How to Use the +82 Country Code: A Guide for SMBs and Startups

Whether you’re working with a development partner in Seoul or reaching a customer in Busan, correctly formatting South Korean phone numbers is essential to ensure reliable, global communication.

This guide explains everything SMBs and startups need to know about the +82 country code, including formatting tips, dialing variations, and how DialLink can simplify international calling to South Korea.

What Is the 82 Country Code?

+82 is the international country code for South Korea. It’s used when dialing South Korean numbers from abroad. Depending on the location and type of phone number (landline or mobile), the local format may vary slightly.

Here’s what a standard South Korean number looks like:

• Country Code: +82
• Area Code (landline): 1 to 2 digits (e.g., 2 for Seoul)
• Subscriber Number: 7 to 8 digits

For mobile phones, the area code is typically 10, followed by 8 digits.

Common Pitfalls in International Number Formatting

Getting South Korean numbers wrong can lead to failed connections or system errors. Here are a few issues to avoid:

• Omitting the country code (+82): International calls won’t connect without it.
• Leaving in the leading “0”: South Korea drops the initial “0” when dialing from abroad. For example, 010-1234-5678 becomes +82 10 1234 5678.
• Mixing formats across platforms: Many CRMs and VoIP systems require E.164 format (e.g., +821012345678) for consistency and reliability.
• Misinterpreting toll-free formats: South Korean toll-free numbers do not follow the North American 1-800 or 1-888 format.

Standardizing how you store and use South Korean phone numbers improves reliability and keeps your international communication systems aligned.

Make International Calling Easy with DialLink

DialLink’s AI-powered cloud phone system is built for SMBs and startups that manage customers, partners, and remote teams around the world. Whether you're calling South Korea daily or occasionally, DialLink keeps you connected without the hassle.

Why businesses rely on DialLink for global communication:

• International calls – Make affordable international calls with no complex setup or hidden fees
• AI voice agents – Automate routine calls, like client support or booking inquiries
• Mobile, desktop, and desk phone support – Make calls anytime, from anywhere
• Professional call handling tools – Voicemail, call routing, transcripts, and more
• Business messaging – Send and receive messages from Jamaican contacts

With DialLink, your team can handle business calls to South Korea professionally, without expensive infrastructure or complex setup.

Common South Korean Number Format Examples

Note: Toll-free numbers that begin with 80 are only free within South Korea. These may not be accessible from abroad and could incur charges.

How to Read and Format South Korean Numbers

South Korean phone numbers follow a consistent but slightly varied structure depending on the type of service.

Landline Numbers:

• Format: +82 (area code) (subscriber number)
• Example: +82 2 312 3456
• Note: Area codes are 1–2 digits, and the subscriber number is typically 7–8 digits long.

Mobile Numbers:

• Format: +82 10 XXXX XXXX
• Details: Mobile numbers always begin with “010” locally. When dialing internationally, drop the leading “0” to use +82 10.

Format Variations

• International Format (E.164): +821012345678 — preferred in CRMs and business systems
• Local Format (within Korea): 010-1234-5678 or 02-312-3456
• International Dialing (from outside Korea): 00 82 10 1234 5678 — for countries using “00” as the exit code

Best Practices for SMBs

• Store all Korean numbers in international format: +82 X XXX XXXX
• Remove any leading “0” from the local number when dialing or saving internationally
• Use E.164 formatting in your CRM, VoIP, and messaging platforms for consistency
• Use CRM integrations to streamline contact enrichment and call tracking

Sticking to best practices improves call success rates and ensures your communication systems remain synced across countries.