Medical Emergencies in Korea

If you experience a serious medical emergency in Korea, knowing what to do can save valuable time.

Korea operates a nationwide emergency response system, and 119 is the primary number for fire, rescue, and emergency medical assistance.

CALL 119

For a serious or life-threatening medical emergency:

Call 119

Emergency responders can dispatch an ambulance and provide assistance based on the situation.

Examples of potentially serious emergencies include:

• Severe difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe chest pain
• Major injuries or heavy bleeding
• Suspected stroke
• Serious burns
• Severe allergic reactions
• Other potentially life-threatening conditions

Do not delay emergency assistance while searching for a particular hospital.

INFORMATION TO PROVIDE

When requesting emergency assistance, provide as much clear information as possible:

Your Location

Give the building name, hotel, landmark, road address, or other identifiable location.

What Happened

Briefly describe the emergency.

Patient's Condition

Explain important symptoms or injuries.

Contact Information

Provide a reachable telephone number when requested.

AMBULANCE TRANSPORT

Emergency medical personnel will assess the situation and determine appropriate assistance and transportation.

The hospital receiving the patient may depend on the patient's condition, location, available emergency services, and other circumstances.

EMERGENCY ROOMS

Emergency departments are designed for patients who require urgent medical assessment or treatment.

Patients are generally prioritized according to medical urgency rather than simply the order in which they arrive.

This means a patient who arrives later with a more critical condition may receive treatment first.

INTERNATIONAL VISITORS

When possible, have available:

• Passport or identification
• Residence Card, if applicable
• Insurance information
• Current medication information
• Allergy information
• Emergency contact information

However, do not delay seeking emergency help simply because these documents are unavailable.

LANGUAGE CONCERNS

Language support can vary by situation and medical institution.

If communication is difficult, provide simple and clear information about:

Location · Symptoms · Injury · Allergies · Medication

For complex medical discussions, ask the hospital whether interpretation assistance is available.