Emergency Numbers: 112 and 119
Emergency numbers in Korea — 112 for police, 119 for ambulance and fire, and the 1330 tourist hotline for non-emergency help.
The two numbers to remember
In Korea, 112 is the police emergency number and 119 is for fire and ambulance. Both numbers work from any phone, including a phone without a SIM card, and both are free to call. Save both numbers in your phone as soon as you arrive.
Calling for help in English
Both 112 and 119 have English-speaking operators available, although there may be a short wait while you are connected. Speak slowly and clearly, give your location first, and then explain what happened. If you do not know your exact address, describe a nearby landmark, a subway station, or a shop name.
What to do in a medical emergency
Call 119 for an ambulance. If you are in a hotel, ask the front desk to call for you — they can explain the location in Korean. Large hospitals in Seoul, such as Seoul National University Hospital and Samsung Medical Center, have international clinics with English-speaking staff.
The tourist hotline: 1330
For non-emergency help, call 1330, the Korea Travel Hotline, which is available 24 hours a day in English. They can help with directions, translation, and general problems such as a lost passport or a dispute with a shop. This number is free from any phone.
Your embassy
If you lose your passport or have a serious problem, contact your country's embassy in Seoul. Save your embassy's phone number and address before your trip. Your embassy can issue an emergency travel document and help you contact family at home.