Area Code 10 – Mobile Network
The phone area code for Mobile Network is 10 (international format +8210). Browse local exchange codes (NXX) and carrier assignments below.
Overview of South Korea's +82 10 Mobile Prefix
The +82 10 prefix is a non-geographic mobile network code assigned to South Korea's leading mobile network operators (MNOs) and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). Unlike geographic area codes, which correspond to specific cities or provinces, the 10 prefix is used exclusively for mobile services, enabling subscribers to retain their numbers when moving across the country. This prefix is part of the National Destination Code (NDC) structure defined under ITU-T E.164, and it is one of several mobile codes (including 11 and 16 through 19) that support the country's advanced mobile telecommunications infrastructure.
Number Structure and Formatting
South Korean mobile numbers using the 10 prefix follow a consistent 10-digit format when dialed domestically: 010-XXXX-XXXX. Internationally, callers must replace the leading zero with the country code +82, resulting in +82 10-XXXX-XXXX. The total number length, including the country code, is 12 digits, conforming to E.164 standards. When dialing from abroad, users should omit the trunk prefix '0' and enter the number as +82 10 followed by the eight-digit subscriber number. For example, a Seoul-based mobile number might be formatted as +82 10-1234-5678.
Carrier Assignment and Portability
The 10 prefix is shared among major carriers, including SK Telecom, KT, and LG U+, as well as numerous MVNOs. This sharing is possible due to Mobile Number Portability (MNP), which allows subscribers to switch carriers while retaining their original number. As a result, the prefix does not indicate a specific operator, and routing is determined by the current network database rather than the prefix alone. This system enhances competition and consumer choice in the South Korean mobile market.
Dialing Instructions
- Domestic calls: Dial 010-XXXX-XXXX directly from any landline or mobile phone within South Korea.
- International calls to South Korea: Dial your country's exit code (e.g., 011 from the US, 00 from most European countries), followed by 82, then 10, and the eight-digit subscriber number. Do not include the leading '0' of the domestic format.
- Calls from South Korea abroad: Use the international exit code 001, 002, or 00700 (depending on your carrier), followed by the destination country code and local number.
Technical Considerations
Mobile numbers under the 10 prefix support full international roaming and SMS/MMS interoperability. For VoIP or international calling services, it is essential to store numbers in E.164 format (+8210XXXXXXXX) to ensure proper routing. Additionally, when sending SMS from abroad, the same international format should be used. The 10 prefix is not subject to geographic tariffs; instead, calls are billed based on the caller's plan and the recipient's network, with no additional charges for inter-city calls within South Korea.