Calling South Korea from the US with Verizon can seem a little daunting at first, but don't worry! With this comprehensive, step-by-step guide, you'll be connected to your friends, family, or business associates in no time. Let's get started!
Are you ready to bridge the miles and connect with someone in South Korea? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from dialing codes to understanding your Verizon plan options.
Step 1: Understand the International Calling Basics
Before you even touch your phone, it's crucial to grasp the fundamental components of an international call. Think of it like a secret code you need to unlock to reach your destination.
Sub-heading: The Essential Codes You'll Need
U.S. Exit Code (011): This is the first number you dial from the United States to signal that you're making an international call. It tells your phone network that the call is leaving the country.
South Korea Country Code (82): Every country has a unique code. For South Korea, it's 82. This directs your call to the right nation.
Area Code (or Mobile Prefix): This is a specific code for the city or region within South Korea you're calling, or a prefix for a mobile number. These vary in length.
Local Phone Number: This is the actual phone number of the person or business you're trying to reach.
Step 2: Determine the Type of Number You're Calling
The dialing sequence will differ slightly depending on whether you're calling a landline or a mobile phone in South Korea.
Sub-heading: Calling a South Korean Landline
For landline numbers, you'll need the specific area code for the city.
The general format is:
011 + 82 + Area Code + Local Landline Number
Example for Seoul: If the landline number in Seoul is 1234-5678, you would dial:
011 + 82 + 2 + 12345678(Seoul's area code is 2).Example for Busan: If the landline number in Busan is 987-6543, you would dial:
011 + 82 + 51 + 9876543(Busan's area code is 51).
Some common South Korean area codes include:
Seoul: 2
Busan: 51
Daegu: 53
Incheon: 32
Gwangju: 62
Daejeon: 42
Sub-heading: Calling a South Korean Mobile Number
For mobile numbers, you typically skip the area code and directly dial the mobile prefix. South Korean mobile numbers usually start with 010. However, when dialing from outside South Korea, you drop the leading zero of the mobile prefix.
The general format is:
011 + 82 + Mobile Prefix (without the leading zero) + Mobile Number
Example: If the mobile number is 010-XXXX-YYYY, you would dial:
011 + 82 + 10 + XXXXYYYY
Important Note: Always double-check the exact area code or mobile prefix for the number you are trying to reach. A quick online search for "South Korea area codes" will provide you with the most up-to-date information.
Step 3: Check Your Verizon International Calling Plan Options
This is where the financial aspect comes in. Verizon offers several ways to make international calls, and choosing the right one can save you a lot of money.
Sub-heading: Pay As You Go Rates (Standard Rates)
If you don't have an international calling plan, Verizon will charge you at standard pay-as-you-go rates. These rates can be quite high, often several dollars per minute, so it's generally not recommended for frequent or lengthy calls. For South Korea, standard rates could be around $2.00+ per minute. Always check the latest rates on the Verizon website.
Sub-heading: Verizon Global Calling Plans
Verizon offers specific international calling plans that can significantly reduce your per-minute costs.
Global Choice ($10/month per line): This plan allows you to choose a specific country (like South Korea) and get a bundle of minutes (often up to 300 minutes per month) to call that country at a reduced rate (e.g., $0.05/minute after the included minutes, though rates can vary). This is ideal if you primarily call one specific country.
How to add Global Choice: You can add it through the My Verizon app, My Verizon online, or by texting the country's keyword to 4004 (e.g., "KOREA" to 4004, but verify the exact keyword with Verizon).
Global Calling Plus ($15/month per line): This plan typically offers unlimited calls to landlines in 60+ countries and mobile phones in 30+ countries, plus discounted calls to an additional 160+ countries starting at around $0.05/minute. South Korea is usually included in the discounted calls category. This is a good option if you make frequent calls to multiple countries or want broader coverage.
How to add Global Calling Plus: Text "PLUS" to 4004 or sign in to My Verizon.
Global Calling (basic international plan): While less comprehensive than Global Choice or Global Calling Plus, this plan might offer reduced rates to a broader range of countries, but without specific minute bundles. Check Verizon's website for current details.
How to add Global Calling: Text "GLOBAL" to 4004 or sign in to My Verizon.
Pro Tip: Always verify the exact details, included minutes, and per-minute rates for South Korea directly on the Verizon International Calling page (
Step 4: Making the Call!
Once you have your number, the correct codes, and a suitable Verizon plan, it's time to make the call.
Sub-heading: Dialing from Your Mobile Phone
Open your phone's dialer.
Enter the U.S. Exit Code: Type
011.Enter the South Korea Country Code: Type
82.Enter the Area Code/Mobile Prefix: Type the relevant area code for a landline, or the mobile prefix (without the leading zero) for a mobile number.
Enter the Local Phone Number: Type the remaining digits of the phone number.
Press the Call Button: Hit the green call button to initiate the call.
Example for a Seoul landline (hypothetical 123-4567):
011-82-2-1234567Example for a South Korean mobile (hypothetical 010-9876-5432):
011-82-10-98765432
Sub-heading: Using the "+" Symbol on Smartphones
Most smartphones allow you to use the + symbol instead of the 011 exit code. This is particularly convenient if you're saving international numbers in your contacts.
To do this:
Press and hold the
0key on your keypad until the+symbol appears.Enter the South Korea Country Code: Type
82.Enter the Area Code/Mobile Prefix: Type the relevant code.
Enter the Local Phone Number: Type the remaining digits.
Press the Call Button: Hit the green call button.
Example for a Seoul landline (hypothetical 123-4567):
+82-2-1234567Example for a South Korean mobile (hypothetical 010-9876-5432):
+82-10-98765432
Step 5: Consider Alternative Calling Methods (VoIP & Apps)
For even more affordable or free communication, especially if you have a strong Wi-Fi connection, consider Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services or messaging apps.
Sub-heading: VoIP Services
Services like Skype, Google Voice, and Vonage often offer very competitive international calling rates, sometimes even lower than traditional carrier plans. You typically purchase credits or a monthly subscription.
Sub-heading: Messaging Apps with Voice/Video Calls
Many popular messaging apps allow you to make free voice or video calls over Wi-Fi or data to other users of the same app. This is the most cost-effective method if the person you're calling also uses the app.
Some popular options include:
WhatsApp
KakaoTalk (very popular in South Korea!)
Facebook Messenger
Google Duo/Meet
FaceTime (for Apple users)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to check Verizon's current international calling rates to South Korea?
You can check Verizon's most up-to-date international calling rates and plan details by visiting their official website and navigating to the "International Calling" or "International Travel" section, or by using their online "Trip Planner" tool.
How to add an international calling plan to my Verizon account?
You can add an international calling plan (like Global Choice or Global Calling Plus) through the My Verizon app, by logging into your My Verizon account online, or by texting specific keywords (e.g., "PLUS" to 4004 for Global Calling Plus) to Verizon.
How to call a South Korean mobile number from the US with Verizon?
To call a South Korean mobile number, dial 011 (US exit code) + 82 (South Korea country code) + the mobile prefix without the leading zero (e.g., 10 for 010 numbers) + the rest of the mobile number. Alternatively, use +82 followed by the mobile prefix (without the leading zero) and the rest of the number.
How to find the area code for a specific city in South Korea?
You can find South Korean area codes through a quick online search (e.g., "South Korea area codes list"), or by consulting international dialing guides available on telecommunication websites.
How to use Wi-Fi Calling to call South Korea from the US with Verizon?
If your Verizon phone supports Wi-Fi Calling and it's enabled, you can make calls over Wi-Fi as if you were on the cellular network. International calls via Wi-Fi Calling are typically charged at your regular international calling plan rates or standard rates, so an international plan is still beneficial.
How to avoid high international calling charges with Verizon?
To avoid high charges, subscribe to a Verizon international calling plan (like Global Choice or Global Calling Plus), or use VoIP services (Skype, Google Voice) or messaging apps (WhatsApp, KakaoTalk) for calling over Wi-Fi or data.
How to verify if my Verizon phone is "Global Ready" for international calls?
Most modern smartphones on Verizon are Global Ready. You can usually check your device's compatibility or "Global Ready" status within your My Verizon account, or by contacting Verizon customer service.
How to call Verizon customer service for international calling inquiries?
You can reach Verizon customer service for international calling inquiries by dialing *611 from your Verizon Wireless phone, or by calling 1-800-922-0204 from any phone.
How to check my international usage on Verizon?
You can check your unbilled international usage by logging into your My Verizon account online, navigating to your "International plan page," selecting your device, and then choosing "View plan details and usage."
How to dial a toll-free number in South Korea from the US with Verizon?
Calling international toll-free numbers can sometimes be tricky or incur charges. It's best to check with Verizon directly for specific instructions and potential costs when dialing South Korean toll-free numbers from the US, as they may have a unique dialing format (e.g., 002 800-50050099 for Verizon's own international toll-free).