Travel plug South Korea

Which sockets are used in South Korea?

In South Korea you'll come across:

• Socket type C
• Socket type F
• Mains voltage: 220V
• Frequency: 60 Hz

In the Netherlands it's 230V / 50 Hz. The voltage difference (220 vs 230) is small and usually causes no problems. The frequency difference (60 Hz in Korea) can be relevant for some devices.

Do Dutch plugs fit in South Korea?

Yes. From the Netherlands you usually have plugs:

• Type C (Europlug) → fits in type C and usually also in type F sockets.
• Type F (Schuko with side earth) → fits in type F sockets.

Conclusion: your plugs fit, so a separate travel adapter is usually not needed.

Note: a type F plug in a type C socket can sometimes work without earthing (this is the case in several countries). For many chargers that's not a problem, but preferably use an earthed socket if your device requires it.

Do you need a voltage converter in South Korea?

In almost all cases: no. The mains voltage in South Korea is 220V, and manufacturers account for small deviations from 230V.

The safest check is to look at the label of your charger or adapter:

• Does it say “INPUT: 100–240V, 50/60 Hz”? Then you're all set (this is standard on phone, laptop and camera chargers).
• Does it only say 220–240V? Then it usually works fine too.
• Does it only say 230V / 50 Hz and no 60 Hz? Then be careful, especially with devices that have a motor or timer.

Why you should watch out for the frequency difference (60 Hz)

Most modern electronics (phone, laptop, camera, power bank, electric toothbrush) use an adapter that can handle 50/60 Hz. But some devices may respond differently to 60 Hz, such as:

• certain shavers
• older hair dryers or devices with a motor
• devices with analog timers/clocks

If you bring these kinds of devices, check extra carefully whether the label says 50/60 Hz. In doubt? Then a compact universal adapter with protection/USB or using your own dual-voltage/dual-frequency charger is the safest choice.