In North Korea, they use Type C power plugs and outlets. The voltage is 220V, and the frequency is 50Hz.
⚠️ So, you’ll need a travel adapter in North Korea. Their plugs and outlets are different from the Type A and B ones we use back in the States.
Quick Overview of the Plugs in North Korea:
- Plug type in North Korea: C
- Standard voltage: 220V
- Frequency: 50Hz
- Need a travel adapter? Yes, you do need a travel adapter
- Need a voltage converter? It all comes down to your specific device
- Recommended plug adapter: Vintar Universal Travel Adapter Kit
We combine official data from local electrical agencies, international IEC standards, and firsthand experiences from global travelers to ensure reliable information.
Power Outlets in North Korea
In North Korea, they use Type C power plugs and outlets.
Type C
Type C outlets have two round prongs and no grounding pin. Type E and F plugs usually fit too, but grounded plugs will need an adapter.
The Only Travel Adapter You’ll Need in North Korea
Ever landed in North Korea only to find your plug doesn’t fit? We don’t sell travel adapters, but we’ve tested the best one—safe, fast-charging, and compact. Check it out here:
Forgot your power adapter and you’re already traveling? It’s not the end of the world—most airports and local stores sell them. But packing your own means you’re ready to go the moment you land, with no extra stops needed.
Travelers exploring North Korea also tend to visit China, South Korea, and Russia. The plug types differ, so be sure to check them all.
Do You Need a Voltage Converter?
You’ll probably need a voltage converter in North Korea since your device’s voltage has to match the local power supply. In the U.S., we use 120V, but North Korea operates on a different voltage, so a converter is required.
To be on the safe side, always check the voltage label on your electronics before packing for a trip. If you see “100-240V, 50/60 Hz”, your device is safe to use internationally without a voltage converter. This is typical for laptops, tablets, smartphones, cameras, and rechargeable devices.
Which Travel Devices May Need a Converter?
Not sure which voltage converter to get? Take a look at the best-rated ones right here.
| Device | Need Converter? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | ❌ No (usually) | Most modern phone chargers are dual voltage (100–240V) |
| Laptop | ❌ No (usually) | Check the power brick label for 100–240V |
| Hairdryer | ✅ Yes (often) | High wattage; many models are not dual voltage |
| Electric toothbrush | ⚠️ Check voltage | Some models are 110V only |
| Camera / DSLR | ❌ No (usually) | Most chargers are dual voltage |
| Power bank | ❌ No | Charges via USB, adapter is enough |
| Electric shaver / trimmer | ⚠️ Check voltage | Older or cheaper models may not support 230V |
| Tablet / iPad | ❌ No | All models are dual voltage |
| Portable fan | ✅ Yes (sometimes) | Many models are not compatible with 230V |
| Game console | ⚠️ Check voltage | Newer consoles like PS5 and Xbox are often dual voltage — check to be sure |
| Bluetooth speaker | ❌ No (usually) | Charges via USB |
| E-reader (Kindle, etc.) | ❌ No | USB charging only, no converter needed |
Top Travel Essentials to Pack
If you want to travel smart, it helps to go beyond the usual checklist. Here are a few compact extras that can make a big difference.
Power Bank
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More About North Korea
North Korea is one of the strangest travel destinations left—part propaganda showcase, part cultural time capsule. Nearly every visit is a guided, group affair, with strict rules and little freedom—and that’s part of the experience.
Beyond Pyongyang’s skyscrapers, there are wild places like Mount Kumgang, historic towns like Kaesong, and villages dressing up patriotism like a parade. You get a side of travel that feels frozen in ideology and history.
It’s not easy—visas, guides, security checks—but for those willing to walk in others’ shoes for a few days, it offers one of the world’s most controlled, mysterious, and unforgettable snapshots of a country still removed from global norms.
Top places to visit in North Korea: Pyongyang, Kaesong, and Mount Kumgang.