Power Plugs, Voltage and Charging in Korea (Plus Power Bank Flight Rules)
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The short version
| Voltage | 220V |
| Frequency | 60Hz |
| Socket | Two round holes (the type often called C/F) |
| Adapters for sale | Airports, convenience stores, shops, hotel front desks |
| Power banks on flights | Max 2, up to 160 Wh, cabin only, no use or charging in flight |
Do you need an adapter?
You need one if your plugs don’t have two round pins:
| Where you’re from | Adapter needed? |
|---|---|
| Most of continental Europe | Usually no |
| US, Canada, Japan | Yes |
| UK, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia | Yes |
| Australia, New Zealand, China | Yes |
Forgot one? Hotels can often lend or sell you an adapter at the front desk. Adapters are also sold at airports, major duty-free shops, convenience stores and general retailers.
Do you need a voltage converter?
Look at the small print on your charger or device:
- “Input: 100–240V” → fine in Korea with just a plug adapter. Most phone, laptop, tablet and camera chargers say this.
- “110V” or “120V” only → don’t plug it straight into a Korean socket. It can be damaged. Common culprits are hair dryers, straighteners and some kitchen gadgets. Use a voltage converter, or use the hotel’s hair dryer.
Charging tips
- Bring a multi-port USB charger so you only need one adapter for all your devices.
- Cafés often have sockets you can use while you’re a customer, but don’t rely on finding one.
- Power banks are useful on long days of map-reading and photo-taking.
Power banks on flights (2026 rules)
Korea tightened its rules on power banks and spare lithium batteries in 2025 and again in 2026. They’re not allowed in checked bags at all. In your cabin bag:
| Item | Allowance |
|---|---|
| Power banks | Up to 2, each 160 Wh or less |
| Spare batteries ≤100 Wh | Up to 5 |
| Spare batteries 100–160 Wh | Up to 2, with airline approval |
| Over 160 Wh | Not allowed |
During the flight:
- Don’t use or charge power banks, and don’t put them in the overhead bin. Keep them in the seat pocket or on you.
- Protect each battery’s terminals: put it in its own plastic bag or tape over the terminals. Airlines often hand out tape.
Checking watt-hours: most power banks show mAh, not Wh. A typical 20,000 mAh power bank at 3.7V is about 74 Wh. Look for the Wh figure printed on the case.
Airlines can add their own rules, so check with yours too. More pre-trip tips: Korea travel checklist.
Questions people ask
What type of plug does Korea use?
Sockets have two round holes. That's the plug commonly called Type C or Type F, as used in much of continental Europe. Plugs from the US, UK, Australia, Japan and China need an adapter.
Can I use my US devices in Korea?
If the label says 100–240V, yes, with a plug adapter. Most phone, tablet, laptop and camera chargers do. Single-voltage 110V devices, such as some hair dryers and straighteners, need a voltage converter or should stay at home.
How many power banks can I take on a plane from Korea?
Up to two power banks of 160 Wh or less, in your cabin bag only. You can't use them, charge them or put them in the overhead bin during the flight. Those over 100 Wh need airline approval.