NOW

Why do most Korean mobile numbers start with 010?

Korea once used mobile prefixes such as 011, 016, 017, 018 and 019. The government later introduced a unified 010 system to manage numbers more efficiently and reduce their association with particular carriers.

WHEN DID IT START?

According to a Korea Communications Commission policy report, new 2G subscribers and those changing numbers began receiving 010 numbers in 2004.

WHY UNIFY THEM?

The policy aimed to make better use of available numbers, reduce carrier-specific number branding and improve convenience for users.

Sources & context

2026-09-18

www.kcc.go.kr ↗