Korean Job Discussion Forums

kshilby · Joined: 27 Mar 2007

Can someone please tell me where in the USA I can get a power convertor to not only change the type of plug that goes into the wall, but also changes the wattage of appliances? I know that Korean electricity runs on smaller wattage and that if I try to use say my hair dryer, it will most likely blow the circuit if I don't get something to reduce its power. Is this something I can find at like a Walmart? Also how do I know it will work in Korea? Does anyone know the specific name of a product that is worth while? Please help and THANKS!!

merkurix · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Location: Not far from the deep end.

I don't think you can find that in the U.S. If you are going to Korea soon, wait till you arrive first; they tend to be awfully heavy. If you go to Home Plus or E-mart, you can get a big rectangular-cube looking thing with two outlets and a breaker switch for roughly 30,000 won.

Or if you go to Yongsan, you will find different types, including smaller single outlet converters.

Note however that most electronic appliances nowadays are dual-voltage, so a simple adapter (which you can order from your flight's Skymall catalogue) will do just fine.

But it's best not to take a risk. If you are looking a converter that adapts your Korean appliances to American wall outlets, I cannot help you.

jazblanc77 · Joined: 22 Feb 2004

What you are looking for is a step-down converter. you can buy them pretty much anywhere that sells electronics. For short-term usage, you can use the small block that plugs directly into the wall, but to prevent overheating and therefore fires, it would be better to get an actual transformer unit for prolonged use.

ShadowEdge · Joined: 23 Jun 2006 Location: Prisons under Pyongyang

Would anyone be kind enough to post a picture of what a step-down converter looks like, and maybe what it is called in Korean? I recently went to HomePlus with a Korean friend and we were unable to find one.

I need one that will allow me to plug in an North American Xbox360.

jazblanc77 · Joined: 22 Feb 2004

ShadowEdge · Joined: 23 Jun 2006 Location: Prisons under Pyongyang

I've been looking around my town for over a week now with no luck, so I'm going to just order one from the internet.

Before I order, can someone confirm if this item (http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-er-49-en-70-1pnk.html) will allow me to use a North American Xbox 360 in Korea?

jazblanc77 · Joined: 22 Feb 2004

ChinaBoy · Joined: 17 Feb 2007

the big problem here isn't the electricity conversion (well, that is necessary not to fry it), but also that the PLUG sizes fit..

looks like it comes with an American plug (useless), and you'd have to buy adapters (which probably wouldn't fit Korean plug sizes in the wall)

wait until you get here.. will be harder to find, but once you got it, you'll know it works (plus you don't have to use all your weight on the plane for an adapter.. you'll just have to go a couple weeks without the xbox)

pharflung · Joined: 29 Mar 2007

Bad idea.

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

Korea isn't that big. No matter where you are, its only a day trip to get to Seoul, Suwon, Daejon, Busan, or any other large city.

Mass transit is your friend.

Power transformers (220 to 110) are easily found at Homeplus, eMart, GSMart. If you town doesn't have one, then take a trip to the nearest big city.

There's also things like gmarket and danawa where you can order stuff online.

pharflung · Joined: 29 Mar 2007

Some of the advice I see on Dave's just boggles my mind.

ChinaBoy · Joined: 17 Feb 2007

I ordered all my stuff on gmarket, they deliver anywhere.. what's the problem?

the OP doesn't need a lightweight plug adapter, he needs a heavy converter AND a plug adapter..

jazblanc77 · Joined: 22 Feb 2004

cbclark4 · Joined: 20 Aug 2006 Location: Masan

Have you tried Radio Shack?

http://www.radioshack.com/home/index.jsp

http://www.radioshack.com/search/index.jsp?kw=converter&f=Taxonomy%2FRSK%2F2032056&categoryId=2032056&kwCatId=2032056

cbc

dogshed · Joined: 28 Apr 2006

I bought one of those travel kits before I left. The power brick on my laptop can take the higher voltage so I just used one of the adapters without the
voltage converter. (I'm sure it's a half wave kind that would fry electronics.)

I bought a new charger for my NiMH batteries when I got here
that is dual voltage. (paid too much for it).

I don't know anything about X-box 360 but you might try to order a different
power supply for it before you leave and give up on the power converter.

I agree with getting as much as possible set up before you go. It will make things easier. You won't know what's available in your town until you get there and it takes some time to learn how to get around.