North Korea Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide

This guide provides a detailed overview of North Korea's telecommunications system, including domestic and international dialing procedures, mobile phone usage, and important regulatory considerations. While access is restricted and heavily monitored, understanding the system is crucial for anyone needing to communicate with individuals or entities within the DPRK.

Domestic Calling Procedures

North Korea's telecommunications infrastructure is managed by the Korea Post and Telecommunications Corporation (KPTC). The system is highly centralized, with strict controls and limited access for ordinary citizens. Phone ownership is primarily restricted to government officials, state-owned enterprises, and collective farms. While the system has undergone some modernization, including the introduction of fiber optic cables and 3G mobile networks, access remains tightly controlled.

Numbering Format and Area Codes

The domestic calling system uses a hierarchical structure:

• National Prefix: 0 (for inter-regional calls)
• Area Codes: Single-digit codes (2-7) for major regions. Pyongyang, the capital, uses area code 2.
• Subscriber Numbers: Typically 6-7 digits for landlines.
• Mobile Prefixes: 191, 192 (Koryolink WCDMA Network), and the discontinued 193 (SunNet GSM900). A newer 4G LTE network, Kangsong NET, uses prefix 195.
• Number Length: Landline numbers within Pyongyang are 8 digits (including the area code). Rason Special Economic Zone uses 8-digit numbers with a 3-digit area code (085). Mobile numbers are 10 digits (including the 019X prefix).

Dialing Patterns

• Landline to Landline: 0 + [Area Code] + [Subscriber Number] (e.g., 0 2 123456 for Pyongyang)
• Landline to Mobile: 0 + [Mobile Prefix] + [Subscriber Number] (e.g., 0 191 1234567)
• Mobile to Mobile: [Mobile Prefix] + [Subscriber Number] (e.g., 191 1234567)
• Local Calls (Within the Same Area): While technically you can dial just the subscriber number, using the full format (including the area code and leading zero) is recommended for reliability.

Best Practices for Domestic Calls

• Number Verification: Double-check all digits to avoid connection errors.
• Consistent Format: Always use the complete dialing format, even for local calls, to ensure proper routing.
• Record Keeping: Maintain records of authorized numbers for compliance purposes.

International Calling Procedures

International calling is heavily restricted and requires government authorization. Monitoring of all international communications is standard practice.

Outbound Calls

• Primary Method: 00 + [Country Code] + [Area Code/City Code] + [Local Number] (e.g., 00 86 10 12345678 for Beijing, China)
• Secondary Method (for Congestion): 99 + [Country Code] + [Area Code/City Code] + [Local Number] (requires the same authorization as the primary method)

Inbound Calls

• Format: +850 + [Area Code/Mobile Prefix] + [Subscriber Number] (e.g., +850 2 123456 for a Pyongyang landline). Note: Omit the leading 0 from the area code when dialing from abroad.

Authorization and Restrictions

• Government Approval: Mandatory for all international calling privileges.
• Documentation: Justification for international access is required.
• Monitoring: All international calls are subject to recording and review.
• Time Restrictions: International calling may be limited to specific hours.

Special Cases

• Emergency Services: Access is limited and typically through local numbers. Information on emergency numbers is often not readily available to foreigners.
• Special Service Numbers: These numbers often begin with 99 and are reserved for specific government functions.
• VIP Lines: Separate number ranges exist for high-ranking government officials.
• Tourist Lines: Dedicated numbers are sometimes available in international hotels and tourist facilities, though access is still limited.

Mobile Phone Usage in North Korea

Mobile phone usage has increased significantly in recent years, with millions of subscribers. However, the network is isolated, with no international roaming agreements. The primary mobile provider is Koryolink, a joint venture with the Egyptian company Orascom.

• Koryolink: Offers 3G services and requires a local SIM card. Foreigners can purchase pre-paid SIM cards for international calls (but not domestic calls).
• Kangsong NET: A newer 4G LTE network.
• Monitoring and Restrictions: Mobile phones in North Korea use a digital signature system to control access to content and log usage information. The network is heavily monitored, and access to outside information is restricted.

Key Considerations for Developers

• Number Validation: Implement robust validation systems that account for the various number formats and potential variations.
• Regulatory Updates: Stay informed about changes in North Korean telecommunications regulations, as they can be frequent and unpredictable.
• Data Accuracy: Information about North Korean phone numbers can be limited and difficult to verify. Rely on reputable sources and exercise caution when working with this data.
• Sanctions Compliance: Be aware of and comply with all relevant international sanctions related to North Korea, particularly those imposed by the U.S. and UN. These sanctions can restrict certain types of transactions and interactions, including financial transactions and technology transfers.

Additional Information

• Korea Post and Telecommunications Corporation (KPTC): The state-owned entity responsible for managing North Korea's telecommunications infrastructure.
• Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications: The government ministry overseeing the KPTC and other related agencies.
• 38 North: A website providing expert analysis and information on North Korea, including telecommunications developments.
• North Korea Tech: A website focusing on technology and telecommunications in North Korea.

This guide provides a general overview of North Korea's complex and evolving telecommunications landscape. Due to the country's isolation and strict controls, information can be limited and subject to change. Always consult with relevant authorities and experts for the most up-to-date information and guidance.