Introduction
Trying to call South Korea can be confusing if you’re not familiar with its specific numbering system. Whether you are contacting a business in Seoul or a friend’s mobile, understanding the Korean phone number format is essential for a successful connection.
This guide provides a complete breakdown of the Korean phone number format, covering everything from the country code and area codes to step-by-step instructions for dialing, ensuring your calls go through every time.
How to Read a Korean Phone Number: Structure and Format
The South Korea phone number format consists of three key components: the country code, an area or mobile code, and the unique subscriber number. Knowing how these parts fit together is the first step to mastering Korean dialing.
- Country Code: For South Korea, this is always +82. This prefix must be used for all calls coming from outside the country.
- Area or Mobile Code: A two- or three-digit code that follows the country code. Landlines use geographic area codes (e.g., 02 for Seoul), while mobile phones almost exclusively use 010. This structure also applies to a modern VoIP number, which can be set up to use a geographic area code just like a traditional landline..
- Subscriber Number: The final part of the number, which is typically seven or eight digits long and unique to the phone line.
The most critical rule for international dialing is to drop the leading ‘0’ from the area or mobile code when you add the +82 country code. This common error is the primary reason calls fail to connect. The correct Korean phone number format for international calls depends on this rule.
Let’s look at a clear South Korea phone number example:
For a Seoul Landline:
- Domestic Format: 02-1234-5678
- International Format: +82-2-1234-5678 (Note the 0 from 02 is dropped)
For a Mobile Phone:
- Domestic Format: 010-1234-5678
- International Format: +82-10-1234-5678 (The 0 from 010 is dropped)
This fundamental rule is central to the Korean phone number format and is the key to successful international dialing.
Identifying Korean Phone Numbers: Mobile vs. Landline
South Korea has several types of numbers, each with a distinct structure. Identifying them will help you understand who you are calling.
1. Landline Numbers
Used by businesses, homes, and government offices, landline numbers are identified by their South Korea area codes. The structure is typically (0XX)-XXX-XXXX or (0XX)-XXXX-XXXX. The total South Korea phone number length for landlines is usually 9 or 10 digits. The Seoul phone number format (02) is the most common.
- South Korea phone number example (Landline in Busan): 051-987-6543
2. Mobile Numbers
Mobile numbers are extremely common in South Korea. The system was standardized, making the Korean phone number format for mobiles highly uniform. Today, nearly all personal mobile numbers use the 010 prefix, making them easy to recognize.
The standard mobile structure is 010-XXXX-XXXX, making up 11 digits in total. Understanding this mobile system is a crucial part of the overall Korean phone number format.
- South Korea phone number example (Mobile): 010-5555-4444
- To dial internationally: +82-10-5555-4444
3. Toll-Free and Special Numbers
Businesses often use toll-free numbers, which typically start with prefixes like 080. Special rate numbers for services like information or voting often begin with 1588 or 1688.
- Example (Toll-Free): 080-123-4567
4. Virtual Numbers
Virtual numbers are a modern solution for international companies aiming to create a local Korean presence. They function like local numbers but can forward calls anywhere globally. These numbers use the standard Korean phone number format, such as a +82 2 prefix for a virtual Seoul number, offering a familiar and cost-effective contact method for local customers.
How to Find the Right Area Code for South Korea
Geographic South Korea area codes are essential for dialing landlines. Major cities have shorter two-digit codes, while provinces have three-digit codes. Mastering these is key to navigating the landline Korean phone number format.
The Seoul area code (02) is the most frequently used. Here is a table of common South Korea 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 with the leading 0.
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Dialing South Korea from Abroad and Within the Country
Let’s combine this information into a simple guide for using the South Korea phone number format.
Calling From Abroad (International Dialing)
- Dial the International Exit Code: This depends on your country (e.g., 011 for the US/Canada, 00 for the UK/Europe). Alternatively, use the + symbol on mobile phones.
- Dial South Korea’s Country Code: Enter 82.
- Dial the Area or Mobile Code (Drop the ‘0’): This is the vital step. For a Seoul landline (02), dial 2. For a mobile phone (010), dial 10.
- Dial the Subscriber Number: Dial the final 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 from the UK):
- Local number: 010-9876-5432
- You dial: 00-82-10-9876-5432
Calling Within South Korea (Domestic Dialing)
Dialing domestically is simpler. You just use the full number as written, including the leading 0.
- To call a landline in another city (e.g., calling Busan from Seoul): Dial 051-XXX-XXXX.
- To call any mobile phone: Dial 010-XXXX-XXXX.
When Should You Call a Number in South Korea?
South Korea uses Korea Standard Time (KST), which is UTC+9. The country does not observe daylight saving time, so KST is consistent year-round.
Business hours are generally 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM KST, Monday to Friday. For personal calls, evenings from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM KST are usually acceptable. Always check the time difference to avoid calling at an inconvenient hour.
Dialing Korea? Common Mistakes To Avoid
Avoid these frequent errors when using the Korean phone number format.
- Forgetting to Drop the ‘0’: As highlighted, this is the #1 mistake. When using the +82 country code, the leading zero in the area code (02, 031) or mobile code (010) must be removed. This detail is a core part of the international Korean phone number format.
- Incorrect South Korea Phone Number Length: Double-check the digit count. Mobile numbers have 11 digits (010 + 8 digits), while landlines have 9 or 10. An incorrect length will result in a failed call.
- Mixing Up Area Codes: Using the wrong code, like 051 for Busan when the number is in 053 for Daegu, will not connect.
Conclusion
The Korean phone number format, while detailed, is highly logical. By remembering the +82 country code, the rule of dropping the leading zero for international calls, and the difference between landline area codes and the 010 mobile prefix, you can dial South Korea with confidence.
Whether for business with MyCountryMobile or personal conversations, mastering this guide on the Korean phone number format will help you connect to South Korea effortlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
How long is a Korean phone number?
Excluding the +82 country code, Korean phone numbers are 9 to 11 digits long. Mobile numbers are consistently 11 digits (010-XXXX-XXXX).
What is the format for a Seoul landline?
A Seoul landline uses the 02 area code. Dial 02-XXXX-XXXX locally and +82-2-XXXX-XXXX when calling internationally.
Can I use a Korean phone number for apps like WhatsApp?
Yes, a Korean mobile number (+82 10…) can be used to register and verify accounts on messaging apps like WhatsApp and the locally popular KakaoTalk.
Why do most Korean mobile numbers start with 010?
The South Korean government standardized mobile prefixes to 010 in 2004 to create a uniform and easily recognizable system for all personal mobile phones.
Are there any special considerations for emergency numbers?
Yes. Emergency numbers like 112 (Police) and 119 (Fire & Ambulance) are dialed directly from any phone in Korea without needing an area code or prefix.
