Using a hair dryer in North Korea

North Korean power outlet

Can I use my hairdryer in North Korea?

First check your hair dryer can work in North Korea:

If not then either:

  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this will enable you to use your existing hair dryer and other applicances with a 220 volt North Korean power outlet, however this is substantially bulkier and more expensive than a dedicated travel hair dryer. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual physical shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit in the power outlet used in North Korea, so check that the power converter has the correct power adapter for North Korea otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Please note - your domestic hair dryer might not be suitable for travel and you risk potential damage in your luggage. [9] [AD]
Warning: If your hair dryer won't handle the 220 volts used in North Korea you run the risk of damage to your hair dryer, an electrical fire hazard or a blown fuse. Before using your hair dryer in North Korea please read the instruction manual first to ensure safe operation.

Using a hair dryer in North Korea

Will my hair dryer work in North Korea?

This will depend on if your hair dryer is designed to handle the 220 volts used in North Korea. If you're using either a dual voltage hair dryer or your hair dryer can operate using 220 volts and you have the appropriate power adapter then you can use your hair dryer in North Korea. If not then you will need to consider bringing either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or a heavier and more expensive power converter, read our section on do you need a voltage converter to use a domestic hair dryer for help deciding which solution is more suitable. [9] [AD]

Best travel hair dryers for North Korea

How to choose the best blow dryer

A dual voltage switch on a hair dryer

How to choose the best blow dryer

When looking for the best travel hair dryer for North Korea choose a sturdy but lightweight dual voltage dryer which will work with a 220 volt North Korean power outlet power outlet, has a folding handle, a safety plug and a long cable. If drying thicker hair look for a stronger 1600+ watt motor and included diffuser.

What to look for when purchasing a travel blow dryer?

  1. Safe travel hair dryers will include an ALCI safety plug which minimises the risk of overloading leading to fires - these can be recognised by the 2 reset and test switches.
  2. Curlier or thicker hair could need a blow dryer with a stronger motor, a higher wattage ceramic model that includes a diffuser will dry hair much faster to prevent damage.
  3. Buying the cheapest travel hair dryer could be risky - as well as safety issues there is a greater chance that the dryer could fail during your trip abroad due to cheaper components.
  4. Depending on the hotel room in North Korea there might be a mirror positioned some distance away from a convenient outlet which could make it awkward to style hair, so when buying a hair dryer search for a model with the lengthiest power cord available.
  5. In order to work in North Korea a travel hair dryer needs to be dual voltage.
  6. Instead of scouring stores to look for expensive 3rd party attachments it might be cheaper to buy a dryer which is supplied with a concentrator and a diffuser as these are designed to fit perfectly.
  7. The cool shot feature on modern hair dryers can rapidly cool down the hair after drying to hold in the style but this option lacks in smaller dryers.
  8. Ideal hair dryers for styling should let you to control both temperature and speed settings with low and high options; a faster hotter speed can quickly dry thicker wet hair and lower temperatures with slower speeds prevent damage to your hair.
  9. Look for lighter travel dryers which are durable enough to survive being transported in luggage, models with folding handles will mean more space to pack other items.
Which is a good travel ionic hair dryer with diffuser?

Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer with bundled diffuser

Which is a good travel ionic hair dryer with diffuser?

  • The X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic is a 1600 watt travel hair dryer with a 1.65m power cord, it comes with a tourmaline diffuser but it doesn't have cool shot.
  • The Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer includes a long 1.82 metre power cable for more flexibility when drying with an ALCI safety plug and removable filter for cleaning. With a powerful 1875 watt motor it also has cool shot making it more suited for drying thicker hair.

Each ionic travel hair dryer includes a diffuser and concentrator attachment with powerful motors to make them the most suitable blow dryers for thick hair. Both will require a cheap power adapter for North Korea to plug into a North Korean power outlet, each hair dryer is light and folds up to fit in carry-on luggage.  [10] [10] [11] [AD]

What is the best compact travel hair dryer?

Berta Folding Hair Dryer with attached concentrator

What is the best compact travel hair dryer?

  • Using a powerful twin speed 1875 watt motor and removable filter the Conair Compact Styler includes a cool shot setting which can will quickly cool down hair.
  • The Berta Folding Hair Dryer also features cool shot, uses a ceramic tourmaline outlet resulting in faster styling, 2 heat settings, a longer 1.8m electric power cord and comes with a concentrator attachment.

Both models can fold, have an ALCI power plug which prevents overloading and has dual voltage making both perfect for travel to North Korea in carry on luggage if plugged into a power adapter for a North Korean power outlet.  [12] [12] [13] [AD]

What is the best blow dryer for thick or curly hair?

Thick hair will take much longer to dry and could be hard to do so without your hair going frizzy, so the best option for thicker hair is an ionic blow dryer, if the hair is curly we suggest a diffuser as both are able to dry and manage hair smoothly without frizz. Either an Hot Tools 1044 Ionic Travel Dryer or the X5 Superlite Ceramic Ionic are recommended as they both have powerful motors, ionic outlets and bundled diffusers, avoid buying a hair dryer with a motor that is less powerful than 1600 watts as it will struggle to dry thicker hair.  [10] [11] [AD]

Which is a good mini ionic travel hair dryer with dual voltage for North Korea?

BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium with concentrator

Which is a good mini ionic travel hair dryer with dual voltage for North Korea?

  • A Conair MiniPRO is the best value small ionic blowdryer available to buy, the ceramic 1200 watt dryer will be suitable for quickly drying thin and fine hair on the go.
  • A BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium is small and lightweight enough to transport in a handbag due to a 10.5oz body and folding handle that has features found on larger dryers including a removable filter and a tourmaline outlet which can emit infrared heat to protect from heat damage during use resulting in a shiny finish.

Both mini hair dryers are dual voltage when used with the right plug adapter for a North Korean power outlet they will work in North Korea folding conveniently making them small enough to be carried for styling on the go. They are 2 speed, have a 1.5m power cord and include a concentrator attachment.  [14] [14] [15] [AD]

Best hair dryers for travel

Which is the best hair dryer for North Korea?

Conair
MiniPRO
This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers.
BaByliss
PRO
https://www.amazon.ca/BaBylissPRO-Tourmaline-Titanium-Hairdryer-folding/dp/B085J6ZSMQ?dchild=1&keywords=BaBylissPRO+Tourmaline+Titanium+Travel+Dryer&qid=1623245596&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=faef8b868c67fbce2f88ad461e3009b9&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Conair
Compact
https://www.amazon.ca/Conair-Travel-Smart-Voltage-Silver/dp/B002B8VE4U?crid=9HWAYUNS9B55&keywords=Conair+1875+Watt+Compact+Folding+Handle+Hair+Dryer+with+Dual+Voltage&qid=1695416197&s=beauty&sprefix=conair+1875+watt+compact+folding+handle+hair+dryer+with+dual+voltage%2Cbeauty%2C153&sr=1-11&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.b06bdbbe-20fd-4ebc-88cf-fa04f1ca0da8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=39c8d488fb25e9e724fe535436892bd0&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Berta
Folding
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01LWIYQSS?&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=3744f6d1ac5af63e085818f40332a34b&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
X5
Superlite
https://www.amazon.ca/Revlon-Ceramic-Folding-Handle-Travel/dp/B01ITPVH8G?crid=2DDJ5B92DFABR&keywords=1600W+Dual+Voltage+Ceramic-Ionic+Travel+Dryer&qid=1657296342&sprefix=1600w+dual+voltage+ceramic-ionic+travel+dryer%2Caps%2C114&sr=8-5&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=e17e207600762e53ec89a32b36628172&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Hot Tools
1044
https://www.amazon.ca/Hot-Tools-Professional-Ht1044-Folding/dp/B003A1DWRO?keywords=Hot+Tools+Professional+Ht1044+Ionic+1875+Watt+Travel+Dryer&qid=1695069527&s=beauty&sr=1-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=wikiconnectio-20&linkId=cbfcfd8ce5309dac7c34a8ed0f4ebc87&language=en_CA&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Class Mini Compact Compact with diffuser
Works in North Korea Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Works in US Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Dual voltage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Watts 1200 1000 1875 1875 1600 1875
Folds Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ceramic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Ionic Yes Yes Yes Yes
Tourmaline Yes Yes Yes
Infrared Yes
Speed settings 2 2 2 2 2 2
Heat settings 1 1 1 2 1 1
Cool shot Yes Yes Yes
Removable filter Yes Yes
Concentrator Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Diffuser Yes Yes
ALCI safety plug Yes Yes Yes Yes
Cord length 1.52m 1.52m 1.52m 1.8m 1.65m 1.82m
Color
Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy Buy

Original testing and suitability of hair dryer models was compiled 2017, subsequent updates performed monthly - last updated September 2023.

North Korea power outlets and plug sockets

What is the voltage in North Korea?

The typical voltage used in North Korea is 220 volts.

What frequency is used in North Korea?

The frequency from a North Korean power outlet is 60Hz. [16]

Which travel adapter do you need when using a hair dryer in North Korea?

Type A, C and F power outlets

Which travel adapter do you need when using a hair dryer in North Korea?

There are three different types of power outlets used in North Korea, types F, A and C with the primary power outlets being type F:

  • Plug Type A - The plug outlet, also known as a type A power outlet, is identified by 2 thin slots adjacent to each other where the two plug socket pins sit.
  • Plug Type C - You can recognise this wall socket by the 2 circular adjacent holes next to each other where the pins go.
  • Plug Type F - This recessed round wall socket, technically called a type F power outlet, can be recognised by two round holes 19 mm adjacent to each other where the two plug socket pins go and a pair of two grounding clips above and below.

A Type F power adapter will allow you to use a 220 volt hair dryer in North Korea - read the step by step instructions below for full details of using a hair dryer in North Korea. Be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage hair dryer you will need to see if you need to use a voltage converter.  [6] [17] [AD]

Dual voltage hair dryers

How can I change the voltage on a travel hair dryer?

  1. Normal dual voltage hair dryers have some type of switch or dial which toggles between 2 types of voltages although some hair dryers are capable of automatically detecting the voltage used in North Korea.
  2. This dial or switch needs a small coin or screwdriver to change the hair dryer to the correct voltage between the 220v-240v range or the 110v-120v range.
  3. Also, it is worth noting down both switch positions as the painted numbers are prone to fading on certain models of dryer.
How can I tell if my hair dryer is dual voltage?

Single voltage hair dryer

How can I tell if my hair dryer is dual voltage?

A simple way to tell if your hair dryer supports a dual voltage power outlet is to look for either a sticker or numbers printed on the handle, base or the plug of the hair dryer. This location will vary depending on the make and model of your hair dryer and could also be written in the instruction manual. Some dual voltage hair dryers can change automatically, however other hair dryer models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different regions depending on which country you are in.

  • A specific number such as 110V indicates a single voltage hair dryer. If this number matches the 220 volts used in North Korea then you should be able to use your hair dryer with a North Korean power outlet.
  • A small voltage range with a dash such as 100-120V also indicates a single voltage hair dryer which can accomodate small voltage fluctuations. If the 220 volts used in a North Korean power outlet falls within the range shown on your hair dryer then you can use it in North Korea.
  • A large range separated with a slash such as 100/240V indicates a dual voltage hair dryer capable of being used in North Korea or any other country.

How do you use a dual voltage hair dryer in North Korea?

  1. First ensure that you are using a dual voltage hair dryer and that it works with a 220 volt power socket.
  2. If the hair dryer supports dual voltage then make sure that it is switched to the 220-240V range. The switch is normally found on the base or handle of the hair dryer and requires a screwdriver or coin to turn.
  3. Plug your hair dryer into the power adapter for North Korea, then plug in the power adapter into the North Korean power outlet.
  4. It is normal for a majority of travel hair dryer models operating in the 220-240v range to only work safely on their lowest setting, however this temperature should still be sufficient for drying hair. Check the hair dryer guidelines to see if this rule is applicable for your model of dryer to prevent the risk of overheating.
  5. Your dryer is now ready to operate with a North Korean power outlet.

Travelling to North Korea with a hair dryer

Can I carry on a blow dryer?

Folding travel hair dryer with cord wrapped for carry on

Can I carry on a blow dryer?

According to the TSA guidelines for hair dryers there is no restriction on bringing a mains powered blow dryer in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA recommends that you should verify that your airline that is flying you to North Korea will allow a hair dryer onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the aircraft. Packing the blow dryer in a dedicated heat resistant protective travel hair dryer case leaves it easily accessible by airport security, it can be packed away quickly avoiding a tangle of wires in your carry on luggage (the TSA recommends wrapping cords tightly around hair dryers). If you intend to bring fragile or expensive blow dryers in your hand held luggage then it is recommended to bring hard carry on luggage as this provides the greatest protection against knocks and bumps during your journey.   [18] [19] [20] [AD]

Is there a hair dryer in your hotel room in North Korea?

Hotel hair dryer

Is there a hair dryer in your hotel room in North Korea?

This will all depend on the individual hotel and the class of the accommodation. Hotel hair dryers are typically found on a bathroom wall, these could be a slower air hose variety, or might be found in the bedroom cupboard, drawer or wardrobe. When staying in cheaper hostels, motels and hotels a communal hair dryer could be available at reception but could involve waiting in turn for other guests. If in doubt as to hotel hairdryer policy you could either check on the hotel web site or telephone the hotel in North Korea to find out if a suitable hairdryer available to guests. Hotel hair dryers are adequate but typically basic models lacking a diffuser, notorious for providing slow air speeds and low heat. Those worried about hygiene might want to check for burnt hair cuticles from other guests on a communal hair dryer as the hotel room service might not have scraped this off when cleaning the room.

Guests who aren't sure that a suitable and clean hair dryer is available should put their mind at rest by bringing their own dual voltage travel hair dryer.  [2] [AD]

Is it safe to bring a domestic hair dryer to North Korea?

Bringing a dual voltage travel hair dryer is preferable to packing an existing blow dryer to North Korea as it is safer to assume that it will work with the 220 volt power outlets used with a North Korean power outlet (as long as you use the correct plug adapter for North Korea). Travel hair dryers typically feature a collapsible handle and will be lighter which helps reduce the size and weight in luggage compared to bringing a domestic hair dryer. It is also worth concidering that bringing an expensive domestic hair dryer might place it at risk because of potential damage or loss in your luggage by an airline baggage handler. The cost and inconvenience involved in replacing or repairing an expensive specialised domestic hair dryer in North Korea could be more than buying a cheap dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] and a suitable travel hair dryer case before setting off .  [19] [AD]

Power converters for North Korea

Do I need a power converter to use my hair dryer in North Korea?

The correct type voltage transformer (or power converter) allows your hair dryer using a different voltage to work using a 220 volt power outlet used in North Korea. Travellers wishing to use their existing domestic hair dryer can use a power converter, but it might be a lot less expensive to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] than it will be to buy a power converter. A power converter is also substantially heavier than a travel hair dryer making a power converter less suited for packing. [9] [AD]

What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for North Korea?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power converter and a power adapter for North Korea?

A heavy and expensive power converter transforms the voltage of 220 volts from a North Korean power outlet to work with a non-220 volt hair dryer, but a more lightweight and cheaper power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your hair dryer to fit into a power outlet found in North Korea. [9] [AD]

How to use a hair dryer in North Korea using a type C power adapter

How to power your hair dryer in North Korea using a 2 pin Type C power charger.

  1. Check that your blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or works with a 220 volt power outlet but if not then do not attempt these instructions because you might create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair dryer or blow a fuse. Some dual voltage travel blow dryers will usually have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the hair dryer make sure the switch is set to the 220 volt setting; consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the type of power outlet which is used in North Korea isn't the same shape as the plug shape on your hair dryer you will need to buy a Type C plug adapter [4]. This Type C plug adapter helps convert different plugs from other countries into a power outlet found in North Korea by changing the shape of the plug, however the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 220 volt outlet.
  3. Start by taking the Type C plug adapter and inserting it in the wall outlet. You can identify this power outlet by two round adjacent holes next to each other.
  4. Plug in your hair dryer into the Type C plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the North Korean power outlet.
  6. Your hair dryer can now be used in North Korea. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in North Korea using a type C power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in North Korea using a type F power adapter

Instructions showing you how to use your hair dryer in North Korea with a Type F travel adapter.

  1. Ensure that your blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet; but if not then do not continue because you may create an electrical fire hazard, damage your hair dryer or blow a fuse. Before using a dual voltage travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting, consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. If the plug shape on your hair dryer isn't the same shape as the outlet used in North Korea you'll need to use a Type F plug adapter [6]. This Type F plug adapter will help convert plugs from other countries for use with a power outlet used in North Korea by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the voltage of the hair dryer to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Start by taking the Type F plug adapter and inserting it in the power outlet. The recessed round wall outlet, sometimes called a Type F power outlet [5], can be recognised by two round adjacent holes for live and neutral pins and a pair of two grounding clips above and below.
  4. Plug in the hair dryer into the Type F plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the North Korean power outlet. The hair dryer can now be used in North Korea. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in North Korea using a type F power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in North Korea using a type A power adapter

How to use a hair dryer in North Korea with a three pronged Type A travel charger.

  1. Make sure that your blow dryer is either a dual voltage travel hair dryer [2] or is compatible with a 220 volt power outlet; but if not then don't continue as you may create an electrical fire hazard, blow a fuse or damage your hair dryer. Before using a dual voltage travel hair dryer which can toggle between different voltages make sure you have set it to the 220 volt setting, refer to the user guide to find out where the switch is located.
  2. This guide assumes that you don't already own a hair dryer with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but please check that your hair dryer can work with a 220 volt power supply). You will need to buy a Type A plug adapter [8] if the type of plug on your hair dryer isn't the same type of power outlet used in North Korea. The plug adapter helps adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for an electrical outlet in North Korea simply by changing the shape of the plug, however it doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your hair dryer to work with a 220 volt supply.
  3. Firstly plug the Type A plug adapter into the North Korean power outlet. This wall outlet, technically called a Type A power outlet [7], is identified by 2 thin slots next to each other for live and neutral blades.
  4. After that plug in the hair dryer into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the North Korean power outlet.
  6. The hair dryer can now be turned on. [AD]
How to use a hair dryer in North Korea using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Wikipedia - North Korea Wikipedia web page
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel hair dryer
  3. iec.ch - Type C power outlet
  4. Type C plug adapter - An unearthed Europlug Type C travel adapter with two 4mm rounded pins placed 19mm apart, designed to fit a variety of sockets commonly used across Europe, including Italy, France, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Croatia and Iceland..
  5. iec.ch - Type F power outlet
  6. Type F plug adapter - A versatile Type F adapter, also known as Schuko, compatible with Europlugs and CEE 7/17 plugs. Ideal for use in countries using the Germany outlet type like Peru, Chile, and Uruguay..
  7. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  8. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  9. Power converter - Heavy-duty power converters are designed to convert voltage levels between different electrical standards, shifting between 110V/120V and 220V/240V with both 50Hz and 60Hz, often incorporating safety features such as fuse protection and circuit breakers..
  10. Hot Tools Professional Ht1044 Ionic 1875 Watt Travel Dryer with Folding Handle and Dual Voltage - The appliance integrates a 1875-watt motor, targeting quick and effective hair drying. The folding handle is intended for easier storage and transport..
  11. X5 Superlite 1600W Dual Voltage Ceramic Ionic Travel Dryer - This hair dryer boasts a 1600-watt motor intended for efficient hair drying. The long 1.65-meter cable provides an extra layer of convenience for users who require mobility during use..
  12. Berta 1875W Folding Hair Dryer Dual Voltage Blow Dryer Negative Ions Travel Dryer - This hair dryer features two speed and heat settings, dual-voltage and a foldable handle whilst equipped with an ALCI plug to help prevent electric shock..
  13. Conair 1875 Watt Compact Folding Handle Hair Dryer with Dual Voltage - This travel-ready hair dryer uses a high 1875-watt motor for efficient and rapid hair drying. Smart voltage technology adjusts to foreign voltage, maintaining heat and speed settings for convenience..
  14. BaBylissPRO Tourmaline Titanium Travel Dryer - With dual heat and speed settings, the device aims to cater to a variety of hair types. Its dual voltage capability, folding handle and lightweight design make it suited for international travel..
  15. Conair MiniPRO Folding Handle Tourmaline Ceramic Styler - This compact hair dryer incorporates a folding handle, two heat settings, and two speed settings, aiming to accommodate various hair types. The long power cord and dual voltage make it convenient for travellers..
  16. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  17. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  18. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for hair dryers -
  19. Hard case for travel hair dryer - Hard case designed for storing and protecting a hair dryer safely during travel in luggage.
  20. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.