Korean Emergency Services Guide for Expats

Being Prepared: Emergency Services in Korea

No one wants to think about emergencies, but knowing how to access emergency services in Korea can save lives. This guide covers police, fire, medical emergencies, and special situations expats may encounter.

Universal Emergency Numbers

Korea has streamlined emergency services into simple, memorable numbers:

112 — Police (사고 / sabo)
119 — Fire Department and Ambulance (소방 / sobang)
129 — Emergency Medical Information (응급의학)

Key Points About Calling

All numbers are free from any phone
Operators speak Korean and English (in major cities)
Provide clear location — use landmarks or app coordinates
Stay on the line until operator says to hang up

Medical Emergencies

Calling an Ambulance

Dial 119 for ambulance. In Seoul and major cities, English-speaking operators may be available. If not, state your emergency in simple Korean:

응급실이 필요합니다 (eung-geup-sil-i pilyo-hamnida) — I need emergency room
병원으로 보내주세요 (byeong-won-e-ro bonae-juseyo) — Please send me to hospital

What to Expect

Ambulances arrive within 10-15 minutes in urban areas
Paramedics provide basic treatment at scene
Transport to nearest appropriate hospital
Bring your health insurance card and passport

Major Hospitals with English Support

These hospitals have international clinics:

Samsung Seoul Hospital — Gangnam
Seoul National University Hospital — Jongno
Asan Medical Center — Songpa
Yonsei Severance Hospital — Seodaemun
Ajou University Hospital — Suwon (for expats living south of Seoul)

After-Hours Care

For non-emergency after-hours care:

Visit 24-hour pharmacies (약국 / yakguk) — can provide basic advice
Search for夜间병원 (yakan byeongwon) — night hospitals
Call 129 for medical information in English

Police Emergencies

When to Call 112

Crime in progress
Traffic accidents
Lost/stolen property
Assault or harassment
Any threat to personal safety

English Support

Major police stations have English-speaking officers. In Seoul:

Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency: 02-795-0149
Foreigner Emergency: 1345 (Immigration)

What to Report

When calling 112, provide:

Location (address, landmarks, subway station)
Type of emergency
Number of people involved
Your phone number (for callback)

Filing a Police Report

For non-emergency situations, visit a police station directly. Bring:

Passport
ARC (if you have one)
Any evidence (photos, receipts)
Translation assistance if needed (ask for English support)

Crime and Safety

Korea is generally very safe, but expats should be aware of:

Common Issues for Expats

Theft: Rare but occurs in crowded areas
Scams: Be cautious of unsolicited calls claiming to be authorities
Traffic accidents: Know procedure for car/bike accidents

Safety Tips

Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
Use registered taxis (Kakao T)
Be aware of surroundings at night
Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, leave

Natural Disasters

Typhoons (태풍 / taepung)

Korea experiences typhoons mainly in late summer (August-September). When warnings are issued:

Stay indoors
Avoid coastal areas
Follow news and government alerts
Download emergency alerts app

Earthquakes (지진 / jijin)

Rare but possible. During an earthquake:

Drop, cover, and hold on
Stay away from windows
After shaking stops, evacuate carefully

Air Quality (Fine Dust)

Not an emergency but a health concern. When air quality is hazardous:

Check air quality apps (Air Korea, IQAir)
Wear masks outdoors
Limit outdoor activities
Use air purifiers indoors

Special Situations

Lost Passport

If passport is lost or stolen:

File police report (112)
Contact home country embassy/consulate
Apply for emergency travel document
Report to immigration if ARC was also lost

Lost ARC

Alien Registration Card lost:

File police report
Apply for reissuance at immigration office
Bring police report, passport, photo

Arrests or Legal Issues

If detained:

Request to contact embassy
Request legal representation
Do not sign documents without understanding
Ask for English interpreter

Useful Apps and Resources

Emergency Ready App — Government emergency alerts
Kakao T — Registered taxis and transport
Air Korea — Air quality information
Naver/Kakao Maps — Location sharing

Final Thoughts

While Korea is remarkably safe, emergencies can happen anywhere. Familiarize yourself with these numbers and procedures before you need them. Save emergency contacts in your phone, and remember: when in doubt, call. Korean emergency services are generally efficient and well-equipped to help.

Stay safe and enjoy your time in Korea!