What is the country code for South Korea?

The country code for South Korea is +82.

How are mobile numbers structured in South Korea?

Mobile numbers in South Korea always start with the prefix '010' and are followed by an 8-digit subscriber number, formatted as 010-XXXX-YYYY.

What are the dialing procedures for international calls to South Korea?

To call South Korea from abroad, dial the international access code (e.g., 00 or +), followed by the country code +82, and then the local number without the leading '0'. For example, +82-2-1234-5678 for a landline in Seoul.

Is number portability available in South Korea?

Yes, number portability is available in South Korea for both mobile and fixed-line numbers, allowing subscribers to retain their phone numbers when switching between different service providers.

Which major telecom operators are active in South Korea, and what are their number ranges?

The major telecom operators in South Korea include KT, LG U+, SK Telecom, and SK Broadband. All mobile numbers use the '010' prefix, while fixed-line prefixes vary by region, such as 02 for Seoul (KT), 042 for Daejeon (LG U+), and 051 for Busan (SK Telecom).

What is the country code for South Korea?

The country code for South Korea is +82.

How do I dial a mobile number in South Korea from abroad?

To dial a South Korean mobile number from abroad, use the format: +82 10 xxxx xxxx, omitting the leading 0.

What is the format for South Korean landline numbers?

South Korean landline numbers are formatted as 0[2-6][0-9]{1,2}-[0-9]{3,4}-[0-9]{4}, where the first digit indicates the area.

How do I call a South Korean landline from another country?

To call a South Korean landline from abroad, dial +82 followed by the area code without the initial 0, and then the subscriber number.

What is the national prefix for dialing within South Korea?

The national prefix for dialing within South Korea is 0.

Can I keep my phone number if I switch providers in South Korea?

Yes, South Korea allows number portability, so you can keep your phone number when switching providers.

What is the international dialing prefix for outgoing calls from South Korea?

The international dialing prefix for outgoing calls from South Korea is 00.

What are the emergency numbers in South Korea?

South Korea uses short codes for emergencies, such as 119 for fire and ambulance services.

Who manages the telephone numbering plan in South Korea?

The Ministry of Science and ICT manages the telephone numbering plan in South Korea.

What does the prefix 010 indicate in South Korean phone numbers?

The prefix 010 indicates a mobile phone number in South Korea.

Are there toll-free numbers in South Korea?

Yes, toll-free numbers in South Korea start with 080 and are free from landlines, though mobile charges may apply.

What are premium rate numbers in South Korea used for?

Premium rate numbers in South Korea, starting with 060, are used for specialized services like voting or adult content.

What is number portability and when was it introduced in South Korea?

Number portability allows users to retain their phone numbers when switching providers. It was introduced in South Korea in 2004.

Which regulatory body oversees telecommunications in South Korea?

The Ministry of Science and ICT oversees telecommunications regulations in South Korea.

How can I check the latest telecommunications regulations in South Korea?

You can visit the Ministry of Science and ICT's official website for the latest regulations.

What is a 'golden number' in South Korea?

A 'golden number' in South Korea is a phone number with repeated digits, often auctioned or sold at a premium.

How are phone numbers allocated in South Korea?

Phone numbers in South Korea are allocated by the Ministry of Science and ICT based on demand and service type.

What standards does South Korea comply with for phone numbers?

South Korea complies with ITU-T standards E.123 and E.164 for phone numbers.

What does the prefix 060 indicate in South Korean phone numbers?

The prefix 060 in South Korean phone numbers indicates a premium rate service.

How do I make an international call from South Korea to the United States?

To make an international call from South Korea to the US, dial 001 followed by the US area code and subscriber number.

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

This guide provides a deep dive into South Korea's phone number system, covering formats, validation, area codes, and the telecommunications landscape. Whether you're building communication software, validating user input, or routing international calls, this resource will equip you with the essential knowledge for seamless integration with South Korean telecommunications systems.

Understanding the Numbering System

South Korea boasts a sophisticated telecommunications infrastructure, serving millions of users with fixed-line and mobile services. The numbering plan follows a hierarchical structure, ensuring scalability and efficient routing. This structure consists of:

Country Code: +82 (identifies South Korea internationally)
National Prefix: 0 (used for domestic calls within South Korea)
Subscriber Number: A variable-length number specific to the subscriber and service type.

Number Formats and Validation

South Korean phone numbers adhere to specific formats based on the service type. Understanding these formats is crucial for accurate validation and routing.

Geographic Numbers (Landlines)

Format: 0[2-6][0-9]{1,2}-[0-9]{3,4}-[0-9]{4}
Example: 02-1234-5678 (Seoul)
Technical Notes: Area codes (the digits following the national prefix '0') vary in length depending on the region's size and population density. Larger cities like Seoul (02) have shorter area codes, while smaller regions have longer ones.

Mobile Numbers

Format: 010-[0-9]{4}-[0-9]{4}
Example: 010-1234-5678
Technical Notes: All mobile carriers in South Korea use the 010 prefix. This simplifies mobile number identification and routing.

Toll-Free Numbers

Format: 080-[0-9]{3,4}-[0-9]{4}
Example: 080-123-4567
Technical Notes: Toll-free numbers require specific routing configurations to ensure calls are not charged to the caller.

Premium Rate Numbers

Format: 060-[2-9][0-9]{6}
Example: 060-2123456
Technical Notes: These numbers are used for value-added services and often incur higher charges for the caller.

Emergency Numbers

Format: 1[0-9]{2}
Example: 119 (Fire/Medical), 112 (Police)
Technical Notes: Emergency numbers require priority routing and should bypass any validation checks that might delay connection.

Implementing Validation

When validating South Korean phone numbers in your applications, consider these best practices:

Regular Expressions: Use regular expressions tailored to each number format for precise validation.
Edge Cases: Account for variations like spaces, hyphens, and the presence or absence of the national prefix ('0') or country code (+82).
International Format: Handle international number formats (+82-10-1234-5678) correctly.
Library Support: Consider using established libraries for phone number validation to simplify implementation and ensure accuracy.

// Example validation function for South Korean mobile numbers
function isValidKoreanMobile(number) {
  // More robust regex handling variations in formatting
  const mobileRegex = /^(?:\+82|0)?10(?:-|\s)?[0-9]{4}(?:-|\s)?[0-9]{4}$/;
  return mobileRegex.test(number);
}

South Korean Telecommunications Landscape

South Korea's telecommunications market is highly competitive and technologically advanced. Three major operators dominate the market:

SK Telecom: Known for 5G innovation and a wide range of digital services. Holds the largest market share.
KT: Focuses on enterprise solutions and maintains a strong presence in fixed-line services.
LG U+: Distinguishes itself through content services and a regional focus.

These operators maintain international connectivity through dedicated carrier codes (e.g., 001 for KT). The Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) plays a crucial role in regulating the sector, ensuring fair competition and service quality. The MSIT also drives innovation and infrastructure development, including the nationwide rollout of 5G.

Regulatory Framework and Number Portability

The Telecommunications Business Act governs the industry, outlining licensing requirements, service obligations, and consumer protection measures. South Korea has a highly efficient number portability system, allowing customers to switch carriers while retaining their numbers. This system, overseen by the MSIT, typically processes requests within one business day, contributing to a dynamic and competitive market. For detailed information on regulations and initiatives, refer to the MSIT portal (https://www.msit.go.kr/eng/index.do).

Future Trends

South Korea continues to be at the forefront of telecommunications innovation. Key focus areas include:

Smart City Development: Integrating IoT networks, AI-powered infrastructure management, and connected vehicle systems.
Digital Transformation: Implementing cloud-native network architectures, edge computing, and network slicing.

These initiatives, supported by the MSIT's progressive regulatory framework, are shaping the future of telecommunications in South Korea.