The standard voltage in Korea is 220 volts at 60 hertz, and household sockets have two round holes. A Gangneung city tourism page names these socket types C and F, the same as in Germany, France, Austria, Spain and Greece.
What this means for your devices
- Plugs from continental Europe generally fit without an adapter
- Plugs with flat pins — as used in the UK, the US, mainland China, Taiwan and many other places — need an adapter
- Check the label on your charger: if it says INPUT 100–240V, it works on 220 V. If it only says 110 V or 120 V, it is not made for Korean voltage
- Hotels may lend or sell adapters; they are also sold at airports, larger shops and convenience stores
Source: Korea Tourism Organization — electricity and communications
Source: Electric Utility Act Enforcement Rule, Annex 3 — standard voltage and frequency (Korean, PDF)
Common questions
What plug type does Korea use?
Plugs with two round pins (types C and F) — the same as in most of continental Europe. The voltage is 220 V at 60 Hz.
Will my US charger work in Korea?
It needs a plug adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers are rated 100–240 V and work on 220 V; check the INPUT line on the label before plugging in.
More about K-ETA
After you land
K-ETA gets you on the plane. What comes after — arrival card, e-gates, cash, tax refunds, transport, healthcare, emergencies — checked with official sources.
Phones and SIM cards
Korean mobile carriers must verify your identity, and for visitors that means a passport. Where to get a prepaid SIM or eSIM, and the 2026 changes.
Public holidays
Korea's official holiday dates for late 2026 and all of 2027, including Seollal, Chuseok and the substitute holidays — and two holidays added in 2026.
Driving in Korea
A foreign licence alone is not enough. Visitors drive on an International Driving Permit for one year from entry. Drive on the right; alcohol limit 0.03%.
Healthcare
Tourists are not covered by Korea's national health insurance. Where to get treatment with an interpreter, which number to call, and why insurance matters.
Emergency numbers
112 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance. Which lines offer interpretation, the Emergency Ready App, and the English text alerts on your phone.