Korea is very safe, but it helps to know exactly who to call. Three numbers cover almost everything: 112 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance, and 1330 — the 24-hour tourist hotline that will interpret for you and even call 112 or 119 on your behalf.
Below: the numbers, what to do in common situations (medical, lost passport, lost items), the official emergency app, and how to reach your embassy.
- Three numbers cover almost everything: 112 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance), 1330 (24h tourist hotline).
- 1330 will interpret for you and can call 112/119 on your behalf — it's the easiest first call.
- On a 112/119 call, say 'Hello, English please' to reach interpretation.
- Lost passport? File a police report, then contact your embassy. Install the Emergency Ready App.
Save these numbers now
Tap to call (on mobile). These work nationwide, and interpretation is available.
Any travel help, 24/7, multilingual — can relay to 112/119.
Korea Tourism Organization · ✓ 2026-08-02Visa, length of stay, immigration questions.
HiKorea / Korea Immigration Service · ✓ 2026-08-05What to do if…
Common travel emergencies and the fastest way through each.
You're sick or injured
- For an emergency, call 119 (say 'English please') or go to a hospital emergency room.
- For minor issues, a pharmacy (약국) or walk-in clinic is quick and cheap.
- Bring your passport and a card; keep any receipts for travel-insurance claims.
You lose your passport
- Report it at the nearest police station (경찰서) or substation (파출소) and get the report document.
- Take the report + any ID to your country's embassy for a replacement or emergency travel document.
- 1330 can help you find the police station and your embassy, and interpret.
You lose an item
- Retrace and ask staff — lost property is very often handed in.
- For taxis/subway, call 1330 for help contacting the operator's lost & found.
- For anything stolen, file a police report (112) for insurance.
A storm, heatwave or alert
- Follow official alerts; the Emergency Ready App shows shelters and guidance.
- In a typhoon/heavy rain, avoid rivers and low underpasses; check the KMA forecast.
- 1330 can advise and interpret if you're unsure what an alert means.
Install before you need it
Official app: nearest hospitals, police stations, shelters, safety guides and embassy contacts.
The Korea Tourism hotline — 24/7 multilingual help and 3-way interpretation to emergency services.
Find the nearest hospital, pharmacy or police station fast, with directions.
Reaching your embassy
For a lost passport, arrest, or serious emergency, your own country's embassy or consulate in Korea is the place to turn — they issue emergency travel documents and can advise. Search '[your country] embassy Seoul' for the current address and hotline, or let 1330 help you find it. Many embassies are in central Seoul.
Good to know
112, 119 and 1330 all offer interpretation. Start with 'English please' — or call 1330 first and let them relay.
You usually pay upfront (card is fine) and claim later on travel insurance. Keep receipts and reports.
Emergency calls (112/119) work even without a local SIM or credit. Airport/hotel Wi-Fi covers 1330 apps too.
Keep your passport (or a clear photo/copy) with you — police and hospitals may ask for it.
Help & emergency FAQ
Which number should I call?
112 for police, 119 for fire or an ambulance, and 1330 for anything travel-related (it's 24/7 and multilingual, and can call 112/119 for you).
Will they speak my language?
112 and 119 have interpretation — say 'Hello, English please'. 1330 offers help in several languages including English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai and Malay.
What if I lose my passport?
File a police report first, then take it to your embassy for a replacement or emergency travel document. 1330 can help you locate both and interpret.
Is there an emergency app?
Yes — the official 'Emergency Ready App' shows nearby hospitals, police stations, shelters, safety guidance and embassy contacts.
Do emergency calls work without a SIM?
Yes, 112 and 119 can be dialled even without a local SIM or phone credit.
Sources officielles
Les informations pratiques sont vérifiées auprès de sources officielles avec une date de vérification. Les prix, horaires et règles de visa évoluent — confirmez toujours auprès de la source officielle indiquée avant de voyager.