Published : May 30, 2025
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Korean number has a country code (+82), an area or mobile code, and a local subscriber number. You must drop the leading '0' from the area or mobile code when dialing internationally using +82, but keep it for calls within Korea. The different types of Korean numbers, like landlines (which use specific area codes) and mobile numbers (which all start with 010).
Korean Phone Number Structure:
Comprises a country code (+82), an area/mobile code, and a local/subscriber number.
International Dialing Rule:
When calling from outside Korea using +82, the leading '0' in the area or mobile code must be omitted (e.g., 02 becomes 2, 010 becomes 10).
Domestic Dialing Rule:
When calling within South Korea, the full number, including the leading '0' in the area or mobile code, is always used.
South Korea Country Code:
+82.
Korea uses different numbers for landlines, mobile phones, and toll-free lines, each with its own style. Getting the format right is key, whether you’re calling South Korea from abroad or within the country.
This blog will simplify Korean phone numbers and dialing rules so your calls connect easily and the call is as convenient as ever.
Korean Phone Number Format Structure
The country code of South Korea is +82. If you are calling from outside Korea, you use this South Korean country code and drop the zero from the area or mobile code. This is an important step that many people ignore, which cannot connect their calls. The area code dialing modification occurs when you connect to South Korea’s country code.
For example, a Korean phone number looks like this:
+82 - Area Code - Remaining Digits (Subscriber Number)
+82 10 12345678
Here’s how it looks in real Korean phone number examples and specific formats:
- A Seoul landline number inside Korea: 02-1234-5678 (where 02 is the Seoul code for South Korea’s capital)
- From abroad, you dial it as: +82 2 1234 5678
For mobile phones (cell phones), numbers start with 010 locally. The first digit after the country code indicates the type of service; for cell phone numbers, it is 10.
- Local cell phone number: 010-1234-5678
- From outside Korea: +82 10 1234 5678
Area codes are usually two—or three-digit numbers, while the other digits (subscriber number) can usually be six or eight digits. Almost all numbers have 11 digits, but this may vary in some cases. A study has found that 95% of South Koreans use cell phones, so generally, numbers will begin with the 010 prefix. This helps to reduce mistakes while calling, as they have specific formats for both landlines and mobile phones.
Types of Korean Numbers with Format and Example
South Korea has different kinds of phone numbers depending on their use. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of Korean phone numbers, with examples to guide you.
1. Landline Numbers
Korean landline numbers have a specific format: they start with an area code (eg. 02 for Seoul) and are followed by a subscriber number. Landline phone numbers are generally used in government offices and businesses. Each landline number is assigned a specific area code corresponding to the city or region.
The format of a telephone number usually looks like this: (0XX) XXX-XXXX or (0XX) XXXX-XXXX
For instance, a Seoul landline number would be:
Example: 02-1234-5678
Here, 02 is the area code for Seoul, and 1234-5678 is the subscriber number.
2. Mobile Numbers
The Korean mobile number, also known as a cell phone number, usually starts from the prefix 010. These Korean mobile phone numbers (or cell phone numbers) are common for everyday use and commercial purposes.
The format looks like this locally: 010-1234-5678
When calling from abroad, remember to drop the zero and add the international access code, South Korea country code: +82 10 1234 5678
Korean cell phone numbers are easily recognizable by their 010 prefix, which is a standard across Korea.
- According to a 2024 survey conducted in South Korea, approximately 34 percent of respondents in their twenties reported spending more than four hours daily on their smartphones.
3. Toll-Free Numbers
Toll-free numbers are widely used by businesses and government offices to provide customer support. These numbers are used by many government offices and let you call for free.
Common toll-free formats are:
080-123-4567 or 1588-1234
These numbers often start with 080 or 1588 and are convenient for calling customer service lines.
4. Vanity Numbers
Vanity numbers are special phone numbers chosen for easy recall, often used by companies for branding.
They follow the usual format but include memorable sequences or words within the digits.
For example, a company might use:
02-555-1234 because 555 is easy to remember.
Vanity numbers are useful for marketing and customer convenience.
5. Virtual Numbers
Virtual phone numbers in South Korea are becoming popular, especially for businesses that want a local presence without a physical office.
These numbers work like regular phone numbers but are managed online. You can forward calls to your mobile or landline.
- a virtual number might look like: +82 2 9876 5432
You can get these numbers through providers like CallHippo’s South Korea Virtual Number.
Korean Country Code and Area Codes
South Korea has many area codes that identify different cities and regions. For example, Seoul, the capital city, uses the two-digit area code 02. Other major cities, such as Busan and Daegu, use three-digit codes, including 051 and 053.
Here are some common area codes for major cities:
- Seoul: 02
- Busan: 051
- Incheon: 032
- Daegu: 053
- Daejeon: 042
How to Call a Korean Phone Number?
Making calls to South Korea can seem tricky at first, but once you know the right steps, it becomes simple. Here are quick steps for calling a Korean phone number –
1. Calling From Abroad
When you’re calling South Korea from another country, you need to follow a few guidelines to ensure your call connects properly.
- Begin with your country’s exit code. From the US or Canada, it’s 011, and from the UK or many European countries, it’s 00.
- Dial South Korea’s country code, which is +82.
- Lastly, dial the Korean phone number without the leading zero in the area code
Here are some examples to make it clearer:
- To call a Seoul landline number like 02-1234-5678 from abroad,
dial: +82 2 1234 5678 - To call a Korean mobile number such as 010-1234-5678,
dial: +82 10 1234 5678
Additionally, if you are using a Korean phone number generator or purchasing a virtual phone number for business purposes, you’ll notice that this format is standard for international dialing.
- Dropping the zero from the area code or mobile prefix is necessary; otherwise, the call will not connect.
2. Calling Within South Korea
Calling inside South Korea is much simpler because you don’t need to worry about country codes or international access codes.
- Dial the full phone number, including the zero in the area code or mobile prefix.
- For example, to call a landline in Seoul, dial: 02-1234-5678.
- To call a mobile phone, dial: 010-1234-5678.
If you’re making a local call within the same area, you can sometimes dial just the local number without the area code. However, for long-distance calls within South Korea, you must include the full number with the area code.
Best Time to Call Korea
Calling at the right time can make your conversations smoother and more productive. South Korea follows Korea Standard Time (KST), which is UTC +9 hours. There is no daylight saving time, so the time difference remains the same throughout the year.
Most businesses and government offices in Korea operate between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM KST, Monday through Friday. If you’re calling for business purposes, it’s best to reach out during these hours. For personal calls, early evenings after work hours, between 6 PM and 9 PM, are generally convenient.
To avoid calling too early or too late, check the time difference between your location and Korea. For example, if you’re in New York (Eastern Time), Korea is 13 hours ahead. So when it’s 8 AM in New York, it’s 9 PM in Seoul, and when it’s 9 AM in Seoul, it’s 8 PM the previous day in New York.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Dialing a Korean Phone Number
Without a local phone number, you might be stuck relying on spotty Wi-Fi. This can make it hard to reach important services. Avoiding these mistakes will save you time and frustration. Here are the two biggest errors you should watch out for.
A. Don’t Forget to Drop the ‘0’ When Using +82
One of the most frequent mistakes is keeping the leading zero in the area code or mobile prefix when dialing internationally.
For example, a Seoul number looks like 02-1234-5678 locally. However, when calling from abroad, you must drop the zero and dial +82-2-1234-5678.
Similarly, for a mobile phone number like 010-9876-5432, you dial +82-10-9876-5432 from outside Korea.
Including the zero after the South Korea country code can cause the call to fail or go to the wrong number.
B. Beware of Number Length or Missing Digits
Another common error is dialing incomplete numbers or mixing up the length of the number. Korean phone numbers follow a fixed format based on the type of number.
Landline numbers typically consist of a two or three-digit area code followed by a six to eight-digit local number. Mobile phone numbers are typically 10 digits long, starting with 010.
Missing even one digit can cause your call not to connect or be answered by the wrong person.
- If you’re running a business, getting a local South Korea virtual number is an efficient way to expand your presence without setting up a physical office.
Conclusion
Understanding the Korean phone number format is very important. It helps you communicate well with people in South Korea. Using the right country code, area codes, and number format makes sure your calls connect smoothly. Always drop the first zero when dialing internationally with the +82 country code.
Check the entire number carefully to avoid mistakes. Following these simple rules will stop common dialing errors. It also makes your calls easier and more reliable. For businesses, a virtual phone number can help. It makes communication smoother and gives you a local presence in South Korea.
: International Phone Number Formats & Examples FAQs
1. Can I use a Korean phone number on WhatsApp?
Yes, you can register for WhatsApp using a Korean phone number. You will receive a verification code via SMS or call on that number to complete the setup.
2. How long is a Korean phone number?
Korean phone numbers typically have between 9 and 11 digits, including the area code or mobile prefix. This length excludes the country code (+82) used for international calls.
3. What are the emergency numbers of Korea?
The main emergency numbers in Korea are:
- Police: 112
- Fire and Ambulance: 119
- Medical Emergencies: 1339
Updated : May 30, 2025
Krishna Pankhania is a passionate content writer with a strong background in AI and technology. With professional experience in the corporate world, Krishna blends analytical thinking with creativity to craft engaging and SEO-friendly content. Specializing in blogs, web content, and research-driven articles while delivering high-quality, reader-focused material that adds value and sparks curiosity.
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