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North Korea
Electrical outlets and plug types

Travelers from USA need a power plug adapter and may need a voltage converter in North Korea.

Country of residence

Your destination
Voltage110 / 220 V
Frequency60 / 50 Hz
from🇺🇸 USA
to🇰🇵 North Korea
Outlet type APlug type A
A
Outlet type CPlug type C
C

In North Korea, they use power outlets and plugs of type A and type C. The voltage is 110 / 220 V, and the frequency is 60 / 50 Hz.

Travel adapter neededYou will need an adapter for type A and C power outlets in North Korea
Voltage converter needed A voltage converter may be necessary for your devices.
Frequency converter needed Be cautious with some devices due to the frequency difference.

Do power plugs from USA fit into North Korea outlets?

In North Korea, type A and C power outlets are used, while in USA, you use plugs A and B. If you're traveling to North Korea, you'll need a power adapter for types A and C, as your power plugs won't fit the sockets there.

sockets from🇰🇵 North Korea
plugs from🇺🇸 USA
Outlet type A
A
Plug type compatiblePlug type A
A
Plug type not compatiblePlug type B
B
Socket type not compatible

Your plug B does not match outlet type A.

Outlet type C
C
Plug type not compatiblePlug type A
A
Plug type not compatiblePlug type B
B
Socket type not compatible

Your plugs A and B do not match outlet type C.

Bring a grounding adapter to use your three-prong type B plugs in two-prong type A outlets.Bring a grounding adapter to use your three-prong type B plugs in two-prong type A outlets.

Power adapter for North Korea needed?

Since you'll need a travel adapter for North Korea when coming from USA, we suggest opting for a universal power adapter that works in many countries and will also prepare you for future trips.

We recommend getting a universal travel (plug) adapter that covers the most popular countries.
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Make sure to get a power adapter for outlets of type A and C. If you often go abroad, consider getting an all-in-one adapter (most adapters even have additional charging ports for USB-A and USB-C). Since you also need an international power (voltage) converter to keep your devices protected (more info further down), getting a combo power adapter/converter might be the best solution.

Do I need a voltage converter for North Korea?

USA operates on a 120 V electrical system with a frequency of 60 Hz. In North Korea, the electrical system runs at 110 V or 220 V with a frequency of 60 / 50 Hz. Devices from USA, designed for the lower voltage of 120 V, are at serious risk of damage or even causing a fire hazard if used without proper precautions. In North Korea, where the voltage is potentially much higher, a step-up converter is essential to protect your electronics. Additionally, USA's 60 Hz frequency differs from North Korea's standard 60 Hz, which may impact the performance of certain devices.

Origin🇺🇸 USA
Destination🇰🇵 North Korea
Voltage120 V
Frequency60 Hz
Frequency
Voltage110 / 220 V
Frequency60 / 50 Hz
A step-up voltage converter is crucial in North Korea, as the higher voltage can easily overwhelm electronics from USA.
Look for a voltage converter that can adjust the frequency as well.

A voltage converter keeps your electrical devices from North Korea running properly by adjusting the power to the right voltage. Without it, your devices could overheat or get damaged from the wrong power supply. Since you need a travel adapter as well, a combo power (voltage) converter with adapter features might be a good choice.

You need a voltage converter for North Korea if you live in USA.
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Please note: If your voltage converter can't switch the frequency, it’s safer not to use your electronics. Proceeding without caution could lead to issues, especially with devices that rely on precise timing or motors, like hair dryers, electric razors, kitchen appliances, and health-related equipment such as blood pressure monitors. These kinds of electronics are more vulnerable to damage or malfunction when the frequency is off. If you choose to use them anyway, be extremely cautious and always check the specifications first.

To confirm, check if your devices require a voltage converter by looking at the 'INPUT' label, typically found on the power adapter or charger. If the label shows "INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz," the device is built to handle different voltage and frequency ranges, meaning you’ll only need a plug adapter for the outlets in North Korea. This is typical for devices such as notebooks, smartphones, digital cameras, and also for tablets, e-readers, and some battery chargers.

Essential gear for powering your devices while traveling

Universal Travel Power Adapter - EPICKA
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Frequently asked questions

Can I use my American hair dryer in North Korea?

In North Korea's 220 V regions your hair dryer could overheat and take substantial damage as it is designed for North Korea's 120 V, so you will need a voltage converter. Even where North Korea's outlets deliver 110 V, you may still encounter issues due to the difference in frequency (60 Hz in USA vs. 60 / 50 Hz in North Korea).

Can I use my American laptop or smartphone in North Korea?

Yes, most laptops and smartphones support a wide voltage range (100-240V), so you can use them in North Korea without a voltage converter. Since both countries use the same frequency (60 / 50 Hz), there’s no issue.

Can I use my American curling iron or hair straightener in North Korea?

In North Korea's 220 V regions you will need a voltage converter to prevent damage from overheating as your curling iron / hair straightener is designed for North Korea's 120 V. Even in regions where North Korea's outlets deliver 110 V, the difference in frequency (60 / 50 Hz in North Korea vs. 60 Hz in USA) may cause it to heat unevenly or work differently.

If I live in USA, do I need a power plug adapter in North Korea?

Yes, when traveling from USA, you will need a power adapter for type A and C power outlets in North Korea.

Do I need a voltage converter for North Korea when traveling from USA?

In North Korea's 220 V regions you will need a voltage converter, since your USA's device will typically support 120 V. In regions where 110 is used, you won’t need a converter, but the frequency difference (60 / 50 Hz vs. 60 Hz) might affect performance.

Traveling to more countries?

See if your power plugs from USA fit into the sockets of other destinations and whether you need a voltage converter.

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