- Key point: Korea uses 220V, 60Hz and commonly Type C/F two-round-pin outlets; an adapter changes plug shape, not voltage.
- Rule: From April 20, 2026, Korea-departing passengers may carry up to two power banks at or below 160Wh; 100–160Wh needs airline approval.
- Tip: Keep power banks out of checked bags and overhead bins, protect every terminal, and do not use or charge them during the flight.
The 20-second answer
Korea's plug and electrical standard
Korea's standard electricity supply is 220 volts at 60 hertz. Wall outlets generally accept two round pins commonly described as Type C and grounded Type F. A simple travel adapter changes only the physical connection. It does not turn 220V into 110V.
Read the line marked INPUT on the charger or appliance, not the USB OUTPUT line. A label such as 100–240V, 50/60Hz covers Korea's supply, subject to the manufacturer's instructions. A single-voltage 110V appliance may be damaged or create a fire risk on 220V.
| Device label | What to do | Common trap |
|---|---|---|
| Includes 220V and 60Hz | Use a correctly rated adapter only if the plug does not fit. | Assuming every “universal” adapter is grounded or rated for high-wattage tools. |
| 110V only | Use only a manufacturer-approved voltage converter or leave the device home. | Plugging in a hair dryer because an adapter makes the pins fit. |
| Missing or unreadable | Find the exact model manual or ask the manufacturer. | Copying the voltage range from a similar-looking charger. |
Power-bank rules effective April 20, 2026
Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport strengthened the departure rules from April 20, 2026. The headline “under 100Wh is allowed” means airline preapproval is not normally required; it does not mean unlimited quantities. The Korea-wide standard limits passengers to two power banks at or below 160Wh, while an airline or destination may impose a stricter rule.
| Rated capacity | Carry-on rule | Approval |
|---|---|---|
| 100Wh or less | Carry-on only; up to two under the April 2026 Korea rule. | No advance airline approval under the baseline rule. |
| Over 100Wh to 160Wh | Carry-on only; no more than two total at or below 160Wh. | Airline approval required before travel. |
| Over 160Wh | Not permitted as passenger baggage. | Approval does not make it acceptable. |
| Checked baggage | Power banks and spare lithium batteries are prohibited. | Move them to carry-on before bag drop. |
Convert mAh to Wh before leaving home
Use Wh = Ah × V. Divide mAh by 1,000 to obtain Ah. For example, a 20,000mAh bank rated at 3.7V is about 74Wh. Use the voltage printed on the product rather than assuming every battery uses the same value. If the Wh rating or label cannot be verified, the airline may refuse carriage.
A practical packing sequence
- Photograph every charger
INPUTlabel and every power-bank capacity label. - Pack one safely rated Type C/F adapter for each essential wall charger.
- Leave single-voltage heat appliances home unless compatibility is explicitly confirmed.
- Count power banks and request airline approval in advance for any bank over 100Wh through 160Wh.
- Protect terminals individually and place the banks in an accessible carry-on pocket.
- At check-in, follow the operating carrier's instructions if they are stricter than this baseline.
Official sources
Time-sensitive rules were checked on August 29, 2026.