Power Adapters and Converters

Korea runs on a 220V electrical system, not 110V like the US. The receptacles here are also not formatted the same way. This means that you will need adapters and/or converters to use your electricity-powered equipment. Keep in mind that there is a difference between an “adapter” and a “converter”. An adapter converts the plug without converting the power. Adapters are used for equipment like laptop computers and other electronic equipment. Look on your power cord to be sure. If your power cord has a converter on it, it will usually have a little box somewhere in the length of the cord. Either on the plug itself or on the box, it will say “110V-220V” if it automatically converts power. If your device does automatically convert, it is still a good idea to buy a surge protected adapter, especially for major devices like a computer. Otherwise, you will also need a converter or an adapter/converter combo, preferably with a “lo/hi” switch for different amperage capacities. That way you can use both low amperage devices (electric shaver charger) and high amperage devices (coffee maker, curling iron). By the way, I hear foreign hair dryers don’t work all that well, but that is an unconfirmed detail. I can confirm that alarm clocks from America are destined to fail for reasons unknown to me.

Before you spend too much money on an adapter, please know that they have them in the bookstore here for about 200 won (20 cents...very cheap), but they are not surge protected or grounded. This means that the adapters here cannot be used with any three-pronged plugs, only two pronged. To my knowledge, they don't sell converters on the campus here.

Attire/Weather

Attire is relaxed at camp; casual clothing is fine.

The camp will provide a sweatshirt (hoody) in the winter and and a t-shirt in the summer.

Summers are hot, humid, and rainy, and winters are cold and dry.

Packing List

Items to Bring:


appropriate clothing
Towel
Sheets (if you require them...you will be provided with blankets and pillow only)
Toiletries (you can purchase toiletries here as well but be warned that shampoo is REALLY expensive here. Korea also does not sell deoderant!?)
Medications (these need to be properly marked to get through customs)
Power Adapters/Converters
Camera
Alarm Clock or Watch with alarm (don't bring an electric alarm clock from the US...it will melt!)
Bible and Devotional Materials
Any Extra Classroom Materials
Any Personal Items (photos, music, your favorite teddy bear!?)
A Korean phrase book, dictionary, or travel guide
Small Backpack or Shoulder Bag for daily materials/touring
USB storage for exchanging files & photos
At least $100 (around 100,000 won) for travel expense and personal use(Make sure you exchange the currency at the Airport because it is difficult to get exchanged in Handong University)
If needed, House slippers(no shoes are allowed inside the dormitory)
Teachers will be provided with laptops for the class use only
Desktop Computers and WiFi will be provided in the teachers' lounge
Bring snacks / fav or special diet if you needed

Items to Leave at Home:

Your GSM cellphone (GSM doesn't work here...no SIM card available for Korea)
Kids and Pets (there are plenty of both available here...especially little yappy dogs)
ALL of your clothes (there are washers and dryers available but there will be a small fee: about 50 Cents)