Electricity and sockets
Yes – from the UK you need a travel adapter for North Korea, because the sockets there (Types C and F) will not take your plugs.
Sockets at the destination
The grid in North Korea works at 230 V and 50 Hz; the recorded sockets are Types C and F. 230 V means no voltage converter – only the plug shape matters.
You will find identical sockets in Armenia, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Kazakhstan. Nearby but different: Saudi Arabia, Taiwan and Bahrain – an adapter for North Korea will not fit there. Across Asia this setup is common: 17 of 50 countries.
Protective earth
Not every socket in North Korea is earthed: Type F yes, Type C no. Class I appliances belong in an earthed outlet.
Quick check by home country
| From the UK | adapter for Types C and F | Check route → |
|---|---|---|
| From the US | adapter for Types C and F | Check route → |
Nothing to worry about electrically: North Korea runs the same supply as home. Check your own device →
The same sockets are used further afield: Guinea, Iceland, Hungary, Sweden, Lithuania and Portugal.
Common questions
Yes, you need an adapter for Types C and F.
North Korea uses Types C and F at 230 V and 50 Hz.
No converter needed – North Korea runs at 230 V.
If a socket gets hot, crackles or smells burnt, unplug the device straight away.
Data for North Korea from IEC World Plugs and IEC TR 60083. Sources and method →