Essential Emergency Guide for Visitors to Korea

Unexpected health issues, accidents, or lost belongings can happen anytime while traveling. But if you find yourself in an emergency in Korea, there is no need to panic! Korea operates a highly efficient emergency response system equipped with 24/7 multilingual interpretation services.

Here is what you need to do to handle an emergency immediately and get in touch with the right authorities:

📌 Step-by-Step Guide to Handling an Emergency

Step 1: Call the appropriate emergency hotline

• Medical emergencies, fires, and rescue: 119
• Crimes, thefts, and safety threats: 112
• Medical advice and finding English-speaking hospitals: 1339

Step 2: Request interpretation assistance right away

• If you are not comfortable speaking Korean, just say "English, please" (or "Chinese, please" / "Japanese, please") as soon as the line connects.
• The dispatcher will initiate the emergency response while instantly bringing a professional interpreter (via 1330 or BBB Korea) onto a three-way call.

Step 3: Share your current location

• Mention nearby landmarks, building names, subway station exit numbers, or street addresses.
• If it is hard to explain where you are, take a screenshot of a map app (Naver Map or KakaoMap) or use text/app reporting services.

📞 Key Emergency Contacts & Services

119 — Fire, Medical Emergencies, and Rescue

• When to call: Serious illnesses, injuries, fires, or rescue situations
• What they provide: Immediate dispatch of emergency personnel and free ambulance transport
• Supported languages: Three-way interpretation available in English, Chinese, Japanese, and more

112 — National Police Agency (Crime & Emergency)

• When to call: If you've been a victim of a crime, are in physical danger, involved in a traffic accident, or had your belongings stolen.
• Language support: Real-time three-way interpretation available.

1339 — Emergency Medical Information Center

• When to call: For medical advice, first-aid instructions, or to find foreign-language-friendly hospitals and late-night pharmacies.
• Language support: English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and more.

1330 — Korea Travel Helpline

• When to call: For travel-related assistance, on-the-spot interpretation, or connection to 112/119 services.
• Operating hours: 24/7 for English, Japanese, and Chinese (08:00–19:00 for Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, and Indonesian).

1345 — Immigration Contact Center

• When to call: For inquiries regarding visas, immigration, your stay in Korea, and general administrative info.
• Language support: Available in 20 languages (Weekdays 09:00–22:00; English, Chinese, and Japanese available nights and weekends).

📱 Non-Voice & Digital Emergency Tools

119 Multi-Channel Reporting Service

• If you cannot make a phone call or speak out loud, you can text 119 with photos, videos, or your exact GPS location.

Emergency Medical Information App (E-Gen)

• Uses real-time GPS to pinpoint nearby hospitals, emergency rooms, and pharmacies that offer foreign-language services.

1330 Korea Travel Essentials App

• If you cannot make a phone call or need to communicate discreetly, you can chat via text (available in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Russian) over free Wi-Fi to request emergency guidance and interpretation.

💡 Quick Checklist for International Visitors

1. Make a call: Dial 119 for medical emergencies or fires, or 112 for the police.
2. Ask for help: Say "English, please!" (or "Chinese, please", "Japanese, please").
3. Share your location: Mention a nearby subway exit, landmark name, or share a GPS screenshot.
4. Get prepared: Keep digital copies of your passport and travel insurance policy on your phone for faster hospital check-in.