Korea emergency contacts + app bundle
Knowing the right number in Korea saves time and stress. 119 for fire/ambulance, 112 for police. 1330 is the Korea Tourism Organization 24/7 multilingual hotline — the single most important number for tourists. 1345 for immigration, 182 for lost-and-found, 1588-5641 medical translation. This tool gives you the right number per scenario, plus the app bundle to install before you land.
Emergency scenario decoder
What this solves
Most visitors don't know which number to call. 119 is the equivalent of 911 but for ambulance/fire; 112 is police; 1330 is the only English 24/7 tourist hotline. This tool routes you to the right number for each scenario.
119 (fire/ambulance)
English available. Free. Average response 5-8 min in Seoul. Hospital routing: 119 dispatches to nearest capable hospital; private ERs (some require ₩200,000+ deposit) vs public hospitals (free for emergency).
112 (police)
English available. Use for: theft, assault, lost items in public, suspicious activity. Tourist police unit in Myeongdong, Itaewon, Hongdae; English-speaking officers.
1330 (KTO hotline)
24/7 multilingual tourist hotline. English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese. Free from hotel phone; charged from mobile. Best for: directions, complaint translation, advice, non-urgent issues.
1345 (immigration)
Working hours 09:00-18:00. For visa overstay questions, ARC (Alien Registration Card) issues, lost passport reporting. Not 24/7.
How to read the result
- Number = primary contact.
- Backup = secondary number if primary is busy.
- Action = what to do right now.
Limitations
- 119 dispatch language can be slow in rural areas; some operators limited English.
- Private hospitals require deposit even with travel insurance; check policy first.
- Lost passport requires embassy visit; 1345 can confirm status.
- Lost credit cards: call issuer (numbers on card back); KT/Olive bank for KRW cards.
- Natural disaster: KMA/Korea Forest Service apps for typhoon/earthquake alerts.
FAQ
Can I dial 119 from a foreign phone?
Yes — works on any phone, even without SIM. Korean emergency numbers are universal.
Is 119 ambulance free?
The ride is free; treatment at hospital is by insurance. Public hospitals accept NHIS emergency without upfront deposit.
What apps to install before landing?
Papago (translation), Naver Map (maps), Kakao T (taxi), KORAIL Talk (trains), Emergency Sos (English), Air Korea (PM2.5).
What if my phone is stolen?
Use hotel phone or borrowed device. Call your bank's international collect number. File police report (112) for insurance.