To call Korea from a US cell phone, dial 011 + 82 + the Korean number without its leading 0. This is the exact sequence needed to reach any landline or mobile in South Korea.
How to call Korea from a US cell phone: A concise, step-by-step summary
- Dial 011, the US international exit code.
- Dial 82, South Korea’s country code.
- Dial the Korean phone number, but drop any leading 0 if the number starts with one.
For example, if the Korean number is 02-1234-5678, you dial 011-82-2-1234-5678. If it is 010-1234-5678, you dial 011-82-10-1234-5678.
Understanding the dialing codes
The code 011 is the international exit code used from the United States to place calls outside the country. 82 is the country code assigned to South Korea. Together they route your call from the US phone network to the Korean phone network.
Dialing the Korean phone number correctly
The crucial rule is to drop the leading 0 from the Korean phone number when dialing internationally. Korean domestic numbers, both landline and mobile, begin with a 0 (for example, 02 for Seoul or 010 for mobile numbers). That 0 is used only for domestic calls. When calling from outside Korea, you replace it with the country code 82 and omit the 0. Korean phone numbers typically consist of a two-digit area code followed by an eight-digit subscriber number. When dialing a Korean cell phone number from a US cell phone, you will need to include the mobile carrier prefix, a two-digit number that identifies the specific mobile carrier of the recipient. For emergency services, such as police or ambulance, the number '119' is used instead of the regular area code and phone number format.
What about iPhone or Android settings?
No special device settings are documented for placing a call to Korea from a US cell phone. Apple’s support pages confirm that international calling depends entirely on the user’s carrier plan, not on a built-in iPhone or Android setting. Simply dial the sequence above on your phone’s keypad, no extra configuration is needed. Location-sharing features might be limited in South Korea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I dial from the US to Korea?
Dial 011 + 82 + the Korean number, removing the leading 0 if the number starts with one.
Do I need to add a plus sign on iPhone or Android?
Using 011 is the standard US exit code.
Is there a special iPhone setting for calling Korea?
International calling depends on your carrier, not on a phone setting.
Is there a special Android setting for calling Korea?
Does the carrier matter?
Yes. Apple’s support pages state that international calling depends on the carrier, so your plan must support international calling and plans. Carriers such as LG U+, KT, and SK Telecom are supported for features like 5G, eSIM, and VoLTE on iPhone in South Korea, but availability for voice calls from the US varies by your own carrier plan. Some carriers offer international roaming services, while others may require you to get a local SIM card in Korea.
What about call costs?
International calling rates vary by carrier. Check your mobile plan for specific per-minute charges to South Korea or consider adding an international calling package. Some carriers also offer internet-based calling alternatives through their apps. Alternative methods such as using internet-based calling apps or prepaid international calling cards can provide more affordable rates.
