Introduction
Trying to call South Korea? The unique Korean phone number format can be tricky. Whether you’re dialing a mobile in Seoul or a landline in Busan, understanding the structure is the key to connecting without a hitch.
This guide breaks down the Korean phone number format, from structure and area codes to step-by-step dialing instructions, ensuring seamless communication.
Korean Phone Number Examples: Structure and Rules
At its heart, the Korean phone number format is composed of three main parts: the country code, an area or mobile identifier code, and the subscriber’s unique number.
Understanding how these elements work together is the first step to mastering Korean dialing.
- Country Code: For South Korea, this is always +82. This prefix is used for all calls originating from outside the country.
- Area or Mobile Code: This is a two- or three-digit code that comes after the country code. For landlines, it signifies a geographic region (e.g., 02 for Seoul). For mobile phones, this code is almost universally 010.
- Subscriber Number: This is the final part of the number, typically seven or eight digits long, which is unique to the individual phone line.
The single most important rule to remember when dialing internationally is to drop the leading ‘0’ from the area or mobile code when you use the +82 country code. This is a common mistake that prevents calls from connecting.
Let’s look at a quick South Korea phone number example:
- For a Seoul Landline:
- Domestic Format: 02-1234-5678
- International Format: +82-2-1234-5678 (Notice the 0 from 02 is removed)
- For a Mobile Phone:
- Domestic Format: 010-1234-5678
- International Format: +82-10-1234-5678 (The 0 from 010 is removed)
This fundamental rule is central to the Korean phone number format and is the key to successful international dialing.
Types of Phone Numbers in South Korea
South Korea utilizes several types of phone numbers, each with a distinct format and purpose. Knowing the difference will help you identify what kind of line you are calling.
1. Landline Numbers
Landline numbers are still widely used by businesses, government offices, and households across the country. Their format is defined by specific Korean area codes that correspond to a city or province. The structure generally follows a (0XX)-XXX-XXXX or (0XX)-XXXX-XXXX pattern. The total South Korea phone number length for a landline is usually 9 or 10 digits.
The Seoul phone number format is the most common example, using the two-digit area code 02.
- South Korea phone number example (Landline in Seoul): 02-987-6543
2. Mobile Numbers
With one of the highest smartphone penetration rates in the world, mobile numbers are ubiquitous in South Korea. The Korea mobile number format was standardized to simplify the system. Today, virtually all personal mobile numbers begin with the prefix 010. This makes them instantly recognizable.
The standard Korea mobile number format is 010-XXXX-XXXX, consisting of 11 digits in total.
- South Korea phone number example (Mobile): 010-5555-4444
- To dial internationally: +82-10-5555-4444
Understanding the mobile system within the Korean Phone Number Format is crucial, as you will most likely be dialing a mobile number when contacting individuals.
3. Toll-Free and Special Numbers
Businesses and customer service centers often use toll-free numbers, which allow customers to call without being charged. These numbers typically begin with prefixes like 080. Other special-rate numbers, used for services like information or voting, might start with prefixes like 1588 or 1688.
- Example (Toll-Free): 080-123-4567
4. Virtual Numbers
Virtual phone numbers are an increasingly popular solution for international businesses that want to establish a local presence in South Korea without a physical office. These numbers look and function exactly like a local number but can forward calls to any phone line in the world. They follow the standard Korean phone number format, such as having a +82 2 prefix for a virtual Seoul number. This provides customers with a familiar and free way to contact a company.
Understanding Korean Area Codes by Region
Geographic area codes are a fundamental component of the landline system in South Korea. The length of the code two or three digits often depends on the population density of the region. Major metropolitan areas have shorter codes. Mastering these Korean area codes is key to dialing landlines correctly.
The Seoul phone number format, with its 02 code, is the most frequently encountered. Here is a list of some of the most common Korean area codes:
| City/Province | Area Code |
| Seoul | 02 |
| Gyeonggi-do | 031 |
| Incheon | 032 |
| Gangwon-do | 033 |
| Daejeon | 042 |
| Chungcheongnam-do | 041 |
| Chungcheongbuk-do | 043 |
| Busan | 051 |
| Ulsan | 052 |
| Daegu | 053 |
| Gyeongsangbuk-do | 054 |
| Gyeongsangnam-do | 055 |
| Gwangju | 062 |
| Jeollanam-do | 061 |
| Jeollabuk-do | 063 |
| Jeju-do | 064 |
When dialing a landline within South Korea, you must always include the full area code, including the 0.
Step-by-Step Guide to Calling South Korea
Now, let’s put it all together. Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide for calling South Korea from abroad and within the country.
Calling From Abroad (International Dialing)
- Dial the International Exit Code: This code depends on the country you are calling from. For the U.S. and Canada, it’s 011. For the UK and most of Europe and Asia, it’s 00. Many mobile phones allow you to simply press and hold ‘0’ to get the + symbol, which replaces the exit code.
- Dial South Korea’s Country Code: After the exit code, dial 82.
- Dial the Area or Mobile Code (Without the ‘0’): This is the critical step. For a number with the Seoul phone number format (02), you would dial 2. For the standard Korea mobile number format (010), you would dial 10.
- Dial the Subscriber Number: Finally, dial the remaining 7 or 8 digits.
South Korea phone number example (Calling a Seoul landline from the US):
- Local number: 02-123-4567
- You dial: 011-82-2-123-4567
South Korea phone number example (Calling a mobile number from the UK):
- Local number: 010-9876-5432
- You dial: 00-82-10-9876-5432
Calling Within South Korea (Domestic Dialing)
Dialing within South Korea is much more straightforward. You simply dial the number as it is written, including the leading 0 in the area or mobile code.
- To call a landline in a different city (e.g., calling Busan from Seoul): Dial 051-XXX-XXXX.
- To call any mobile phone: Dial 010-XXXX-XXXX.
When is the Best Time to Call South Korea?
To ensure your call is well-received, it’s important to consider the time difference. South Korea operates on Korea Standard Time (KST), which is UTC+9. KST is consistent year-round as the country does not observe daylight saving time.
Business hours are typically from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM KST, Monday to Friday. The best window for business calls is during these hours. For personal calls, early evenings (from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM KST) are generally a good time. Always check your local time against KST before dialing to avoid calling at an inconvenient hour.
Common Mistakes When Dialing a Korean Number
Dialing a new international number can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using the Korean phone number format.
Forgetting to Drop the ‘0’
As mentioned, this is the most frequent error. When dialing with +82, the leading zero in codes like 02 or 010 must be omitted. This single detail is a core part of the international Korean phone number format.
Incorrect South Korea Phone Number Length
Always double-check the number of digits. A mobile number will always have 11 digits (010 + 8 digits), and landlines typically have 9 or 10. Missing or adding a digit will cause the call to fail. The South Korea phone number length is very consistent.
Mixing Up Area Codes
Ensure you are using the correct one from the list of Korean area codes. Using 031 (Gyeonggi province) for a number in 032 (Incheon) will not work.
Conclusion
While it may seem complex at first, the Korean phone number format is logical and consistent once you understand the rules. By remembering the +82 country code, the practice of dropping the leading zero for international calls, and the distinction between landline Korean area codes and the 010 mobile prefix, you can dial with confidence.
Whether for business or personal reasons, mastering the Korean Phone Number Format ensures clear and effective communication. Following this guide on the Korean phone number format will help you connect to South Korea effortlessly every time.
Get Your South Korean Business Number Now
You’ve mastered the format, now let us connect you. Our virtual numbers ensure seamless, high-quality calls to Korea.
FAQs
Korean phone numbers are 9-11 digits long (excluding the $+$82 country code), with mobile numbers consistently having 11 digits.
A Seoul landline uses the area code 02. Dial 02-XXXX-XXXX locally and $+$82-2-XXXX-XXXX internationally.
Yes, you can use a Korean mobile number to register and verify accounts on messaging apps like WhatsApp and KakaoTalk.
In 2004, the government standardized mobile prefixes to 010 to create a simple, uniform system that is easy to recognize.
Yes, emergency numbers like 112 (police) and 119 (fire/ambulance) are dialed directly from any phone without an area code.
