Most trips to South Korea go smoothly. Still, knowing whom to call can make a difficult situation easier to handle, especially if you do not speak Korean or have just arrived in the country.
The three numbers worth saving before your trip are 112 for police, 119 for fire and ambulance services, and 1330 for tourist information and interpretation. They serve different purposes. If someone is in immediate danger, contact the appropriate emergency service first rather than starting with a travel helpline.
This guide explains which number to use, how to ask for English interpretation, what information to give the operator and how to prepare your phone before you need help.
South Korea’s Emergency Numbers at a Glance
| Number | What it is for | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| 112 | Police | A crime, threat, assault or another situation requiring urgent police assistance |
| 119 | Fire and ambulance services | Fire, serious injury, a medical emergency or another situation requiring emergency rescue |
| 1330 | Korea Travel Helpline | Tourist information, travel-related interpretation and assistance with tourism complaints |
Call 112 or 119 first when there is an immediate threat to life or safety. The 1330 service can help with travel questions and language difficulties, but it is not a replacement for emergency responders.
If you are unsure whether a situation is urgent, explain what is happening to the relevant emergency operator and follow their instructions.
When Should You Call 112 in Korea?
Call 112 when you need police assistance. Examples include an assault, a threatening situation, a crime in progress or a theft that requires urgent police attention.
If you are in danger, move to a safer place if you can do so without increasing the risk. Tell the operator what happened and where you are. If you cannot identify a street address, give a nearby shop, hotel, station exit or another recognizable landmark.
For a non-urgent issue, such as discovering that an item is missing after returning to your hotel, the next step may depend on whether it was lost or stolen. Ask your accommodation staff or an official tourist assistance service to help identify the appropriate reporting process. Do not assume that every missing item requires an emergency call.
For the practical steps for subways, taxis, trains, airports and passports, see our Korea lost and found guide.
When Should You Call 119 in Korea?
Call 119 for fire, ambulance or emergency rescue assistance. If someone is seriously injured, has a medical emergency or is trapped in a dangerous situation, contact 119 promptly.
Tell the operator the location, what happened and how many people need help. Follow the operator’s instructions. Do not delay an emergency call while trying to find an English-speaking hospital or a translation app.
For a medical problem that is not an emergency, your travel insurer, accommodation or a hospital’s international patient service may help you find an appropriate clinic. Emergency dispatch and routine medical appointments are different services.
How to Ask for English Help During an Emergency
You do not need to deliver a perfect explanation in Korean before calling for help. The Korea Tourism Organization advises international visitors to say “English please” or “Interpreter please” after an emergency call connects.
Keep your first explanation short. You can begin with one of these sentences:
- “I need the police. I am at [location].”
- “I need an ambulance. Someone is injured.”
- “There is a fire at [location].”
- “I speak English. Interpreter please.”
The operator may ask follow-up questions. Answer as clearly as you can, and stay on the line unless instructed otherwise.
What if you do not know your exact address?
Open your map if it is safe to use your phone. Look for the building name, street address or a nearby landmark. In a subway station, identify the station name and exit number. At a hotel, show the operator or a nearby staff member the address in your booking confirmation.
If you are outdoors, a nearby business or building may have an address that is easier to communicate than your current position. Your phone’s location information may also help, but do not rely on it as your only way to describe where you are.
What Is the 1330 Korea Travel Helpline?
The 1330 Korea Travel Helpline, operated by the Korea Tourism Organization, provides tourist information, travel-related interpretation and assistance with tourism complaints. It offers telephone and online chat options, including a web-based chat service.
Use it when you need help understanding a travel service, explaining a tourism-related problem or finding official visitor information. It can also be a useful starting point when a language barrier makes an ordinary travel issue difficult to resolve.
Within Korea, the published hotline number is 1330. From overseas, the Korea Tourism Organization lists +82-2-1330. Check the official service page for current contact options and language availability before your trip.
For a fire, serious injury, assault or another immediate emergency, call 119 or 112 directly. Do not wait for a travel helpline to connect you to emergency assistance.
What Should You Do if You Lose Your Passport?
A lost passport is stressful, but it is not the same situation as an immediate threat to your safety.
First, check whether you left it at your accommodation, in a bag or at a recent stop. If you believe it was stolen, contact the police and ask about the appropriate report. Then contact your embassy or consulate for instructions on obtaining a replacement or emergency travel document.
Your embassy’s requirements, appointment process and document fees depend on your nationality. Save its official contact details before departure rather than relying on an unfamiliar third-party website when you need help.
If your passport and phone disappear together, your accommodation may be able to help you contact your embassy, insurer or travel companions.
What if You Have a Problem in a Taxi or Another Travel Service?
A disagreement about a taxi fare or a lost item is not automatically a police emergency. Keep the receipt, vehicle information and booking details, and contact the operator or relevant official complaint channel.
If you are being threatened, assaulted or prevented from leaving a dangerous situation, call 112. For an ordinary tourism complaint or language difficulty, 1330 may be an appropriate source of assistance.
For the steps to take before and after a ride, see our guide to taking a taxi in Korea, including payment, receipts and common tourist problems.
How to Prepare Before Your Trip
You do not need an elaborate emergency plan. A few details saved outside your travel apps can make a difference when your phone has no data or its battery is low.
Save your accommodation’s Korean address, your embassy or consulate’s official contact details, your travel insurance emergency number and a contact person at home. Keep a copy of important booking information somewhere you can access without an internet connection.
If you use an eSIM or travel SIM, check whether it includes ordinary voice calls or only mobile data. Do not assume every data-only plan has the same calling capabilities. Also keep your phone charged and know where your charger and plug adapter are packed.
Our guide to essential apps for traveling in Korea explains which map and translation tools are worth preparing before you fly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the emergency number in South Korea?
There are separate emergency numbers. Call 112 for police and 119 for fire or ambulance services. Use the number that matches the emergency.
Can I call 112 or 119 if I do not speak Korean?
Yes. After the call connects, say “English please” or “Interpreter please.” Explain your location and what happened as clearly as you can.
Is 1330 an emergency number?
No. 1330 is the Korea Travel Helpline for tourist information, interpretation and tourism-related assistance. It does not replace police, fire or ambulance dispatch.
What number do I call for an ambulance in Korea?
Call 119 for an ambulance or another medical emergency. Give your location and follow the operator’s instructions.
Should I call the police if I lose my passport?
If you believe your passport was stolen, contact the police about reporting the theft. You should also contact your embassy or consulate for replacement-document instructions. If it appears to be lost rather than stolen, ask the relevant authorities or your embassy what documentation you need.
Can I use 1330 without downloading an app?
The Korea Tourism Organization offers telephone and web-based chat options. Check its official 1330 service page for the currently available contact methods and language support.