Area Code 31 – Pyongyang

Geographic Overview

Area code 31 is the National Destination Code (NDC) for Pyongyang, the capital and largest city of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). As a geographic code, it is assigned to the Pyongyang metropolitan region, which includes the central districts (such as Moranbong, Taedonggang, and Potonggang) and the immediate administrative areas under the direct jurisdiction of the capital. The code is used for fixed-line PSTN services within the city, and it is administered by the DPRK's national telecommunications operator, Korea Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (KPTC).

Dialing Formats

For international callers, the full international format is +850 31 XXXX XXX (or shorter local numbers depending on the subscriber line). For example, a landline number in Pyongyang might be dialed as +850 31 123 4567. When calling from within North Korea, callers must dial the trunk prefix 0 before the area code, resulting in 031 XXXX XXX. However, the use of the trunk prefix is only applicable for domestic calls originating outside the capital; calls within Pyongyang may require only the local subscriber number, depending on the local dialing plan.

Numbering and Overlays

North Korea's numbering plan follows the ITU-T E.164 recommendation, but the actual number lengths can vary. In Pyongyang, subscriber numbers may be 6 to 7 digits long. There are no known overlay codes for Pyongyang; area code 31 is exclusively used for the capital. The government strictly controls telecommunications, and international calls are often routed through centralized exchanges, which may affect connectivity and call quality.

Caller Instructions

For international callers, always replace the leading zero (if present) with the country code +850. For example, if a local number is listed as 031 123 4567, international callers should dial +850 31 123 4567. When calling from a mobile phone, ensure that the plus sign is used to denote the international access code. For domestic callers outside Pyongyang, dial 031 followed by the subscriber number. Note that due to the country's isolation, international calls to North Korea may be subject to restrictions or require operator assistance from some countries.

Practical Considerations

It is important to note that North Korea's telecommunications infrastructure is limited, and most landlines are not directly accessible from abroad. Many international calls are routed through Beijing or other gateways, and connection times may be long. Additionally, the DPRK government monitors all communications, and calls may be subject to interception. For businesses or individuals attempting to reach Pyongyang, it is advisable to verify the correct number with the intended recipient, as number formats may change without public notice.