It’s your second night in Seoul. You’re enjoying some spicy tteokbokki at a street stall when you notice your wallet is missing. Panic sets in. You're in a foreign country — you don't speak Korean fluently, and you're not sure what to do next. Who do you call? Where can you go for help?
Know the Emergency Numbers
In Korea, emergency services are fast, reliable, and available 24/7. Here are the main numbers you need to remember:
- 112 – Police (for crimes, theft, lost items, suspicious activity)
- 119 – Fire and Medical Emergency (for accidents, injuries, fire, or ambulance)
- 1330 – Korea Travel Helpline (available in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean)
Dialing these numbers from a Korean phone or SIM is free, and operators are trained to handle emergencies. The 1330 Korea Travel Helpline is especially useful for tourists — they can even help interpret in real time during emergencies involving police or hospitals.
What to Do If You’re in Immediate Danger
If you’re in a dangerous situation — such as being followed, harassed, assaulted, or lost in an unsafe area — dial 112 immediately. You can speak in basic English, and the operator will try to assist you or connect you to someone who can. Dispatchers can track your location and send help if needed.
Once police arrive, they may take you to a nearby station to write a report. If language becomes a barrier, you can request interpretation services through the 1330 helpline or use translation apps to communicate.
Reporting Lost or Stolen Items
If your wallet, passport, phone, or other belongings are lost or stolen, go to the nearest police station (경찰서). You’ll be asked to fill out a report — you can explain what happened in English or ask for an interpreter through 1330. Most central police stations in major cities like Seoul, Busan, or Incheon have some English-speaking staff.
Make sure to bring any documents you have — your ID, travel insurance info, or photos of the missing item. If you lose your passport, you’ll also need to contact your country’s embassy (see our previous post for full steps).
Medical Emergencies
In case of injury, sudden illness, or accidents, call 119. This number connects you to both the fire department and emergency medical services. Ambulances in Korea are free of charge in emergencies, and EMTs can transport you quickly to the nearest hospital. Some ambulances also carry English-speaking paramedics in tourist-heavy districts.
If it’s not life-threatening but you still need care, head to an emergency room at a hospital. Tertiary hospitals like Seoul National University Hospital or Samsung Medical Center often have international clinics or interpretation desks.
Getting Help as a Tourist
Tourists in Korea have access to special support services. The most useful is:
- Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Helpline – 1330
Available 24/7 in English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. They can assist with emergency interpretation, police support, medical help, and general travel advice.
If you are in distress but don’t know which emergency number to call, start with 1330 — they will redirect you or handle the situation with the appropriate service.
Police Stations in Tourist Areas
In popular tourist areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Itaewon, you’ll find Tourist Police (관광경찰). These officers wear blue uniforms and speak basic English. Their job is to help foreign visitors with issues like scams, theft, or general safety concerns. You can approach them directly for assistance or directions.
Tips for Communicating in an Emergency
- Stay calm and speak slowly in English.
- Use translation apps like Papago or Google Translate to bridge language gaps.
- Use landmarks or Google Maps to describe your location.
- Ask passersby for help — many Koreans are willing to assist foreigners, even if they don’t speak English well.
Final Thoughts
No one wants to think about emergencies during their vacation, but knowing what to do can make a huge difference. Korea offers strong safety infrastructure and responsive services — as long as you know who to call.
Save these numbers in your phone, jot them down in your travel journal, or take a screenshot — and explore Korea with peace of mind.
Labels: emergency help Korea, call police Korea, tourist safety Korea, 1330 travel helpline
Search Description: Need emergency help in Korea? Learn how to contact the police, call an ambulance, report theft, or get tourist support with English-friendly services.
Image alt: Tourist using phone to call Korean police or emergency helpline during a stressful situation
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