Korean Society · Guide 07

Public Safety

Korea is one of the safest countries in the world — emergency numbers, safety services and what to do if something happens.

Public safety in Korea — ASK KOREA infographic
01 — Overview

Quick Summary

Korea has a low crime rate, fast emergency response and extensive public safety systems including CCTV and disaster alerts. Residents, visitors and foreigners can all access the same safety services, and many hotlines offer multilingual support.

Key takeaways

  • 112 is police, 119 is fire and medical, 1330 is the travel hotline.
  • 1345 is the immigration call centre and 110 handles general government inquiries.
  • Interpretation services are available on the main emergency lines.
  • Disaster alerts arrive by cell broadcast in multiple languages.
  • In an emergency, stay calm, give your location and follow the operator's instructions.
02 — Full Guide

The Complete Guide

Emergency numbers

  • 112 — police: crimes, accidents, suspicious activity
  • 119 — fire and medical: fire, ambulance, rescue, disaster
  • 1330 — Korea Travel Hotline: tourist information and interpretation, 24/7
  • 1345 — Immigration Call Center: visa, residency, reporting
  • 110 — general government inquiries
  • 1366 — Women & Children Help Line, 24/7

What to do in an emergency

Operators are used to helping callers who do not speak Korean. Speak slowly, use simple words and stay on the line.

  • Call the right number: 112, 119 or 1330 depending on the situation
  • Give your location, using landmarks if possible
  • Explain clearly and slowly
  • Follow the operator's instructions
  • Stay calm and wait for help to arrive

Safety services around you

  • Police patrol, reporting and lost-and-found services
  • Fire and rescue services including emergency medical response
  • Disaster alert system — cell broadcasts, sirens and multilingual alerts
  • CCTV in public areas, subways and tourist spots
  • Designated safety shelters for disasters and emergencies

Basic safety rules

  • Keep your belongings secure in crowded places
  • Do not accept packages or food from strangers
  • Follow traffic rules and use crosswalks
  • In a disaster, follow official instructions
  • Respect local laws and cultural norms
  • Ask for help if you need it — people will assist

Useful apps and resources

  • Emergency Ready Korea — disaster alerts and safety tips
  • 119 Report app (119 신고) — emergency call with location sharing
  • Safety Stepping Stone app (안전디딤돌) — disaster information
  • Safety Korea (safekorea.go.kr), Korean National Police Agency (police.go.kr)
  • National Fire Agency (nfa.go.kr), Hi Korea (hikorea.go.kr)
Pro Tips

Pro Tips

  • Save 112, 119 and 1330 in your phone before you need them.
  • Know your address in Korean, or keep it saved as a screenshot.
  • Check evacuation routes in public buildings and your own building.
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