Living in Korea Tips🚨 Emergency Numbers Every Foreigner in Korea Must Save Right Now

"I didn't know who to call, and that made everything worse."

Emergencies don't give you time to Google. Whether it's a car accident, a sudden illness, a fire, or a crime, knowing exactly who to call in Korea can make all the difference.

Save these numbers before you need them. 📱

🚑 1. Medical Emergency (119)

If someone is unconscious, seriously injured, or having a medical crisis:

•       Call 119 (ambulance + fire department)

•       Available 24/7, and operators speak basic English

•       They will dispatch the nearest ambulance for free

•       You can also use 119 for fire emergencies

✅ Free service, fastest response

🧠 Tip: Say "영어 할 수 있어요?" (Can you speak English?) They can connect you to an English-speaking operator.

🚔 2. Crime / Police (112)

For theft, assault, harassment, or any criminal situation:

•       Call 112 (Korea National Police Agency)

•       Available 24/7

•       English interpretation available on request

•       You can also text 112 if you can't speak safely

✅ Works anywhere in Korea

🧠 Tip: If you've been a victim of a crime, you can also visit your local 경찰서 (police station) to file a report. Bring your passport.

🚗 3. Traffic Accident (112 +Insurance)

If you're in a car accident (as a driver, passenger, or pedestrian):

•       Step 1: Call 112 (police) to report the accident. Legally required in Korea.

•       Step 2: Call 119 if anyone is injured

•       Step 3: Contact your insurance company

Useful insurance hotlines:

•       Samsung Fire & Marine: 1588-5114

•       DB Insurance: 1588-0100

•       Hyundai Marine & Fire: 1588-5656

•       Kakao Mobility / Taxi accident? → Call 112 and request the driver's insurance info

✅ Always get the other party's name, license plate, and insurance info

🧠 Tip: Take photos of everything at the scene before moving any vehicles.

🔥 4. Fire / Gas Leak / Disaster (119)

•       119 covers fire, gas leaks, building collapse, and natural disasters

•       For typhoon/flood warnings, check the Korea Disaster and Safety Portal (safekorea.go.kr)

•       If you smell gas: don't turn on lights, open windows, leave the building, then call 119

🧠 Tip: Download the 안전디딤돌 (Safe Step) app. It sends emergency alerts in your area, including in English.

🏥 5. Non-Emergency Medical Help

Not every situation needs an ambulance. For less urgent issues:

•       1339 (Korea Health Hotline, 24/7, English available) → advice on symptoms, nearest hospital info

•       129 (Ministry of Health welfare consultation line)

•       Nearest ER (응급실): search "응급실" on Naver or KakaoMap for the closest one

🧠 Tip: University hospitals (대학병원) in major cities usually have English-speaking staff or international patient centers.

🌏 6. Foreigner-Specific Help Lines

These are specifically for foreigners living in Korea:

🧠 Tip: 1345 is your go-to for anything visa, residency, or legal status related. They have interpreters for major languages.

📋 Quick Reference — Save This!

📌 One-Line Summary

You don't need to speak perfect Korean to get help. You just need to know the right number to call. Stay safe out there! 🇰🇷