How to Call South Korea from the US: A Guide for SMBs and Startups

Let’s say you’re gearing up for a call with your supplier in Seoul or your remote developer in Busan. You open your dial pad and pause — how exactly do you call South Korea from the United States? 

If you're a small business or startup navigating international communication, this guide is here to help. We’ll walk you through the correct dialing format, country code, call costs, and how to keep things seamless and affordable using a smart phone system built for growing businesses. 

What’s the South Korea Country Code? 

The country code for South Korea is +82. You’ll need to use this code anytime you’re dialing a Korean phone number from outside the country, including from the US. 

This code tells the phone system to route your call to South Korea. And whether you’re managing remote teams or reaching new partners in East Asia, knowing the format matters — it helps ensure your call goes through without errors. 

How to Call South Korea from the US, Step by Step 

Let’s break down the process for calling both landlines and mobile numbers: 

For South Korean Landlines: 

1. Dial 011 – This is the US exit code. 
2. Dial 82 – The country code for South Korea. 
3. Dial the area code – Without the leading 0. 
4. Dial the local number – Usually 6 to 8 digits. 

Example: To call a landline in Seoul (area code 02): 011-82-2-1234-5678. 

For South Korean Mobile Phones: 

1. Dial 011 (or use the "+" symbol on mobile). 
2. Dial 82. 
3. Dial the mobile number – Skip the initial 0. 

Example: A mobile number like 010-9876-5432 becomes: 011-82-10-9876-5432. 

Bonus Tip 

On mobile phones, you can long-press “0” to insert a “+” and dial: +82-10-9876-5432 

Common South Korean Area Codes 

Here are some of the most common area codes in South Korea, along with the locations they correspond to: 

Knowing the area code ensures your call reaches the right city or region. 

When Should SMBs Make International Calls? 

Small businesses and startups frequently make calls to South Korea to: 

• Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturers 
• Work with remote developers or customer service teams 
• Connect with clients or investors in the region 
• Expand into new markets in Asia 

Time zone tip: South Korea operates on Korea Standard Time (KST), which is typically 13–14 hours ahead of US Eastern Time. Consider this when scheduling calls. 

How Much Does It Cost to Call South Korea? 

International calling costs can vary dramatically based on your provider. Traditional phone carriers often charge $0.50 to $1.00+ per minute. These costs can add up quickly. 

A more affordable option? Use a cloud-based phone system like DialLink that offers low per-minute international calling rates and transparent billing. Check current South Korea rates here. 

Make International Calls the Easy Way with DialLink 

DialLink is a cloud phone system built for small businesses and startups. Whether you're calling Seoul, Busan, or beyond, here’s why DialLink makes international calling seamless: 

• Mobile, desktop and desk phone support – Make calls from anywhere, using any device. 
• 247 AI voice agents – Automatically answer calls from the Philippines, even after hours. 
• Local & international numbers – Build a global presence with ease. 
• Plug-and-play setup – No IT help required. 
• Affordable, transparent rates – No hidden fees. 

With DialLink, you get enterprise-grade communication tools without the enterprise-grade complexity or cost.