Electricity and sockets
An adapter is required: South Korea uses Types C and F, which does not accept plugs from the UK.
Sockets at the destination
Mains supply in South Korea: 230 V, 60 Hz, sockets of Types C and F. A converter can stay at home; South Korea supplies 230 V. The grid runs at 60 Hz. Chargers do not care; mains-synchronised clocks and simple motors do.
You will find identical sockets in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Iran. Travelling further to Oman, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates means a different adapter. 17 of the 50 destinations in Asia share the plug types of South Korea.
Protective earth
Earthed sockets (Type F) and unearthed ones (Type C) exist side by side. For metal-bodied appliances the protective-earth path is what matters.
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 → |
Frequency is 60 Hz; timers and simple motors run differently. Check your own device →
The same sockets are used further afield: Moldova, Montenegro, Kosovo, Estonia, Greece and Algeria.
Common questions
Yes. UK plugs do not fit the sockets in South Korea.
Types C and F – that is what you will find in South Korea (230 V, 60 Hz).
No converter needed – South Korea runs at 230 V.
An adapter changes the plug shape only, not voltage or frequency. South Korea supplies 230 V at 60 Hz – check the rating plate on your device. How to read a rating plate →
If a socket gets hot, crackles or smells burnt, unplug the device straight away.
Data for South Korea from IEC World Plugs and IEC TR 60083. Sources and method →