A comprehensive guide to vital emergency numbers in South Korea for foreigners. Learn which numbers to call for police, medical help, and tourist assistance, and get tips for navigating a crisis with a language barrier.
Introduction to Korea's Emergency System
Living or traveling in a foreign country comes with a unique set of challenges, and knowing how to handle an emergency is perhaps the most critical skill to have. While South Korea is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in the world, accidents and unexpected situations can still occur. Having a list of essential emergency numbers saved on your phone can provide peace of mind and, more importantly, save a life.
Unlike some countries that use a single universal number like 911, South Korea operates on a system with separate numbers for different types of crises. The good news is that many of these services, especially the primary ones, offer multilingual support to assist foreigners who may not be fluent in Korean. This guide will break down the most important numbers, explain what they are for, and provide practical advice on how to use them effectively in a stressful situation.
Police Emergency: 112
For any situation that requires police assistance—be it a crime in progress, a traffic accident, theft, or assault—112 is the number to dial. This is South Korea's equivalent of the police emergency line. The service operates nationwide, and you do not need to use an area code when calling from a landline or mobile phone. When you call, an operator will answer, and if you are not a Korean speaker, they can connect you to an interpreter.
It is important to remain calm and speak clearly, providing details such as your location and the nature of the emergency. If you do not know your exact address, look for street signs, landmarks, or the name of a nearby business. The police service has a dedicated interpretation system to help bridge the language gap and ensure you receive the assistance you need quickly. This is your primary contact for all law enforcement issues, and it is a number every foreigner should have memorized.
Fire and Medical Emergencies: 119
The number 119 is for all fire, rescue, and medical emergencies. This is the number to call if you need an ambulance, are in a traffic accident with injuries, or witness a fire. The 119 service is incredibly efficient and, importantly, the ambulance service is provided free of charge to all individuals, regardless of nationality or visa status. When you dial 119, your location is automatically identified, which helps dispatchers send help even if you cannot clearly state where you are.
Similar to the 112 police line, 119 operators can connect to a translator to assist non-Korean speakers. You will likely be put on a three-way call with a translator from a service like the Korea National Tourism Organization. When speaking to the operator, clearly describe the nature of the medical emergency, the symptoms of the patient, and any known details about the situation to ensure the paramedics are fully prepared. The service is available 24/7 and is your best resource for immediate medical and rescue needs.
Korea Travel Hotline: 1330
For tourists, 1330 is arguably one of the most useful numbers to know. Operated by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), this hotline provides multilingual assistance on a wide range of topics, from tourist information to translation services. While it is not a direct emergency line for police or ambulance, it plays a crucial role as an intermediary. The hotline can provide on-the-spot interpretation and can even facilitate a three-way call with emergency services like 119 if a direct language connection is difficult.
The 1330 hotline is available 24/7 and offers assistance in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, and Thai. Beyond emergencies, you can use it for general inquiries about tourist attractions, transportation, accommodation, and even to report tourist-related complaints, such as an overcharging taxi. It serves as an invaluable resource for navigating the country and can be your first point of contact in a non-life-threatening but urgent situation.
Immigration Contact Center: 1345
For all matters related to visas, immigration, or residency status, the Immigration Contact Center at 1345 is the number to call. This service is essential for long-term residents and is the official channel for administrative inquiries. Whether you have questions about renewing your Alien Registration Card (ARC), changing your visa type, or understanding immigration policies, 1345 provides accurate information in multiple languages.
It's important to use this official number to avoid misinformation from unofficial sources. While not an emergency line in the traditional sense, a visa issue or an expired permit can certainly feel like an emergency, and this is the direct line to resolve such problems. The service is available on weekdays and is your most reliable resource for legal and residency-related questions.
Seoul Dasan Call Center: 120
The 120 Seoul Dasan Call Center is a dedicated helpline for foreign residents and tourists in Seoul. It provides information on public services, daily living, and city administration, and can also assist with general inquiries. While it is primarily a non-emergency number, it can be extremely useful in navigating daily life and can also offer interpretation services for specific situations within the Seoul metropolitan area.
You can call 120 to ask about public transportation, waste disposal rules, local events, and more. This service acts as a one-stop-shop for navigating the complexities of city life and is a great resource to have on hand. For non-residents living outside of Seoul, check for similar local government helplines in your specific province or city.
Lost and Found: 182
Losing a personal item can be a major inconvenience, but in South Korea, there is a centralized system to help you recover it. The National Police Agency operates the Lost & Found Center at 182. If you lose your wallet, phone, or any other valuable item, you can report it missing through this number. You can also use their online service to search for lost items that have been turned in. This system is surprisingly effective, thanks to the country's high level of public trust and integrity.
When you call, you will be asked to provide a detailed description of the lost item, as well as the location and time you believe it was lost. While this is not a life-or-death emergency number, it is an incredibly useful resource that can prevent a significant amount of stress and financial loss. It's a great example of the efficient public services available in Korea.
KCDC Health Hotline: 1339
For health-related questions that do not require an immediate ambulance dispatch, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) operates a health hotline at 1339. This number is particularly useful for inquiries about infectious diseases, public health concerns, or general medical information. It is staffed by medical professionals who can provide advice in multiple languages and help you determine whether your symptoms warrant a visit to a hospital or clinic.
During times of public health crises, such as a pandemic, this hotline becomes a critical resource for foreigners to get accurate and up-to-date information. While the 119 number is for immediate life-threatening situations, 1339 is for guidance and information on less urgent medical matters. Having both numbers saved is a smart move for your health and safety.
Contacting Your Embassy
In addition to local emergency services, it is crucial to know the contact information for your country's embassy or consulate in South Korea. Your embassy can provide a wide range of services in a crisis, including assisting with a lost or stolen passport, helping with a medical emergency, and even offering legal and consular support. While they cannot intervene in local legal proceedings, they can provide guidance and a list of English-speaking lawyers. Many embassies also have a 24-hour emergency number for their citizens.
For a non-life-threatening but serious situation, such as being a victim of crime, contacting your embassy is often the best next step after reporting to the local police. They can help you navigate the process and ensure your rights are protected. Before you travel or if you are a long-term resident, make sure to find and save the main and emergency contact numbers for your embassy.
Tips for Emergency Preparedness
Knowing the numbers is just the first step. To be truly prepared, you should take a few practical measures. First, download a navigation app like Naver Maps or Kakao Maps, as they are far more accurate in Korea than Google Maps and can help you pinpoint your exact location to provide to emergency services. Both apps have an English-language option. Second, save a list of your vital information, such as your blood type, any known allergies, and a list of your medications, in a place easily accessible on your phone, like a lock-screen note.
It is also a good idea to learn a few basic Korean phrases for emergencies, even if you are not fluent. Phrases like "도와주세요" (Do-wa-ju-se-yo, meaning "Please help me") or "긴급 상황이에요" (Gin-geup sa-hwang-i-e-yo, meaning "It's an emergency") can make a difference. Finally, share your travel itinerary or daily plans with a trusted friend or family member who can act as a point of contact in an emergency.
Q&A
Q1. Is there a single emergency number like 911 in South Korea?
No, there is no single universal emergency number. Instead, South Korea uses a specific system with 112 for police and 119 for fire and medical emergencies. Both are easy to remember and function similarly to a 911 service but for different types of crises.
Q2. Do emergency services in Korea have English-speaking operators?
Yes, both 112 and 119 have multilingual interpretation services available. When you call, the operator may not speak English directly but can connect you to a translator for a three-way call to ensure your needs are understood. It's important to state your language clearly when the operator answers the call.
Q3. Do I have to pay for an ambulance in South Korea?
No, the ambulance service provided by 119 is free of charge for all individuals, including foreigners, regardless of the nature of the emergency. You will, however, have to pay for any medical treatment or services received at the hospital.
Q4. What should I do if I can't speak Korean and I need to report a crime?
Dial 112 immediately. If the operator doesn't speak English, stay on the line and say "English, please" or "통역해주세요" (tong-yeok-hae-ju-se-yo, "Please translate"). They will connect you to a translator. Try to be as clear as possible about your location and the situation.
Q5. What is the difference between 119 and 1339?
119 is for immediate, life-threatening emergencies requiring an ambulance or fire rescue. 1339 is the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hotline for non-urgent health inquiries, such as questions about symptoms, disease prevention, or general medical advice.
Q6. Can the 1330 Korea Travel Hotline help with emergencies?
Yes, while not a direct emergency line, 1330 can serve as a crucial intermediary. They can provide on-the-spot interpretation and can assist by calling the appropriate emergency service (112 or 119) and facilitating a three-way call with a translator.
Q7. How do I get assistance with my visa or immigration status?
You should call the official Immigration Contact Center at 1345. This line provides multilingual counseling and information on all matters related to visas, residency, and immigration policies.
Q8. What should I do if I lose my wallet or passport?
For a lost wallet or personal item, you can call 182, the National Police Agency's Lost & Found Center. If you lose your passport, you should also contact your country's embassy or consulate in South Korea immediately, as they can help you with the replacement process.
Q9. Is there a general information number for foreigners in Seoul?
Yes, the Seoul Dasan Call Center at 120 is a fantastic resource for non-emergency inquiries. They can provide information on a wide range of topics, including public transportation, city services, and general living advice for foreigners in the Seoul area.
Q10. How can I prepare myself for a medical emergency in Korea?
It's recommended to have your essential information (blood type, allergies, medications) saved on your phone's lock screen. Additionally, consider having a trusted contact who speaks Korean and is aware of your medical history. Lastly, know the address and contact information of a major hospital's international clinic near your location.
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