Korea Voltage & Plug Guide
Pick your device voltage and plug to instantly see if you need a transformer or adapter in Korea (220V, C/F).
What you need in Korea
Voltage transformer
Plug adapter (돼지코)
NeededKorea uses 220V/60Hz, plug type C/F. Laptop and phone chargers are usually dual-voltage — only a plug adapter is needed. Heat devices (hair dryers, flat irons) must match voltage. '돼지코' is a shape adapter.
What this tool does
This Korea voltage and plug guide tells you whether you need a transformer and a plug adapter ('dwaeji-ko') when traveling to or moving to Korea. Korea uses 220V/60Hz with plug types C/F. Pick your device voltage (the INPUT label) and your home plug type, and it instantly tells you whether a step-down transformer and an adapter are needed. Most laptop and phone chargers are dual-voltage, so only an adapter is required.
Who uses this
- Check transformer/adapter needs before a Korea trip
- See if a US/Japan 110V device works on Korea's 220V
- Verify heat devices (hair dryer, flat iron) compatibility
- Decide whether a resident's home appliances work in Korea
- Understand whether a laptop/charger is dual-voltage
How to use
- 1Read your device's INPUT label and choose the voltage preset (dual / 120V / 100V / 220V).
- 2Select your country's plug type (A/B/C/F/G/I, etc.).
- 3It instantly shows whether you need a transformer and whether you need a plug adapter (dwaeji-ko).
Decision basis
Korea standard: 220V · 60Hz · plug type C / F Transformer needed? Device covers 220V (dual 100–240V or 220–240V) → no transformer Device is 110–120V only (US) or 100V only (Japan) → step-down/step-up transformer needed Plug adapter (dwaeji-ko) needed? Plug is C or F → fits Korean outlets directly (no adapter) Otherwise (A/B/G/I, etc.) → plug adapter needed Transformer = changes voltage / Adapter = changes plug shape (different things).
Worked examples
Example 1: US hair dryer (120V, plug A)
120V-only needs a step-down transformer + plug A needs an adapter. Heat devices draw high power, so buying a local 220V unit in Korea is safer.
Example 2: Laptop charger (100–240V, plug C)
Dual voltage means no transformer + plug C fits Korea directly. Nothing is needed. This covers most laptop and phone chargers.
Example 3: Japanese appliance (100V, plug A)
100V-only needs a step-up transformer + plug A needs an adapter. Be careful using Japanese devices in Korea.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 'dwaeji-ko'?+
It is the Korean nickname for a plug-shape adapter. Named because it looks like a pig's nose ('dwaeji-ko'), it changes only the plug shape to fit Korean outlets (C/F) — it does not change voltage.
How is a transformer different from an adapter?+
A transformer changes voltage (e.g. 220V→110V). An adapter only changes plug shape. To use a US 110V device in Korea you may need both. A dual-voltage device needs only the adapter.
How do I know if my device is dual-voltage?+
Read the INPUT label on the device/charger. A range like '100-240V' means dual-voltage (no transformer needed). A single value like '120V' or '100V' means single-voltage and may need a transformer.
What is the difference between Korean plug types C and F?+
Both are round 2-pin and Korean outlets accept either. Type F has grounding (metal clips on the sides) while type C does not. They are compatible with most of Europe.
Must I run a hair dryer through a transformer?+
Not recommended. Hair dryers and flat irons draw high power, which travel transformers often cannot handle safely. Buying a local 220V product in Korea is safer and cheaper.
Cautions
- •Based on Korea's standard 220V/60Hz, plug C/F.
- •Always check the device INPUT label yourself — results are based on your input.
- •High-power heat devices (hair dryer, flat iron) are unsuitable for travel transformers; buy locally.
- •The 60Hz↔50Hz difference can affect some motor/clock devices' speed.
- •For safety/certification (KC), check the manufacturer and official guidance.
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Last reviewed: 2026-06-06