Quick Summary
Emergency & Official Help includes police, ambulance, fire department, tourist assistance, lost & found and emergency translation. Knowing the right number to call saves precious time.
Key takeaways
- 112 — Police: use for crime, theft, lost people and safety concerns.
- 119 — Ambulance & Fire Department: use for medical emergencies, injury, serious illness, fire and rescue situations.
- 1330 — Korea Travel Hotline: translation and tourist support available anywhere in Korea, in English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean.
- 1330 operators can help with directions, transportation, tourist attractions, emergency situations and basic translation.
- 1345 — Immigration Contact Center: multilingual help with visas, residency and immigration questions.
- Foreigners can call 112 and 119 — emergency services can often provide language assistance.
- Take a photo of your passport before traveling, and save your embassy's contact information.
Official resources
- Korean National Police Agency — Official Website (112) — National police; dial 112 for crime and public-safety emergencies.
- National Fire Agency — Official Website (119) — Fire, rescue and ambulance services; dial 119 for medical emergencies.
- Safe Korea — Official Disaster & Safety Portal — Official disaster alerts, safety notices and emergency guidance.
Why It Matters
Korea is generally considered a very safe country for tourists, but basic precautions and preparation are still important.
Unexpected situations happen
Lost belongings, medical emergencies, transportation problems and safety concerns can occur even on smooth trips.
Language can be a barrier
If communication becomes difficult, translation apps like Papago and Google Translate, or the 1330 hotline, can help bridge the gap.
Preparation reduces panic
Saving emergency numbers, keeping a passport photo, and knowing your embassy's contact details all reduce stress during an emergency.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 01
1. Police — 112
Use 112 for crime, theft, lost people and safety concerns. Korean police are generally helpful to foreigners.
- 02
2. Ambulance — 119
Use 119 for medical emergencies, injury and serious illness.
- 03
3. Fire Department — 119
Also use 119 for fire and rescue situations. Fire and ambulance share the same number.
- 04
4. 1330 — Tourist Helpline & Translation Support
1330 is one of the most useful services for foreign visitors. Operators can help with directions, transportation, tourist attractions, emergency situations and basic translation support. Foreigners can call 1330 from anywhere in Korea.
- 05
5. Korea Travel Hotline languages
The Korea Travel Hotline is available in English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean, and helps with directions, transportation, tourist information and emergency assistance.
- 06
1345 — Immigration Contact Center
Call 1345 for multilingual support with visas, residency, alien registration and other immigration questions.
- 07
6. When you call, stay calm
Explain your location, what happened, and your name and phone number if asked. If you don't speak Korean, ask, "영어 가능하세요?" (Do you speak English?).
- 08
7. Translation help if needed
If communication becomes difficult, use Papago, Google Translate, or call the 1330 Hotline for support.
- 09
8. Before your trip: prepare
Take a photo of your passport before traveling, save your hotel address, and check your embassy's information before arriving in Korea.
Important Tips
Save 112
For police, crime, theft and safety concerns.
Save 119
For ambulance, fire and rescue situations.
Save 1330
The Korea Travel Hotline offers translation and tourist support anywhere in Korea.
Save 1345
The Immigration Contact Center helps with visas, residency and immigration questions.
Take a passport photo
Keep a photo of your passport in case it's lost or stolen.
Save your embassy contact
Check your embassy's information before arriving in Korea.
Save your hotel address
Useful for taxis, police, or if you get lost.
Learn a key phrase
"도와주세요" (Please help me) is a useful phrase in any emergency.
Stay aware
Korea is generally very safe, but protect your valuables and use common sense.
Common Mistakes
Don't
Not saving emergency numbers before the trip.
Do
Save 112, 119 and 1330 in your phone before you arrive.
Don't
Carrying no passport copy.
Do
Take a photo of your passport before traveling.
Don't
Having no embassy information.
Do
Check your embassy's contact details before arriving in Korea.
Don't
Panicking during an emergency.
Do
Stay calm, explain your location and situation clearly, and ask for help.
Don't
Not asking for help.
Do
Korean police and tourist services are generally helpful — don't hesitate to call 112, 119 or 1330.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners call 112 and 119?+
Yes. Emergency services can often provide language assistance.
Is Korea safe for tourists?+
Generally yes. However, basic precautions are still recommended.
What should I do if I lose my passport?+
Contact police and your embassy immediately.
Can I go to a hospital without speaking Korean?+
Many large hospitals provide English support.
What is 1330 used for?+
1330 is a tourist hotline offering directions, transportation help, tourist information, emergency assistance and basic translation support in English, Chinese, Japanese and Korean.
Official Resources
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