Calling Codes for South Korea: A Comprehensive Guide

Mesan Ali
Making a phone call to South Korea can be straightforward if you understand the calling codes and the dialing process. This guide will provide you with all the necessary information to successfully connect with someone in South Korea, including the country code, area codes, and answers to frequently asked questions.
How do I call South Korea?
To call South Korea from abroad, you need to follow a specific dialing sequence. Here are the steps to make an international call to South Korea:
1. Dial the exit code for your country: This is often represented by “00” or “+” on mobile phones.
2. Dial the South Korea country code: +82.
3. Add the area code: Depending on the city, area codes can vary from 1 digit for Seoul (02) to 2 digits for other cities.
4. Add the local phone number: Typically, local numbers for landlines are 7 to 8 digits long, while mobile numbers can range from 6 to 12 digits.
Summary of the Dialing Process
- Landline Call Format: 011-82-Area code – Landline number.
- Mobile Call Format: 011-82 – Mobile phone prefix – 6 to 12 digits mobile number.
- Toll-Free Call Format: 011-82-030 – 7 to 8-digit subscriber number.
South Korea Country Code and Area Codes
Type | Country Code / Area Code |
Country Code | +82 |
Seoul | 02 |
Gyeonggi-do | 031 |
Incheon | 032 |
Gangwon-do | 033 |
Chungcheongnam-do | 041 |
Daejeon | 042 |
Chungcheongbuk-do | 043 |
Sejong City | 044 |
Busan | 051 |
Ulsan | 052 |
Daegu | 053 |
Gyeongsangbuk-do | 054 |
Gyeongsangnam-do | 055 |
Jeollanam-do | 061 |
Gwangju | 062 |
Jeollabuk-do | 063 |
Jeju-do | 064 |
Additional Information
- Local Time: Seoul operates on UTC/GMT +9 hours.
- Daylight Saving Time: Not applicable in South Korea.
Toll-Free Numbers in South Korea
Here are the toll-free number formats you should be aware of:
Toll-Free Type | Format |
General Toll-Free Numbers | +82-308 |
Some Toll-Free Calls | +82-080 (not free from mobiles) |
Toll-Free Mobile Numbers | +82-082 |
Corporate Toll-Free Numbers | +82-999 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my call to South Korea does not go through?
There can be several reasons for this:
- You may have omitted the exit code for your country.
- The area code could be incorrect.
- You might be trying to reach a mobile number that does not accept international calls.
- The country code +82 was not dialed before the number.
Are phone numbers in South Korea typically equipped with voicemail?
Yes, most phone numbers in South Korea, especially mobile services, include voicemail features. Users can set up personalized greetings for callers.
What does the ringing tone sound like when calling South Korea?
When you call a South Korean number, you can expect to hear:
- A standard dial tone, similar to many countries.
- A busy signal indicating the line is engaged.
- An unobtainable message if the number cannot be connected.
Tips for Frequent Travelers
If you frequently travel to South Korea, consider using a local prepaid SIM card. This option can provide cost-effective calling and data services, making it easier to stay connected.
Making international calls can be daunting at first, but with this guide, you should feel confident navigating the process to call South Korea. Happy calling!