on Amazon

Visiting several countries?

A universal adapter covers types A, C, G and I. It won't fit Switzerland, India or South Africa well.

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter

Works in 150+ countries with 5 USB ports

  • 150+ countries
  • 5 USB ports
  • Built-in fuse
$17.99Amazon price as of Sep 25, 2026, 8:55 PM UTC. Details
Prime
Check Price on Amazon
More universal travel adapters

Worth knowing before you go

  • Korean sockets are recessed like German ones, so round-bodied type C adapters fit well.
  • Korea runs at 220 V. US devices rated for 120 V only need a converter.
  • The frequency is 60 Hz, the same as the US, which matters only for clocks and some motors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What plug adapter do I need for South Korea?

A type C adapter, which fits Korea's type C and F sockets.

Do I need a converter for South Korea?

Only for devices that run on 120 V alone. Korea runs at 220 V.

About the Author

Taro Schenker
30 countries10+ years
Taro Schenker

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Taro spent a decade in the music industry as a tour manager, crisscrossing the globe with artists and crews who demanded gear that actually worked. From overnight buses in the American Midwest to bullet trains in Japan, backstage in London to festival grounds across Europe—he's lived out of bags, cases, and carry-ons for years. That experience taught him what separates travel gear that survives the road from stuff that falls apart after one trip. Now he channels that hard-won knowledge into TravelGiftList, helping travelers find products that meet real-world demands.

Road-Tested GearPractical Travel SolutionsEditorial Strategy

Credentials

  • •10 years as professional music tour manager
  • •Toured extensively across North America, Europe, UK, and Japan
  • •Managed logistics for international tours and festivals
Favorite: Tokyo, Japan