How to Call South Korea From the US: Complete Guide (+82)

How to Dial South Korea From the US

South Korea uses the country code +82. Whether you are calling Seoul, Busan, or a Korean mobile number, the dialling process is straightforward.

Dialling Format

From a US phone: 011 + 82 + area code (without leading 0) + local number

From a mobile with + dialling: +82 + area code (without leading 0) + local number

💡

Korean area codes start with 0 locally (e.g. 02 for Seoul). Drop the leading 0 when calling from the US.

Example Calls

South Korean Area Codes

Nearly all Korean mobile numbers start with 010. Drop the leading 0 to dial 82 10 XXXX XXXX from the US.

Cost Comparison: Calling South Korea

💡

KakaoTalk is South Korea's dominant messaging app — far more popular than WhatsApp. Install KakaoTalk if you regularly call Korea.

Best Time to Call South Korea

South Korea is in Korea Standard Time (KST, UTC+9). Korea does not observe daylight saving time.

14 hours ahead of ET: 9 AM in New York = 11 PM in Seoul (same day)
17 hours ahead of PT: 9 AM in LA = 2 AM next day in Seoul
Best window from ET: 7-9 AM ET = 9-11 PM KST (evening in Seoul)
Best window from PT: 4-6 PM PT = 9-11 AM KST (morning in Seoul)

Tips for Calling South Korea

Use KakaoTalk: Over 90% of South Koreans use KakaoTalk daily. It is the default for voice calls, video, and messaging.
Seoul has a short code: Seoul is the only Korean city with a 1-digit area code (02 → 82 2). All other cities use 2-digit codes.
Lunar New Year and Chuseok: Korea's two biggest holidays. Most businesses close for 3 days during each. Plan calls around these dates.
Business culture: Koreans answer phones formally. State your name and purpose clearly. Avoid calling business contacts after 7 PM.

Summary

To call South Korea from the US, dial 011 + 82 + area code (without 0) + number. BubblyPhone offers $0.01/min rates. Seoul is 14 hours ahead of ET. Use KakaoTalk for free personal calls — it is far more common than WhatsApp in Korea.