Call the emergency service you need
In Korea, call 112 for police and 119 for fire, an ambulance or rescue. Both services operate around the clock. The Korean National Police Agency lists the emergency contact numbers, and the National Fire Agency provides 119 guidance.
Use the phone's emergency-call function if necessary. If a call will not connect, ask someone nearby to call or use another phone. Connection depends on the device and available network coverage; do not rely on a blanket promise that any phone will always connect.
Ask for language assistance
Say “English, please” or 영어 해주세요. Stay on the line while the dispatcher arranges communication. You do not need to learn a Korean sentence before asking for help.
| What you want to say | Korean | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Please speak English. | 영어 해주세요. | yeong-eo haejuseyo |
| I do not speak Korean. | 한국어 못해요. | hangugeo mothaeyo |
| Please send an ambulance. | 구급차 보내주세요. | gugeupcha bonaejuseyo |
| There is a fire. | 불이 났어요. | buri nasseoyo |
| Please send the police. | 경찰 보내주세요. | gyeongchal bonaejuseyo |
| Please help me. | 도와주세요. | dowajuseyo |
Give your exact location
Give the address if you know it, followed by the building name, floor, room or other detail that helps responders find you. If you do not know the address, describe a nearby landmark, shop or station exit. Tell the dispatcher whether you are at the landmark or some distance from it.
For example: “I am outside exit 3 of Hongik University Station” is useful when that is your actual location. A station name alone is less useful if you are several streets away. Do not leave an injured person or enter danger merely to find a better landmark.
Explain what happened and follow instructions
Tell the dispatcher what happened, how many people need help and whether there is an immediate danger such as fire or traffic. Answer the questions as clearly as you can. Stay on the line until told to end the call, and keep the phone available for a callback.
For a medical emergency, follow the dispatcher's first-aid instructions. If it is safe, arrange for someone to guide responders from the entrance to the person who needs help.
Use information lines for non-emergency questions
1330 provides tourism information and visitor assistance. 1345 provides immigration information. These services have their own operating hours and purposes; use 112 or 119 when urgent police, fire or medical help is needed.
