North Korea +850

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, commonly known as North Korea, uses the international dialing code +850. Managed by the state-run Korea Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (KPTC), the country's telecommunications infrastructure is among the most isolated and tightly controlled in the world. For international callers, understanding the nuances of +850 is essential, as the country's numbering plan, access restrictions, and operational realities differ significantly from those in most other nations. While the country has made incremental strides in mobile technology since the introduction of a 3G network in 2008 and a 4G LTE network in 2013, the system remains closed, with international connectivity limited to a few state-sanctioned gateways. This page provides a comprehensive guide to dialing North Korea, including area code structures, special rules, and practical advice for businesses and travelers.

How to Dial North Korea (International and Domestic)

To place an international call to North Korea from any other country, you must first dial your country's international access code (e.g., 00 from most European nations, 011 from the United States and Canada, or 001/002/007/008 from South Korea), followed by the country code 850, then the city or area code (dropping the leading '0' where applicable), and finally the local phone number. For example, to call a landline in Pyongyang from the United States, you would dial: 011 850 2 XXXX XXXX. For mobile phones in North Korea, you would dial: 011 850 191 XXXX XXXX (or the specific mobile prefix).

When dialing domestically within North Korea, the trunk prefix 0 is used before the area code for landline calls between different cities. For example, to call from a landline in Pyongyang to a landline in Nampo, you would dial 0 2 XXXX XXXX if calling within the same city, but for inter-city calls you would use 0 31 XXXX XXXX for Nampo. However, mobile-to-mobile calls within North Korea do not require the trunk prefix; you simply dial the full mobile number starting with the network prefix (e.g., 191).

North Korea Area Codes and Numbering Structure

North Korea's landline telephone system uses a two-digit area code for major cities, with Pyongyang using the code 2 (domestically 02). Other key area codes include: Kaesong (49), Nampo (31), Wonsan (68), Sinuiju (53), and Hamhung (57). However, it is crucial to note that international callers often encounter difficulties because the exact number of digits in local numbers varies by location and service. The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications has historically used a system where large cities have shorter local numbers (e.g., Pyongyang uses 6 to 7 digits), while rural areas may have fewer digits. As of the 2020s, many international directories list Pyongyang numbers as 8 digits, including the area code, but this is not always consistent due to the lack of public official documentation.

Mobile phone numbers in North Korea are assigned distinct prefixes that indicate the network provider, though all operate under the state's Koryolink or Kangbyong networks. Common mobile prefixes include 191 (for Koryolink, the joint venture with Egypt's Orascom), 192, and 193. These numbers are typically 10 digits in total, including the prefix. For instance, a Koryolink mobile number might appear as +850 191 1234 567. When dialing internationally, you must include the prefix after the country code, and there are no additional area codes for mobile numbers.

Special Dialing Rules and Restrictions

One of the most critical aspects of dialing North Korea is understanding that international calls are heavily monitored and often unreliable. The government restricts access to international lines, and most local residents do not have permission to make overseas calls without special authorization. For foreigners visiting North Korea, international calls are typically only possible from designated hotel rooms or using specific SIM cards issued to foreigners, which are expensive and limited. Calls are often routed through a central switchboard in Pyongyang, and connection quality may be poor. Additionally, there is no direct dialing to most North Korean numbers from outside the country; calls may require operator assistance, and the North Korean side may not answer if the call is unsolicited.

Another special rule involves the use of the country code +850 for satellite phones. Inmarsat and Thuraya satellite services are available in North Korea but use separate country codes (e.g., +870 for Inmarsat), not +850. If you are trying to reach a North Korean official on a satellite phone, you must use the specific satellite code, not the terrestrial code. Furthermore, North Korea does not participate in international roaming agreements for its domestic mobile network, meaning a foreign SIM card will not work on the local network; visitors must purchase a local SIM card at the airport or use international roaming only if their home carrier has a special agreement (which is rare and often only available through Chinese providers near the border).

Dialing from North Korea to the Rest of the World

Outgoing international calls from North Korea are subject to strict government control. Foreigners in Pyongyang can make international calls from hotel lobbies (e.g., Koryo Hotel or Yanggakdo International Hotel) by dialing an international access prefix, typically 00 or 99, followed by the destination country code and number. However, these calls are often routed through operators and may require prior approval. For local North Koreans, international dialing is generally prohibited without special permission, and such calls are monitored by state security. The cost of international calls from North Korea is exorbitant, often exceeding USD $5 per minute to neighboring countries and significantly more to other destinations.

Area Code Context and Geographic Implications

Understanding North Korea's area codes is vital for businesses attempting to reach partners in specific economic zones, such as the Kaesong Industrial Region (which uses the Kaesong area code 49) or the Rason Special Economic Zone (which uses the Rajin-Sonbong area code 08, but internationally often dialed as +850 8). However, due to the political situation and the closure of the Kaesong Industrial Park in 2020, many of these numbers are no longer in service. The area code for the capital, Pyongyang (2), is the most commonly used, as it hosts most government ministries and foreign embassies. When calling any North Korean number, it is advisable to confirm the exact number with the intended recipient, as the country does not have a publicly accessible telephone directory, and numbers change frequently due to network upgrades or security protocols.

Practical Tips for Travelers and Businesses

For travelers planning to visit North Korea, it is essential to know that your mobile phone will not work on the local network unless you purchase a tourist SIM card, which provides limited data and calling capabilities. These SIM cards are available at Pyongyang International Airport and are sold by the state-run provider. They allow international calls to select countries, but all calls are subject to monitoring. If you need to receive calls, you must provide your North Korean temporary number to contacts, but you should expect that calls may have low voice quality and high latency. For businesses, establishing reliable communication with North Korean counterparts is challenging. It is often more effective to use email or fax through third-party channels, as direct phone lines may be unavailable or unmonitored. When dialing, always verify the time difference (Pyongyang Time is UTC+9) and avoid calling on national holidays, which are numerous and strictly observed.

Finally, it is important to note that the +850 country code is not to be confused with +85 (which is not assigned) or +86 (China). Due to the proximity and historical ties, some automated systems might mistakenly route calls to China if the correct code is not used. Always double-check the number before dialing to avoid unintended connections to other countries.