Do I need a power converter for South Korea?

What does a power converter for a South Korean power outlet do?

A power converter for South Korea allows you to use a 100, 110 or 120 volt electric device with a 220 volt South Korean power outlet.

Also known as: electrical converter, electrical transformer, voltage converter, power transformer or voltage transformer.

What is the difference between a power adapter and a power converter for South Korea?

A small, cheap and lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) will change the shape of the plug on your appliance to fit into a power outlet found in South Korea, but a heavier and more expensive power converter transforms a 220 volt South Korean power outlet to work with a non-220 volt device. [3] [AD]

Do I need a power converter for South Korea?

If visiting South Korea from another region double check your device will accept a 220 volt power supply.

  • A step down power converter is needed if you are travelling to South Korea from a country that uses 100-120 volts and your appliance or device isn't compatible with 220 volts. Read our WikiConnections list of world power outlets page to see the voltage is used in your country.
  • You don't need a power converter if you already use either a single voltage device that works with 220 volts or one that is dual voltage.
  • Devices designed to use a lower voltage such as 110 volts and then used with 220 volts run the potential risk of a blown fuse, damage to your device or even an electrical fire hazard.
  • You won't need a converter if you need to power a smaller electrical device such as a cell phone as these are typically support dual voltage and designed for international use, however always always check the device for dual voltage support first.
  • For supplying power to appliances which draw more power or generate heat (for example hair straighteners or curling irons) then you will need to use a much larger higher wattage heavy duty power converter to allow the appliance to be used with a 220 volt South Korean power outlet.
  • It could be more cost effective to purchase a smaller lightweight dual voltage travel appliance than carrying a much heavier power converter simply to use your existing domestic appliance.
  • For more information read these comprehensive travel guides on how to use curling wands, clothes irons, hairdryers and flat irons in South Korea which includes recommendations for some affordable dual voltage alternatives.  [3] [4] [AD]

What kind of converter do I need for South Korea?

You need a step down power converter to use any 100, 110 or 120 volt appliance in South Korea. [3] [AD]

How to convert 220 volts to 110 volts

  1. Use a step down power converter to allow you to use a 110 or 120 volt appliance with a 220 volt South Korean power outlet.
  2. If the power converter doesn't include the correct shaped plug then it will also be necessary to plug in the power cord from the power converter into a power adapter for South Korea before plugging that into a South Korean power outlet.
  3. Some power converters include the ability to perform both step up and step down voltage conversions, therefore it may be necessary to manually switch the converter to output the voltage to the 110-120 volt range.
  4. Plug your appliance into the converter and turn the power on, your 110-120 volt appliance can now be used with a 220 volt South Korean power outlet. [3] [AD]
What is the difference between a transformer and a power converter?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a transformer and a power converter?

Converters and transformers are both used to change one voltage to another, but this ambiguity can cause confusion as their purposes are different:

  • Power converters are designed for simple electrical appliances which typically generate heat or use motors such as clothes irons, shavers or hair dryers. Transformers are designed for more complex electronic items such as televisions or games consoles.
  • Buying a power converter is cheaper than buying a power transformer.
  • Power transformers are larger and heavier making them more suited for permanent residential use; for example an expat wishing to use an imported television would need to use a transformer for this purpose.
  • Power converters are more suitable for travellers wishing to bring domestic appliances abroad such as hair dryers or flat irons. However, it is more practical and cost effective to purchase a dual voltage appliance designed for travel rather than a heavier power converter.
  • Power converters are suitable for 2 pin ungrounded appliances, it could be harder to find a converter if you want to use a grounded 3 pin appliance.
  • Transformers can be used constantly however it is recommended that converters are used for no longer than a couple of hours at a time.
  • Shops may sell transformers under the name of converters, for the purposes this guide we will be referring to both converters and transformers as converters.

What voltage is used in South Korea?

South Korea uses 220 volts in their power outlets. [2]

https://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/
How can you tell if you have a dual voltage appliance?

Dual voltage hair straighteners

How can you tell if you have a dual voltage appliance?

The easiest method to see if a appliance is dual or single voltage is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the supplied charger, or on the device itself, typically near to where the power cord plugs into. The location will vary depending on the make or model of your appliance and should also be written on the box or in the instruction manual.

  • Single voltage devices might say a specific number - such as 120V.
  • Single voltage devices might also have a small voltage range (20 volts difference) with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 220-240V.
  • Dual voltage devices will normally say a larger range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V.

  1. Visitkorea - Korea Tourism Organization site.
  2. iec.ch - International Electrotechnical Commission World Plugs
  3. Power converter - Heavy-duty power converters are designed to convert voltage levels between different electrical standards, shifting between 110V/120V and 220V/240V with both 50Hz and 60Hz, often incorporating safety features such as fuse protection and circuit breakers..
  4. Heavy duty power converter - Heavy-duty power converters robust voltage transformation capabilities for designed for high-wattage devices, making them best suited for appliances like kettles and hair dryers that consume a significant amounts of power..