Korean Emergency Phrases
South Korea is an incredibly safe country, but emergencies do not check your language skills before happening. Whether you are visiting Seoul, Busan, or the countryside, knowing essential Korean emergency phrases could save your life or someone else's. This guide gives you the critical vocabulary with Hangul and romanization so you can communicate when it matters most.
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Calling for Help — 도움 요청
These are the most critical phrases to memorize. In Korea, bystanders are generally very willing to help, especially if you can communicate even a basic level of urgency in Korean.
Remember: 119 = fire and ambulance, 112 = police. When calling 119, say 구급입니다 (gugeup imnida) for medical emergencies or 화재입니다 (hwajae imnida) for fire. The operator will ask for your location — give the nearest landmark or address.
Medical Emergencies — 의료 긴급 상황
Korean hospitals are world-class, and major hospitals in Seoul have international clinics with English-speaking staff. For smaller clinics and rural areas, these Korean phrases are essential.
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Crime and Theft — 범죄와 도난
Korea has very low crime rates, but pickpocketing and lost items do occur. Korean police are helpful and many stations in tourist areas have translation services available.
Korea has an excellent lost and found system. If you lose something on public transport, call 1330 and they can help trace it. Seoul Metro's lost and found center recovers thousands of items daily. You can also check the Lost112 website.
Useful Emergency Information
- 119 — Fire and ambulance
- 112 — Police
- 1330 — Korea Travel Hotline (multilingual, 24/7)
- 1339 — Medical information hotline
- 1345 — Immigration helpline
The 1330 Korea Travel Hotline is an invaluable resource. They provide interpretation services, travel information, and can assist with emergencies by connecting you with the right services in English.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the emergency numbers in South Korea?
Dial 119 for fire and ambulance, and 112 for police. You can also call 1339 for medical information and advice in English. These numbers work from any phone, including mobile phones without a Korean SIM.
Can I get English-speaking help in a Korean emergency?
Yes. Call 1330 (Korea Travel Hotline) for 24/7 multilingual assistance including English, Japanese, and Chinese. They can provide three-way interpretation during emergency calls and help you communicate with local services.
How do I say "I need help" in Korean?
Say 도와주세요 (dowajuseyo) for "Please help me." For extreme urgency, shout 살려주세요! (sallyeojuseyo!) which means "Save me!"
What should I do in an earthquake in Korea?
Get under sturdy furniture and protect your head. After shaking stops, evacuate to an open area. Listen for announcements from the 국민재난안전포털 (National Disaster Safety Portal). Korea uses a cell broadcast alert system that sends warnings to all phones in the affected area.
Are Korean hospitals expensive for foreigners?
Korean hospitals provide excellent care but can be expensive without insurance. International clinics in Seoul (like Severance or Samsung Medical Center) have English-speaking staff and international billing departments. Always carry travel insurance documents.