Travel essentials for South Korea

Adapters, plugs, tap water, tipping and health basics.

Power & adapters

Type C, F adapter required

Korea uses the European two-round-pin plug - not the same as Japan. If you're doing a Japan and Korea trip, take a universal adapter that handles both.

220V, 60Hz

Tap water

Safe to drink

Tap water is treated and safe, though many Koreans prefer filtered or bottled. Free filtered water dispensers are standard in restaurants.

Staying connected

World-leading, including subways, tunnels and rural areas.

Korea is one of the cheapest eSIM markets. Many plans are unlimited data with a daily fair-use cap.

Compare South Korea eSIMs

Getting around

Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass) Partner

Seoul's own subway is not covered - you still want a T-money card for getting around the city.

Check the pass on Klook

Health risks

Fine dust and air pollution in spring
Extreme summer humidity and monsoon rain
Cold snaps well below zero in winter

Emergency numbers in South Korea

All emergencies	112 police / 119 fire and ambulance
Police	112
Ambulance	119
Fire	119
Tourist assistance	Tourist hotline 1330 (English, 24 hours)
Australian consulate	Australian Embassy Seoul - +82 2 2003 0100

Tipping and everyday costs

Not customary and can be refused. Service is included in the price.

What screening will actually let you pack

Half of what goes in the bag is decided by someone else. What you can take on a plane sets out the Australian rules item by item - power banks, liquids, scissors, aerosols - and what has to be declared at the border on the way home.

More South Korea essentials

South Korea visa and entry rules Passport, visa, arrival cards and customs rules for Australian passport holders. Flights to South Korea Search fares from Australia, then sort the rest of the trip. South Korea eSIM plans Instant data, no physical SIM required. South Korea travel insurance Medical, cancellation and luggage cover for Australian travellers. South Korea money and cards Cards, cash and FX fees for Australian travellers. South Korea airport transfers Trains, buses, private transfers and taxis compared. Driving in South Korea International Driving Permit rules and car hire for Australians. Things to do in South Korea Attractions, tours and passes worth booking ahead.

Further reading: Power adapters by country: what Australians actually need to pack

How these comparisons are made

Plug types, voltages and frequencies come from the international electrotechnical standards data for each country, stated per destination with what that means for Australian appliances specifically - what needs an adapter, what needs a converter, and what should stay home. Read the full editorial policy.

South Korea travel essentials FAQs

Is the Japan power adapter the same as Korea?

No. Japan uses flat Type A pins at 100V, Korea uses round Type C and F pins at 220V. If you're visiting both, bring a universal adapter.

We will send you the South Korea guide as it grows - what to book before you go, which eSIM and travel card are worth it there, and what things actually cost in Australian dollars.