🚨 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! 😊
