As South Korea becomes an increasingly global hub for business and culture, knowing how to navigate their phone number system is more important than ever. Whether you’re calling for business, connecting with friends, or even trying to order that must-have K-beauty product, understanding the Korean phone number format is key.
Different countries have different dialing conventions. This article will give you a complete rundown on how to understand and correctly use a Korean phone number. We’ll break down the structure, the different types of numbers, the correct dialing codes, and, most importantly, best practices to make sure your call goes through.
Avoid common mistakes and failed calls by learning the ins and outs of Korean phone numbers. We’ll also share some practical tips to help you communicate successfully. Let’s get started!
How Korean Phone Numbers Work
Korean phone numbers might look a little confusing at first, but they’re pretty straightforward once you understand the basic structure. Think of it in three parts:
- Country Code: All Korean phone numbers start with +82. This is what you need to dial if you’re calling from outside of South Korea.
- Area/Mobile Code: This tells you whether it’s a landline or a mobile phone and roughly where it’s located. For example, Seoul landlines often start with 02. Mobile numbers usually begin with 010.
- Subscriber Number: This is the individual’s specific phone number.
So, a typical Korean phone number (without the country code) is usually between 9 and 11 digits long. It’s important to get this right when dialing, or your call won’t go through. Also, you should know that the leading ‘0’ in the area or mobile code is often dropped when dialing internationally. So, if you’re calling a Seoul landline, you might dial +82-2-xxxx-xxxx instead of +82-02-xxxx-xxxx.
Types of Korean numbers, with format and example
Whether you’re trying to call a business, a friend, or a customer in South Korea, it helps to understand the different types of phone numbers and how they’re formatted. Here’s a quick guide:
Landline numbers
Landlines are generally used in homes and businesses.
A South Korean landline number will look something like this:
- Domestic: 02-1234-5678 (This example is a Seoul number.)
- International: +82 2 1234 5678 (Again, this is a Seoul number.)
Mobile numbers
Mobile phones are extremely popular in South Korea. In fact, about 95% of South Koreans have one.
Most mobile numbers start with 010.
Here’s what a South Korean mobile number looks like:
- Domestic: 010-1234-5678
- International: +82 10 1234 5678
Toll-free numbers
Businesses use toll-free numbers for customer service and support.
These numbers usually start with 080 or 1588.
Here are a couple of examples:
- 080-123-4567
- 1588-1234
Vanity numbers
Like in the United States, you can get a vanity number in South Korea. These are phone numbers chosen to be easy to remember.
For example, a vanity number might look like this: 02-555-1234
Virtual numbers
Businesses that need a local presence in South Korea often use virtual numbers.
A virtual number might look like this: +82 2 9876 5432
Korean Country Code and Area Codes
If you’re calling South Korea from outside the country, you’ll need to dial the country code, which is +82. Think of it like an international zip code that tells the phone network where you’re trying to reach.
South Korea also uses area codes to route calls within the country. Here are a few examples:
- 02: Seoul
- 051: Busan
- 053: Daegu
- 032: Incheon
Important note: When dialing a South Korean number from abroad, you must drop the leading ‘0’ from the area code. So, if you were calling a Seoul number, you would dial +82 2 followed by the local number.
How do I call a Korean phone number?
Calling a Korean phone number is easy, but the steps vary depending on whether you’re calling from inside South Korea or from another country.
Calling from abroad
If you’re calling from outside South Korea, here’s what to do:
- Dial your country’s exit code. This is the code you use to dial out of your country. For example, in the United States, the exit code is 011. In most European countries, it’s 00.
- Dial the country code for South Korea, which is +82.
- Dial the area code or mobile code. Be sure to drop the leading ‘0’.
- Dial the subscriber number.
So, if you were calling a Seoul landline (area code 02) from the United States, and the local number was 1234-5678, you’d dial 011 + 82 + 2 + 1234 + 5678.
Calling within South Korea
If you’re already in South Korea, the process is simpler:
- Dial the area code or mobile code, including the leading ‘0’.
- Dial the subscriber number.
So, if you were calling a Seoul landline from within Seoul, and the local number was 1234-5678, you’d dial 02-1234-5678.
When’s the best time to call Korea?
Before you dial, double-check the time zone! South Korea operates on Korean Standard Time (KST), which is GMT+9. That’s a pretty significant difference from most of the world, so it’s easy to call at a bad time without realizing it.
Generally, the best time to call South Korea is between 9 AM and 6 PM KST, Monday through Friday. This covers standard business hours and avoids calling too early or late.
Not sure what time it is in Korea right now? Use an online time zone converter to figure it out before you pick up the phone. There are tons of free websites that will do the math for you.
Common mistakes to avoid when dialing a Korean phone number
Dialing a Korean phone number can be tricky if you’re not familiar with the system. Here are a couple of common missteps to avoid:
Don’t forget to drop the ‘0’ when using +82
When you’re dialing a South Korean phone number from outside the country, remember to drop the leading ‘0’ from the area code. For example, Seoul’s area code is ’02.’ If you’re dialing from the U.S. or Canada, you’ll need to dial +82, then the area code without the zero, then the phone number.
A common mistake is to dial the number as +82 02 1234 5678. The correct way to dial is +82 2 1234 5678.
Make sure you dial the complete number
Korean phone numbers have varying lengths, so it’s important to dial the complete number to ensure your call goes through. Always double-check the number with your contact or source before dialing. If you’re calling a business, you can usually find their phone number on their website.
Also, be aware that scams and incorrect numbers are out there. If you’re calling an unfamiliar number, proceed with caution and verify the number before sharing any personal information.
Putting It All Together
Calling South Korea doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you understand the structure of Korean phone numbers, the relevant dialing codes, and a few best practices, you’ll be well on your way to successful communication.
The most important thing to remember is not to drop the leading ‘0’ when you’re dialing from outside of South Korea.
So, go ahead and use the information in this article to connect with friends, family, or business associates in Korea. With a little preparation, you’ll be chatting away in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a Korean phone number on WhatsApp?
- Yes, but you’ll need to go through the standard WhatsApp verification process using that number. WhatsApp will send a verification code to your Korean phone, which you’ll then enter into the app.
- How long is a Korean phone number?
- Korean phone numbers are usually 9 to 11 digits long without the country code.
- What are the emergency numbers in Korea?
-
- Police: 112
- Fire/Ambulance: 119