Korean Job Discussion Forums

[skofe]

Hey guys,
Id like to buy a power converter here in Canada before I head over to South Korea next month.
Can anyone tell me exactly what I'll need to get? I'll be looking to plug my Canadian (3 prong) cords into Korean outlets.
Thanks
Skofe

[ppcg4]

Why buy it there? It will be more expensive, and they're generally pretty damn heavy and bulky.

99.99% of laptops won't need a converter, since that's done in the power brick itself. Check your power bricks for your electronics (external hard drives, computers, whatever). It should say 110-220v. If it only says 110v, you'll need to plug that into a converter, or you'll likely fry it.

You can pick one up cheaply and easily at many stores here. Maybe about 30,000 won ($25).

If you have a gaming system, you'll likely need one. I use a converter only for my 360.

[air76]

It depends on what you're plugging in. For electronic gadgets that already have a transformer you will just need an adapter for the plug (which is small and costs a few bucks if you can find one made for Korean style plugs, or like $15 for a universal adapter), but for anything else you'll need a step-up transformer which can be expensive and yes, very bulky.

[peppermint]

The converters and plug adapters will be far, far easier to find and more affordable in Korea.

According to Jongnoguru, Korean houses used the same type of plugs as North America until some time in the 90s, when the K-government decided that changing the plugs would help domestic electronics firms, by forcing citizens to buy local.

[skofe]

Ok so if I understand this properly, I should just wait until I get to Korea to get my adapters?
Basically Im looking to plug in my laptop, and probably an xbox 360 , hopefully a power bar...
Im sure it wont be hard to find an electronics store in Youngtong eh?

[Cartman]

Don't listen to anyone about 'waiting till you get here' - YES, you can find stuff, but it may take you a while to settle in, then go out and search it out... if you need the power converter right away for your stuff, then bring one from Canada like I did. Here is the exact one I bought and it's great:

Search ebay.ca for item# 300362027028

I did find a vendor located in Canada who sold it, and it arrived in under a week.

[skofe]

What was the vendor in Canada that you ordered it from?
Id do the ebay thing but its 25$ us shipping which i dont mind but i think it might take a while

[Moldy Rutabaga]

I agree with the other posters that you are carrying coals to Newcastle. Power adapters are cheap and easily found here. If you would like to bring one anyway, that's fine, but consider any weight restrictions you might have in luggage as any power adapter worth using will be heavy. The little wall-wart ones are usually useless and burn out.

[Xuanzang]

Make your first journey to Technomart or Yongsan if you need the heavy duty voltage converters. Or get a co-teacher to help you order one from enuri.com or gmarket.

[skofe]

My situation is that Im not worried about paying for it, or paying for any extra luggage weight... But physical luggage space is of a concern to me.
Im already bringing 2 large suitcases, a snowboard bag jam packed with random things, and a backpack.

Part of the reason I want to bring a power adapter is so that I can have my laptop running once I get there, which is my means for getting a hold of everyone there... Without being in contact with anyone, I doubt Id be able to find a technomart or anything, which I believe would be very frustrating.
Im trying to simplify my emigration to South Korea

[caribmon]

look on your laptop power cable. if it says 'input voltage : 100-240V, then you just need the plug adapter (any major western electronics store sells them) to put the 3 prongs into the local 2 prong wall outlet. Your laptop cable changes the power from 220 to 110. I've seen power converters for $58 at save zone, you could run your xbox and whatever on it.

[skofe]

yup it says 100-240 V
so sweet I just need the adapter then, thanks for the info that saved me bringing something big and bulky that i didnt need to.
Do you know what the "name" of the Korean outlet/plug is? That 2 pronger you mentioned...