Emergency Numbers in South Korea: Tourist Safety Guide
Emergency Numbers in South Korea: A Practical Guide for Tourists
Most trips to South Korea go smoothly, but it is worth knowing where to get help before you need it.
If you are visiting Seoul, Hongdae, or another part of Korea, save a few important phone numbers on your phone. Knowing which service to contact can make a stressful situation easier to manage.
This guide explains the main emergency numbers, how to ask for help, and where to find official travel assistance.
The Most Important Emergency Numbers
The Korea Tourism Organization lists the following emergency contacts for visitors.
| Number | Service | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| 112 | Police | A crime, immediate threat, or situation requiring police assistance |
| 119 | Fire and emergency rescue | A fire, serious injury, medical emergency, or urgent rescue |
| 1330 | Korea Travel Helpline | Tourism information, travel-related questions, and interpretation assistance |
Important: If someone is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical attention, contact the appropriate emergency service. Do not delay an emergency call while searching for travel information.
The 1330 Korea Travel Helpline is a tourism support service, not a replacement for emergency services. The Korea Tourism Organization also provides online call and chat options through its official website.
Read the official emergency guide from the Korea Tourism Organization
When Should You Call 112?
Call 112 when you need police assistance.
Examples include:
- You are experiencing a serious threat or assault.
- You witness a crime that requires urgent police attention.
- You need immediate police help in a dangerous situation.
When speaking to the operator, try to explain:
- Where you are.
- What has happened.
- Whether anyone is injured or in immediate danger.
- How the operator can identify or reach you.
If you do not know the exact address, provide a nearby station, business name, street landmark, or other visible location information.
Do not put yourself at further risk to gather details.
When Should You Call 119?
Call 119 for a fire, medical emergency, or urgent rescue.
Examples include:
- Someone has collapsed and needs urgent medical attention.
- A person has a serious injury.
- There is a fire.
- Someone is trapped or needs emergency rescue.
Give the operator your location first if possible. Then explain what happened and whether the person is conscious or breathing, if you know.
If you are staying at a hotel, you can also ask staff for help communicating your location and situation. Do not postpone an emergency call while waiting for hotel staff if immediate assistance is needed.
What Is the 1330 Korea Travel Helpline?
The 1330 Korea Travel Helpline is operated by the Korea Tourism Organization. It helps international visitors with tourism information and travel-related assistance.
It may be useful when you need help understanding a travel situation but do not require an immediate emergency response.
For example, you may want assistance with:
- Finding reliable tourism information
- Understanding a travel-related problem
- Getting interpretation assistance
- Finding official information about local services
You can check the official 1330 page for the available contact methods, including online call and chat options.
Visit the official 1330 Travel Helpline page
Useful Korean Phrases for Asking for Help
You do not need to speak fluent Korean to prepare a few useful phrases.
| Korean | Pronunciation | English meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 도와주세요. | Do-wa-ju-se-yo | Please help me. |
| 경찰 불러 주세요. | Gyeong-chal bul-leo ju-se-yo | Please call the police. |
| 구급차 불러 주세요. | Gu-geup-cha bul-leo ju-se-yo | Please call an ambulance. |
| 여기 주소는… | Yeo-gi ju-so-neun… | The address here is… |
| 영어 할 수 있어요? | Yeong-eo hal su i-sseo-yo? | Can you speak English? |
You can save these phrases as a screenshot so they remain available when you need them.
If you are unable to explain the situation verbally, showing the written phrase may help someone understand what kind of assistance you need.
Prepare Before You Explore Korea
A few simple habits can make it easier to get help if something goes wrong.
Save your accommodation details
Keep your hotel name and full address in both English and Korean if available. This can help you explain where you are staying or where assistance is needed.
Keep your phone charged
Your phone may be essential for calling emergency services, checking your location, or contacting your accommodation.
Share your location when appropriate
If you are meeting someone or need help finding a specific place, sharing your current location can reduce confusion.
Know when to ask staff for help
At a hotel, station, airport, or staffed attraction, employees may be able to direct you to the appropriate service. However, in an urgent emergency, contact 112 or 119 directly rather than waiting for general assistance.
Verify official contact information
Keep the Korea Tourism Organization’s emergency guide and 1330 information page bookmarked. Contact methods and support details can change, so use the official pages for the latest information.
Travel with Confidence, Not Fear
Knowing emergency numbers does not mean expecting something bad to happen. It simply means being prepared.
Save 112 for police, 119 for fire and emergency rescue, and 1330 for tourism information and travel assistance.
With a few important details ready on your phone, you can explore Hongdae and the rest of South Korea with greater confidence.
VISIT HONGDAE — Practical guidance for a better Korea journey.
