Essential Guide to Power Voltage Differences, Adapters, and Converters in Korea

Managing Power Voltage Differences in Korea

When moving to Korea, it’s important to understand the power voltage difference. Korea uses 220V, while the U.S. operates on 110V. If your electronic devices support both voltages, all you need is an adapter. In Korea, an adapter is called 어뎁터 (pronounced “eodep-teo”) or 아답터 (pronounced “a-dap-teo”). However, if your appliance only supports 110V, you’ll need a voltage converter, known as 도란스 (pronounced “do-ran-seu”) in Korean.

Before your move, you can purchase adapters and converters online, such as from Amazon, but don’t worry if you forget. I can help you locate the best places in Korea to buy them.

Where to Buy Adapters and Converters in Korea

In Korea, you can find various stores that specialize in selling electric adapters, power extensions, and other items. Here are some typical places to find what you need:

Electric Shops (전파상, Jeon-Pa-Sang): These are small electronics shops, similar to the smaller RadioShack. You can find 220V to 110V adapters(for a Korean who travel to the US) and other basic electronic accessories here.
Hardware Stores (철물점, Cheol-Mul-Jeom): While primarily focused on tools and hardware, these stores sometimes sell electrical items too.
General Stores (만물상, Man-Mul-Sang): These stores sell a wide variety of goods, including adapters. They resemble Home Depot, though much much smaller in scale.

These stores are not as common as they once were. All products are available on the Korean Online Store.

Where I bought Adapters for 110V to 220V

To find such shops, you often need to visit industrial shopping areas or specialized districts where similar shops are grouped together. While some have relocated due to urban expansion, others remain in their original locations.

If you need to buy multiple adapters, it’s worth negotiating for a discount. I once purchased 10 adapters for ₩4,000, while a single piece would typically cost ₩1,000.

Store address: 대구 중구 교동길 55
55, Gyodong-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu

Choosing the Right Voltage Converter

Selecting the correct voltage converter is essential to protect your devices. The rule of thumb is that the converter’s wattage capacity should be double that of your appliance. For instance, if your printer requires 500 watts, you’ll need a 1KW converter.

Where I bought 2Kw Voltage Converter

A 2KW converter, which can handle larger appliances, typically costs around ₩35,000 in Korea.
Store Address : 대구 북구 유통단지로 38
38, Yutongdanji-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu

※ These types of stores are not common near the neighborhoods where you live, and are mostly located on specialty shopping streets.

These stores make it easy to find affordable adapters and converters, helping you adjust to Korea’s electrical system without worrying about damaging your devices.