🚨 Korean Emergency Numbers and What to Do

 

Whether you're living in Korea or just visiting, knowing what to do in an emergency can save valuable time — and possibly lives. Here's your practical guide to essential emergency numbers in Korea, how to communicate, and what to expect.

📘 Table of Contents

• 1. Essential Emergency Numbers
• 2. What to Do in an Emergency
• 3. Medical Assistance (Hospitals and Pharmacies)
• 4. Language Help in Emergencies
• 5. Did You Know?
• 6. Self-Study Tip: Emergency Expressions
• 7. Want to Learn More Korean?

📞 1. Essential Emergency Numbers

• 🚓 Police: 112
• 🚑 Ambulance & Fire: 119
• 🌐 Foreigner Help Line (24/7): 1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• 📱 Lost Passport/Embassy: Contact your embassy or dial 02-3210-0404 (Seoul Global Center)

🧭 2. What to Do in an Emergency

If something happens:

• Stay calm and dial the appropriate number.
• Say: “도와주세요!” (Dowajuseyo!) – Help me!
• Give your location clearly – address or landmarks.
• Ask for an English speaker: “영어 하세요?” (Yeongeo haseyo?)

🏥 3. Medical Assistance (Hospitals and Pharmacies)

Seoul and major cities have international clinics. Some 24/7 options include:

• Severance Hospital, Seoul (Foreign language support)
• Samsung Medical Center, Seoul
• Emergency Pharmacy Finder: www.pharm114.or.kr

🌍 4. Language Help in Emergencies

Many emergency responders are trained in basic English. For translation help:

• Call 1330 for language support during emergencies
• Use translation apps like Papago or Google Translate

💡 5. Did You Know?

South Korea ranked 5th globally in emergency response speed, according to a 2023 report. The average ambulance arrival time in Seoul is just under 6 minutes — faster than most countries!

📚 6. Self-Study Tip: Emergency Expressions

• "불이 났어요!" (Buri nasseoyo!) – There’s a fire!
• "도둑이 들어왔어요." (Dodugi deureowasseoyo.) – Someone broke in.
• "구급차 불러 주세요." (Gugeupcha bulleo juseyo.) – Call an ambulance, please.

Practice these with a partner or record yourself.

🎓 7. Want to Learn More Korean?

Want to feel safer and more confident during your trip? 👉 Book a practical Korean lesson with me on italki and learn real-life expressions that could help in an emergency.

Knowing what to say in urgent moments can make a world of difference. 🧯 Stay safe, and remember — you’re never alone when you’re learning Korean with me. Explore more life-saving expressions and culture tips right here on the blog! 😊