Power requirements--Korea

[ijohnson]

So I am taking my 10d to S. Korea with me, duh. I understand that the power outlets are different and that I will need an adapter to plug my camera in with. I have also heard that this alternate power source can be a problem for some cameras. Can anyone attest to this?

The funny thing is that even if you said it would hurt my camera, that is better than leaving it here in the US. Please respond anyway.

:?:

[morenoar]

Very good question. I am headed to Tokyo and Nagasaki in about 2 weeks. I know that in Europe you need a converter for US power devices. Don't know what type in Asia, but you do need one. Has something to do with 220V. I still don't know if I am going to take my 300D or G1. Would hate to have my 300D stolen where I will be at the first 10 days of my trip.

[robertwgross]

International power can have a variety of factors. First is the power line voltage. The two main standards for voltage are 220 volts AC and 110 volts AC. All North America uses 110, and many parts of Asia use 220, but there are exceptions (like Japan). If your device is 110 volts only, there is a transformer that you can purchase that will convert 220 volts down to 110 volts for small loads.

Next there is the power line frequency. The two main standards for frequency are 60 Hertz and 50 Hertz. All North America uses 60, and many parts of Asia use 50, but there are exceptions. It is rather difficult to convert one frequency to another.

For some precision devices, you MUST have the correct power line frequency. For other things, like modern chargers, it really does not matter. Many chargers will have a label that states 50/60 Hz.

Next is the plug on your device's cord that plugs into the wall. There are at least six standards for the shape of the prongs on the plug. The best plan of attack is to go to a store that sells products for travelers. They will have a little kit of plug adapters, and it has six or so adapters that convert from US standard to English, to Asian, etc.

I assume that we are now talking about South Korea, also known as the Republic of Korea (ROK). Its standard is 220 volts AC, 60 Hertz. So, at first guess, I would say that you are going to need to get the traveler's kit of plug adapters and possibly a small transformer, but you need to study the label on the charger first. I looked at the label on my Canon charger CA-PS400, and it takes 50 or 60 Hertz, and 110 or 220 volts. That means that the plug adapters are all that I might need. You may be different.

If we are not talking about South Korea, then maybe it is North Korea. Good luck. Nobody knows much about North Korea.

Been there, did that, read the book, saw the movie.

Decades ago, South Korea was trying to emerge as an industrialized country, and its power was unreliable (to say the least). However, now many urban areas are modern and reliability is not so much in question. As you get out into the sticks, I would not bet on the reliability.

There are some large cities in Asia that have a chronic power shortage, so they have "rolling blackouts" for certain hours of the day. That can mess you up if you are trying to run a charger.

---Bob Gross---

[francophile]

Hi, I've just come back form S.Korea (mostly Gwangju but a few days in Seoul) with my 10d. No problems with the Canon battery charger (I used a UK to two pin US type adapter). The charger works at at all voltages and both frequencies. Havn't connected the camera itself. Not sure why you would want to or if you can. If connecting to a TV to review pics make sure you you select the correct system (NSTC). Hope you have a great time. Lovely, lovely people. I hope you meet the same kindness and warmth as we did.
By the way, one post mentioned risk of theft. I can honestly say I have never felt so secure as in Gwangju. I felt if I left my camera in the middle of the street someone would return it before I had got 100 yards. (I don't recommend trying it though!).

[ijohnson]

Thank you. I will be there (South Korea) for a year and travelling around the countryside when I can. I guess I might want to get a few extra batteries too.

You've been a great help.

Now I have to justify a new lens for....let's see.....yes..a new super-telephoto for Korean birds. They are smaller right? Yes, that's it.

[robertwgross]

When you visit South Korea, you will visit Seoul at some time. Go to the top of Namsan Mountain in the center of the city to take some photos. Pick up a small rock and throw it in any random direction. It will fall on the head of a Lee or a Kim (the South Korean equivalents of Smith and Johnson).

Take a tour up near the DMZ and see Freedom Bridge. All of that is up around 38 degrees north latitude, so it is neither terribly tropical nor terribly arctic.

You should be able to purchase most electronic gadgets in Seoul, since they manufacture most there. Brand names will be different.

---Bob Gross---