Area Code 49 – Kaesong

Overview of Area Code 49 (Kaesong)

Area code 49 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the city of Kaesong (개성시) in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea). Kaesong is a special administrative city located in the southern part of the country, near the border with South Korea. It is historically significant and is part of the Kaesong Industrial Region, a special economic zone where South Korean and international companies have operated. The area code is used for fixed-line telephone services within the city and its surrounding administrative districts.

Dialing Formats

When calling a fixed-line number in Kaesong from abroad, the international dialing format is:

• International format: +850 49 XXXX XXX
• National format (within North Korea): 049 XXXX XXX (when dialing from another region in North Korea, the leading 0 is used)

For example, a local number might be formatted as +850 49 123 4567 when dialed from outside the country. From within North Korea, you would dial 049 123 4567 if you are outside the Kaesong area, or simply 123 4567 if you are within the local calling area.

Numbering Structure

North Korean fixed-line numbers typically consist of a two-digit area code (excluding the leading 0) followed by a subscriber number of 6 to 8 digits. In Kaesong, the subscriber numbers are generally 7 digits long, making the total national significant number (NSN) length 9 digits when including the area code. The exact structure may vary, but the E.164 format ensures that the full international number does not exceed 15 digits.

Calling Instructions

• Callers from abroad: Dial the international access prefix (e.g., 00 from most countries), then the North Korea country code 850, followed by the area code 49 (without the leading 0) and the local subscriber number.
• Callers from within North Korea: If calling from a different province or city, dial 0 followed by the area code 49 and the subscriber number. If calling from within Kaesong, you may omit the area code and dial only the local number.

Important Considerations

North Korea's telecommunications infrastructure is limited and state-controlled. International calling to North Korea is often subject to restrictions and may require operator assistance. Additionally, mobile phone coverage is separate from fixed-line services, and mobile numbers have their own prefixes (e.g., 191, 192, etc.). The Kaesong Industrial Region has special communication links with South Korea, but these are not generally accessible to the public. Due to the political situation, international callers should verify the current dialing procedures with their service provider, as routes may be limited or blocked.