Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jennad]

After online research and talking to the guys at RadioShack, I am now more confused about how to power my U.S. flat iron in Korea without it blowing up than I was before :/

They explained that this converter, specifically for heating appliances, would do the trick for my hair heating appliances:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3932593

It is a 2000 Watt, 220/240 VAC converter.

When I got home and read the fine print, it specifically says NOT to use this converter for 'electronically controlled heating appliances such as a hair straightener." Ummm....thanks RadioShack.

If you are in Korea and using a U.S. flat iron, what kind of converter do you use?? And can you also use this same converter for your blow dryer and curling iron? (I feel really high maintenance right now).

I'm leaving for Korea in a few days--your help much appreciated!

[Jake_Kim]

http://english.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_goods/goods.asp?goodscode=169731750&pos_shop_cd=EN&pos_class_cd=90000001&pos_class_kind=T

[jennad]

[missty]

I'd definitely buy it in Korea. I got mine in Yongsan three years ago and its still working now.

When I first got here I started using my straighteners from the UK and they almost turned into a flame thrower. I had a converter from home but it didn't work.

My irons were really cheap, about 40,000 won, and they still work fine. I'd keep the space and weight in your suitcase for something else.

[jennad]

[yellowdove]

I brought my chi from home, and had the same problem, because my converter wouldn't actually fit in the sockets here. (It was slightly too big.) My husband bought me a Korean straightener, and it works okay, but not like my chi.

Then we bought our white converter box, like the other poster posted from g-market. I use my chi almost every day now. You can get it at home plus, usually found in a brown box where they have the electric power strips. It will run you about 30,000 won.

It's good to have a Korean one and the one from home, I use my Korean one when I travel around Korea and I know they won't have a converter.

[Kazzy]

I have never been able to use my Korean flat irons/ hair dryers/ curling irons in Canada with a converter or vice versa.
BUT, this Christmas I bought a flat iron in the mall (It was from one of those stands for about 100 dollars). They assured me that it would work anywhere in the world. I was skeptical but it does work (the voltage on it is 110-240) and I just use it with a converter that I bought at Emart here in Korea for 20,000won. No problems!

[Oreovictim]

I bought a converter similar to that at Radio Shack once. Brought it over here, thinking it would be okay. After all the Radio Shack guys said it would be fine. It done killed my fancy-shmancy Sonic Care toothbrush.

When you get here, just go to E-mart or Homeplus and buy one. They're a lot bigger with a handle on top - pretty heavy, too. Should cost you about 30,000 - 40,000 won.

[staticnomad1986]

I have a Remington straightener that I brought from the US that I use here. It is dual voltage and I just have it plugged in with a plug adapter on the end. So far so good!

[loubird]

I use a hair straightener that I got in Italy six years ago-- the plugs are the same and it works great-- I blew up my American hairdryer though, even with a fancy adaptor.