Travel adapter from South Korea to United States — do you need one?

Q: What plug is used in United States?

United States uses Type A and Type B plugs at 120 V, 60 Hz.

Compare the plug shapes, voltage and frequency in South Korea and United States, and find out which adapter you need before you travel.

Adapter required

Yes — coming from South Korea, you will need a travel adapter for United States. South Korea uses Type C/Type F plugs, and United States uses Type A/Type B, so the pin shapes will not fit any wall socket. Voltages differ (230 V at home vs 120 V abroad), so check the label on each device. Most modern dual-voltage chargers handle the swing without a converter, but heating appliances usually do not.

Voltage converter may be needed. Check your device label — most modern electronics (phones, laptops) support 100–240 V and only need a plug adapter. Hair dryers, kettles, and older appliances may need a step-up or step-down converter.

South Korea (home)

Type C Two round pins (Europlug) 220–240V Type F Two round pins + side earth contacts 220–240V

United States (destination)

Type A Two flat parallel pins 100–127V Type B Two flat pins + round ground 100–127V

Electrical specifications in United States

Voltage

South Korea 230 V

United States 120 V

Differs

Frequency

South Korea 60 Hz

United States 60 Hz

Match

More about plugs in United States

In United States, the standard power plug is Type A and Type B. The country runs on 120 volts at 60 Hz. That means wall sockets in United States can be one of 2 different shapes — Type A, Type B, and your plug needs to physically match the socket to fit.

Full United States plug guide