How to Call the US from South Korea? Step-by-Step Guide

When dialing a US number from South Korea, it’s essential to understand the South Korean exit code and key components of the US phone number format. These include the US country code, area code, and local number, each of which helps route your call to the correct destination within the country.

South Korea uses a carrier-based system for exit codes. So, unlike many other countries, it has multiple active exit codes. The code varies based on your telephone carrier.

Major international exit codes used in South Korea:

Note: When dialing from a mobile phone, you can replace the exit code with the ‘+’ sign.

The US phone number format consists of the US country code, the area code, and a 7-digit local number.

• US Country Code: The country code of the United States is ‘1’. When calling from South Korea or any other country, you must dial this code right after the exit code to direct the call to the US network.
• Area Code: Every US phone number includes a three-digit area code that represents a specific city or region. For example, 202 identifies Washington, while 212 is commonly used in New York.
  
  Some of the popular area codes in the United States include:

• Local Subscriber Number: The local subscriber number is the final part of the US phone number. It consists of seven digits that uniquely identify the person or business owning the phone number.

To call the USA from South Korea, enter the South Korean exit code, then dial the US country code, the area code, and the local number.

• Step 1: Enter the South Korean exit code, depending on your carrier.
• Step 2: Enter the United States country code, 1.
• Step 3: Dial the 3-digit area code.
• Step 4: Enter the remaining seven digits of the subscriber's phone number.

Calling a US Landline Number from South Korea

To call a US landline number, 212 123 4567 in New York, from South Korea, dial 001-1-212-123-4567 or +1-212-123-4567.

Here,

• 001 or ‘+’ - South Korean Exit Code
• 1 - US Country Code
• 212 - New York City Area Code
• 123 4567 - Subscriber’s Landline Number

Calling a US Mobile Number from South Korea

To call a US mobile number, 912 345 6789 from South Korea, dial 001-1-912-345-6789 or +1-912-345-6789.

Here,

• 001 or ‘+’ - South Korean Exit Code
• 1 - US Country Code
• 912 - Georgia Area Code
• 345 6789 - Subscriber Number

To call a toll-free number in the US from South Korea, dial South Korea’s exit code, followed by the US country code (1), the toll-free prefix, and the 7-digit subscriber number.

• Step 1: Dial South Korea’s international exit code.
• Step 2: Enter the US country code, 1.
• Step 3: Dial the toll-free prefix (such as 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877, or 888).
• Step 4: Dial the seven-digit subscriber number.

Note: Calls to US toll-free numbers may not connect from outside the United States. Even if the call connects, international charges may still apply.

The best time to call the US from South Korea is during US business hours, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. South Korea follows Korea Standard Time (KST, UTC+9), while the US operates across multiple time zones. South Korea is 13–17 hours ahead of the US, and its business hours usually fall late at night or after midnight in Korea.

Here’s a quick table showing the best time to call from South Korea to different US time zones:

The cost to call the USA from South Korea varies by carrier and plan, typically ranging from about $0.57 to $2.49 per minute when using traditional mobile networks. Rates may vary based on whether the call is made from a landline or mobile phone and whether any international calling plans are active. Without a subscription plan, the pay-as-you-go calling rate is often high.

Here’s the average calling price with the popular carriers in South Korea:

Calling the US from South Korea using traditional carriers can be expensive. The alternatives, like calling cards, social media apps, and virtual phone numbers, often cost less than traditional mobile carriers.

Calling cards allow you to pay in advance for a fixed number of minutes. They’re widely available online and at many convenience stores. These cards usually offer lower per-minute rates than standard mobile plans. However, it’s important to check the expiration date and any access fees before purchasing to avoid unexpected costs.

Social media apps such as WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook Messenger let you make voice and video calls using Wi-Fi or mobile data. The calls are made between the apps over an active internet connection. Unfortunately, you can’t call regular mobile numbers or landline numbers using these apps.

Virtual phone numbers use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology to place calls over the internet. Unlike social media apps, they can connect to regular phone numbers, including landlines. Many providers offer low monthly plans with reasonable per-minute rates. They’re a suitable option, especially for business use, as they come with the added call management features.

Calling the US from South Korea is simple once you know the correct dialing format. Just enter South Korea’s exit code (or the “+” sign), dial the US country code (1), add the area code, and finish with the seven-digit local number. With the proper steps, you can place international calls without confusion.

If you want to reduce calling costs, options like internet-based calling apps, calling cards, and virtual phone numbers can help you save compared to traditional carriers. Among these, virtual phone numbers are especially useful for frequent or business calls, as they offer lower rates along with helpful call management features.

Calilio’s virtual phone number makes calling the US from South Korea more affordable and flexible. Starting at $15 per month, its plans include features such as call forwarding, voicemail, call reports, and a free US virtual number, allowing you to make calls at local rates while staying connected effortlessly.