Health & Safety
22 questions.
- Emergency numbers (112 police, 119 fire/ambulance)Call 112 for police or 119 for fire, ambulance and rescue in Korea.
- The 1330 tourist helplineContact 1330 for tourist information and interpretation. Language availability depends on the time.
- The 1345 immigration and foreigner helplineContact 1345 for immigration questions and check its operating hours.
- BBB Korea: the free volunteer interpreter lineBBB Korea offers volunteer telephone interpretation. Availability depends on the language and volunteer.
- Tourist police: what replaced themUse 112 for police assistance or 1330 for tourist help and interpretation.
- Pharmacy, clinic, or ER?Choose medical help according to your symptoms. Call 119 for a medical emergency.
- Finding a pharmacy open at nightUse the official pharmacy finder or seek help locating an open pharmacy.
- What does medical care cost a visitor?Ask about treatment costs and insurance arrangements, but do not delay emergency care.
- Making a travel insurance claim from KoreaAsk your insurer which documents to collect and keep your treatment receipts.
- Buying common medications in KoreaAsk a pharmacist about suitable medicines and whether a prescription is required.
- Air quality and fine dust (미세먼지)Check the air-quality measurement and local advice before planning outdoor activities.
- Coping with Korean heat and coldCheck the feels-like temperature and weather alerts, and adjust your plans and clothing.
- Typhoon and monsoon season safetyCheck weather warnings and transport updates, especially before island or mountain trips.
- Korea's emergency alert texts on your phoneRead the alert type and location, and follow the official instructions.
- Is Korean tap water safe to drink?Arisu is Seoul’s public tap water. Building plumbing can affect water at your tap.
- Food safety: raw dishes worth knowing aboutUnderstand the risks of raw seafood and meat before deciding what to eat.
- Solo female traveller safetyPlan for personal safety and keep emergency and support contacts available.
- Korea's public drinking lawsCheck local restrictions and signs before drinking in public.
- Flying a drone in KoreaCheck airspace, registration and permission requirements before flying a drone.
- What not to photographCheck posted restrictions and ask permission before photographing people or restricted areas.
- How do I get back something I lost in Korea?Contact the transport operator or venue first, then check the police lost-property service.
- I was overcharged or scammedKeep evidence and contact tourist assistance or the police, depending on what happened.