1. Voltage and Frequency Specifications
South Korea operates on 220 Volts at 60 Hertz.
- Dual Voltage Electronics (100V - 240V): Modern laptops, smartphone chargers, tablet bricks, and camera chargers are dual voltage and only require a simple physical pin shape adapter.
- Single Voltage Heating Appliances (100V - 120V): Hair dryers, curling irons, and shavers from North America or Japan built strictly for 110V will burn out or pose fire hazards if plugged directly into Korean 220V outlets without a heavy step-down voltage transformer. Use hotel-provided hair dryers instead.
2. Plug Shapes: Europlug Type C & Type F (Schuko)
Outlets utilize two round prongs (4.8mm diameter pins spaced 19mm apart), identical to continental Europe:
- Type C: Standard ungrounded dual round pins.
- Type F (Schuko): Dual round pins with top and bottom grounding metal clips.
- *Tip*: If you forgot an adapter, buy a 110V-to-220V travel plug (*Dwaeji-ko* / "Pig Nose" adapter) at any Daiso store for 1,000 - 2,000 KRW.
3. Public Device Charging on Transit
- KTX High-Speed Trains: Every window seat row features a 220V socket and two 5V USB charging ports between passenger windows.
- Subway Stations & Cafes: Mobile power bank sharing rental kiosks (e.g. *Chungjeon-dwaeji*) are available at subway turnstiles for approx. 1,000 KRW per hour.