For immediate danger in South Korea, call 112 for police or 119 for an ambulance, fire, or rescue. These are the Korea emergency numbers to save before arrival. For non-urgent visitor help, interpretation, or travel information, call 1330 instead.
Save the numbers and take a screenshot of your hotel address in English and Korean. In crowded areas such as Myeongdong (명동), Hongdae (홍대), Haeundae (해운대), or Jeju City (제주시), a clear location can matter more than a long explanation.
Korea emergency numbers visitors should save
| Number | Use it for | Best response |
|---|---|---|
| 112 | Crime, assault, threats, stalking, theft in progress, or an unsafe situation | Call police first if someone is in danger. The National Police Agency provides foreign-language interpretation support for 112 callers. |
| 119 | Ambulance, fire, rescue, severe illness, serious injury, or a traffic crash | Call immediately for breathing trouble, unconsciousness, major bleeding, chest-pain symptoms, or fire and gas hazards. |
| 1330 | Tourist information, travel interpretation, and tourism-related problems | The 1330 Travel Helpline is useful for a taxi issue, hotel communication, lost reservation, or directions. It is not an emergency dispatch line. |
How to use Korea emergency numbers quickly
Dial 112, 119, or 1330 directly from within South Korea; do not add +82. Start with four facts: what happened, your exact location, how many people need help, and your callback number. Say the hotel name, subway station, exit number, building name, floor, or nearby store if you cannot identify the street.
Simple English is enough: “Ambulance needed,” “Police needed,” or “Fire.” Then say, “I am at [place name], near [station].” Stay on the line, follow the dispatcher’s instructions, and move only if remaining where you are is unsafe.
Ambulances, hospitals, and payment
For a real medical emergency, use 119 rather than trying to book a clinic or find an English-speaking hospital yourself. As of August 13, 2026, public 119 ambulance transport is generally provided without a transport charge, but emergency-room treatment, tests, medicine, and admission are separate medical expenses.
Bring your passport, travel-insurance details, and a credit card if doing so will not delay care. International cards are widely accepted at larger hospitals, but coverage and payment procedures vary. A hospital may ask for a deposit or payment before non-critical treatment, so contact your insurer as soon as the situation is stable.
For a minor cold, small injury, or medication question, ask your hotel, a pharmacy (약국), or 1330 for guidance instead of calling an ambulance. Pharmacies commonly keep daytime and evening retail hours, while hospital emergency rooms operate around the clock but may involve long waits for non-urgent cases.
A practical Korea emergency numbers backup
Before your trip, install the multilingual Emergency Ready app. It can help visitors locate emergency medical centers, police stations, fire stations, shelters, and embassy information. Check the app and local alerts again shortly before travel because features, operating details, and safety notices can change.
Finally, put Korea emergency numbers in your contacts, carry your accommodation address, and share your itinerary with a companion. That small preparation can save valuable minutes when your battery is low, you are stressed, or you cannot explain your location clearly.
Related reading
- 7 Smart Tips for Lost Passport in Korea
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- 7 Smart Tips for Public Toilets in Korea
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