South Korea Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In South Korea, power plugs and sockets (electrical outlets) of Type F (CEE 7/4 (Schuko), two round pins with grounding clips on sides, grounded) are used. Wall sockets run at 220V and 60Hz. Check if you need a travel adapter, electrical adapter or voltage converter before travelling to South Korea.
Check Adapter Compatibility
Do you need an adapter for your trip?
South Korea uses:
Electrical Standards in South Korea: Voltage, Frequency & Plug Type
South Korea runs on a 220V supply at 60Hz, and the standard South Korea power plug is Type F, also known as the Schuko plug. This CEE 7/4 design features two round 4.8mm pins for live and neutral, along with grounding clips on the sides of the plug that mate with contacts inside the recessed socket. It's the same grounded connector used widely across continental Europe, and it's built to handle high-power appliances safely at 16 amps.
Is a Voltage Converter Necessary?
If your devices are designed for 220-240V, such as those from Europe, the UK, or Australia, you won't need a voltage converter in South Korea. However, travelers from regions using 100-127V, such as the United States, Canada, or Japan, should check whether their electronics are dual-voltage before plugging into a South Korean electrical outlet, since single-voltage 110V devices will require a step-down converter to operate safely.
Grounding and the Earth Pin
Type F plugs don't use a protruding grounding pin like some other plug standards; instead, grounding is achieved through metal clips on the sides of the plug top that contact strips inside the socket. This arrangement provides reliable earthing for appliances like washing machines and ovens while keeping the plug top compact. The deeply recessed socket design also adds a layer of protection against accidental contact with live parts.
South Korea Travel Adapter Guide
Travelers arriving with plugs from non-European countries will need an adapter to fit the South Korea power plug format, since sockets throughout the country are built exclusively for the two-round-pin Type F design. Because Schuko plugs are unpolarized, there's no need to worry about matching live and neutral orientation when inserting your adapter.
- Pack a universal or Type F-specific adapter compatible with round 4.8mm pins
- Confirm your devices support 220-240V before traveling
- Choose an adapter with grounding clips if using high-power appliances
- Remember that Type F sockets are recessed, so bulky adapters should fit snugly
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, unless your home country already uses Type F plugs, you'll need an adapter to fit South Korea's Type F electrical outlet. The recessed socket design means your adapter should have a compatible plug top to insert fully and make contact with the grounding clips.
South Korea uses Type F, the Schuko-style plug with two round 4.8mm pins and side grounding clips. It's a grounded 16A plug commonly found throughout Europe as well.
South Korea's electrical supply runs at 220V and 60Hz. This matches the voltage used across much of Europe, though the frequency differs slightly from the 50Hz standard found there.
Pack a Type F adapter or a universal adapter with a Type F setting to match South Korea's grounded, recessed sockets. If your devices aren't rated for 220-240V, you'll also want a voltage converter alongside your adapter.
