Korean Job Discussion Forums

CP · Joined: 18 Jan 2007

I have never brought my own computer with me. This time I was planning too. How do you get around the outlet and voltage problem? Is there some adapter or converter to buy? I don't want to blow my computer up. If someone has brought their own computer with them, let me know what you did.

regicide · Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Location: United States

CP · Joined: 18 Jan 2007

what about the power outlet. The prongs are different. What did you do?

gatorchick82 · Joined: 24 Oct 2006 Location: Seoul

If you have laptop, look on the box thing attached to your power cord. It probably says 100-240V if it is a newer model. That means you do not have to convert the voltage. If it does not say that, you do need a converter (a heavy boxy thing you can buy at an electronics store).

You will definitely need an adapter. This will change the plug you have to one that fits in the outlet in Korea. I got a set of them from an electronics store (Radio Shack in the U.S.) for $15. You simply plug the computer cord into the adaptor and you're set.

regicide · Joined: 01 Sep 2006 Location: United States

gsxr750r · Joined: 29 Jan 2007

Yeah, but 220V is different. It only has two prongs. There are some larger appliances that can make use of a separate ground wire/screw hole, but that is rare on anything else. Just don't use your hairdryer while standing barefoot on a wet floor, and you'll be fine.

By the way, you can get cheap adapters for your plugs for about $1 each at local hardware stores, and some corner electric shops. Gotta make sure your appliance can handle 220v, or add a transformer box (about $25 to $30) to convert the power from 220v down to 110v.

kat2 · Joined: 25 Oct 2005 Location: Busan, South Korea

You can order the converter/adapter from RadioShack. For bigger appliances (anything besides an alarm clock basically) you can't use the little dinky ones. You have to get the big one. Its quite heavy, but it will protect all your electornics.

We just brought our desktop over and needed one.

gsxr750r · Joined: 29 Jan 2007

Oh yeah, and some desktops have a red voltage switch on the back of the computer. If it doesn't you can buy and install a new 220v power supply here for about 30,000 to 40,000.

Personally, I would just buy a desktop computer here, although if you're talking about a laptop -- bring it from home. I suggest buying an OEM version of Windows in English before coming, though.

ajgeddes · Joined: 28 Apr 2004 Location: Yongsan

Most things made within the past 5 years can accomodate any voltage you are likely to run into. Everything I own can handle all voltages. So, all you need is the plug adapter which costs about 30 cents in Yongsan (or at least used to).

dulouz · Joined: 04 Feb 2003 Location: Uranus

Bring the hard drive with data and programs, get the rest here.

Captain Courageous · Joined: 16 Jul 2006 Location: Bundang and loving it

That'd be a great idea if my computer didn't cost me $1500 to build, and I live my life vicariously through it.

xeno439 · Joined: 30 Nov 2005

Do be careful if you bring a multiplug and use that in a regular "one plug" korean - american adapter. I blew the thing and spilled a glass of red vino all over myself making that attempt.