Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Elise Marie]

Hi.

As I am preparing to leave the US and move to South Korea to teach English for the year, I have found some very helpful information both within this forum and on the internet in general. However, one thing that I am still having trouble sorting out how to use my laptop without destroying it.

I understand that I need plug adapters and a transformer/converter BUT what I am most curious about is where the best places to buy these products are. More specifically, I am wondering/hoping that I can buy the transformer/converter (which I have been reading is massive) when I am in Korea. I would prefer to save room in my suitcase for other items but at the same time it would be nice to have everything I need to use my computer as soon as I get to my apartment in Korea. Any advice on what is the better route to take?

I know this topic has been discussed in the forum before but any info on exactly what I need, WHERE I CAN GET IT, and any other useful tips in preventing damage to my laptop would be extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! THANKS!

[Hyeon Een]

Your laptop won't need a transformer, you'll just need a plug adaptor for it to make it fit the sockets. All modern laptop computers have inbuilt transformers, since they are designed for traveling.

You'll be able to buy a simple plug adaptor in any electrical store or possibly even a shop in the airport, though I've not looked for one before so I can't confirm this. A simple travel adapter will do since you're using a notebook, just make sure you get the right shape pins in it. A universal one would be good.

Transformers are massive and I'd recommend you don't bring one. You can buy a cheap hairdryer or most other small items for cheaper than the cost of a transformer. Definitely not worth buying or carrying over.

[Scouse Mouse]

http://english.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_goods/goods.asp?goodscode=159869517

w4,400 including deliver (M702), or you can walk into just about any electrical store in the country and buy one for less than w5,000.

[oldtactics]

Yeah, I use a tiny adapter that I bought at Emart for about $3. Nothing to worry about. Don't bother buying it until you get here.

[orosee]

Hmm, I think the worst that could have happened would be the destruction of the power supply brick. Notebooks take DC in any case, 9V or 12V, if you rig up a notebook to connect directly to 220V AC (a pair of insulated wire can be used, with heavy rubber gloves) you'll probably manage to destroy it.

If you still have a power brick with a 110/220V manual switch, make sure to set it to the loval voltage.

Other than that, as has been said, just buy plenty of adaptors.