South Korea Postal Codes

SEARCHING FOR LATEST SOUTH KOREAN POSTAL CODES (ZIP CODES) IN 2023

Postal codes in South Korea are composed of five digits. A new system of post codes was introduced on August 1, 2015. The first postal code in South Korea was established on July 1, 1970, and has been revised three times: in 1988, 2000, and 2015.

History of South Korea Postal Codes

FROM 1970-1988

South Korea’s first postal code was introduced on July 1, 1970. Individual codes were provided for each post office distribution area, using an nnn-nn numeric format (e.g., 120-01 represented Susaek-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul). Unlike current postal coding provided by administrative districts, the 1970 system was implemented based upon a post office’s railroad line; this often led to inconsistencies in post codes relative to their administrative areas.

Large post offices used a three-digit postal code, and small offices a five-digit code

FROM 1988-2000

Postal codes became six digits long on February 1, 1988. They were grouped by administrative areas as reflected by district reorganization and highway transportation networks.

These codes utilized an nnn-nnn format; the first three digits represented, in order, the metropolitan administrative district (large city, metropolitan area, province, special autonomous area, etc.), the resident’s neighborhood or ward, and a specific city, county, or district.

The last three digits matched the code to the recipient. They were assigned based on a postman’s delivery route. These sub-codes were divided into statutory dongs and administrative dongs, followed by myeons, and then by buildings and/or mailboxes.

FROM 2000-2015

On May 1, 2000, postal codes were assigned to each delivery agent’s postal area to facilitate easier distribution. This system relied upon the codes assigned in 1988. New postal codes were subdivided to match each postman’s delivery area, taking into account the introduction of automated mail sorting equipment.

CURRENT SYSTEM

The six-digit postal code was abolished on August 1, 2015, to be replaced with the current five-digit system that uses a simpler nnnnn format.

HOW TO FIND YOUR ZIP CODE IN KOREA

Getting your head around the Korean address system might be a pain in the neck. If you have been living in Korea for a few years, you might have noticed the change of the address system, which is now based on specific street names and building numbers in your neighborhood. Zip code is an important part of the Korean address system, and that’s why Expat Guide Korea prepared a guide on how to find your zip code in Korea.

KOREAN ZIP CODE

Zip codes or postal codes are specific identification numbers given to the specific neighborhood in which your place is located. Starting from 2015, 5-digit numbers are used as zip codes in Korea, replacing the old 6-digit zip codes.

The 5-digit district number assigned based on the geographic features (roads, rivers, railroads, etc.) and assigned to each State Basic District will replace the existing 6-digit postal code created based on the administrative units (Eup, Myeon and Dong) and the districts assigned to each postman.

Learn more: https://globalzipcode.com/south-korea-postal-codes/