Emergency Numbers in Korea: 112, 119 & 1330 Travel Help for Tourists
Emergency Numbers in Korea: 112, 119 & 1330 Travel Help for Tourists
Most trips to Korea go smoothly.
But if something does go wrong, there are three numbers worth saving before you travel:
112 → Police
119 → Fire & Ambulance
1330 → Korea Travel Helpline
The important part is knowing which number to use.
This guide explains when to call 112 or 119, when 1330 can help with a travel problem, what to do if you do not speak Korean, and the simple Korean expressions that can help you communicate quickly.
112, 119 or 1330? The Short Answer
| Number | Use It For |
|---|---|
| 112 | Police emergencies |
| 119 | Fire, ambulance and emergency medical assistance |
| 1330 | Travel information, tourist interpretation and tourist complaints |
If someone's life, safety or property is in immediate danger, call 112 or 119. Do not treat 1330 as a replacement for an emergency service.
Call 112 for Police
Call 112 when you need urgent police assistance in Korea.
Examples may include:
- you are being threatened or attacked
- you witness a serious crime
- your belongings have just been stolen
- you are in a situation where your immediate safety is at risk
In a genuine emergency, do not spend time searching online for a nearby police station.
112 = Police
Call 119 for an Ambulance or Fire Emergency
Call 119 for fire and emergency medical assistance.
Examples include:
- a serious injury
- difficulty breathing
- loss of consciousness
- a serious medical emergency
- a fire
- an accident requiring emergency rescue
For a medical emergency, 119 is the number international visitors should remember for an ambulance.
119 = Fire + Ambulance
What If You Do Not Speak Korean?
Do not avoid calling 112 or 119 simply because you cannot speak Korean.
The Korea Tourism Organization's official safety guidance advises international visitors to say:
“English, please.”
or:
“Interpreter, please.”
The operator can connect you to professional interpretation assistance.
You can check the current official safety guidance here:
Official VisitKorea – Disaster Safety Services for International Visitors
Your Location Is Extremely Important
In an emergency, one of the most useful things you can provide is your location.
The Korea Tourism Organization recommends using nearby buildings or your smartphone's GPS function to help determine where you are.
Useful information can include:
- the Korean address shown in your map app
- your hotel name
- a nearby subway station and exit number
- a building name
- a store or restaurant name
- a visible street sign
If speaking is difficult, keep the Korean address visible on your phone so you can show it to someone nearby.
Save your hotel's name and address in both English and Korean. This can help with emergencies, taxis and navigation.
What Is 1330?
Not every travel problem is an emergency.
The 1330 Korea Travel Helpline & Complaint Center is operated by the Korea Tourism Organization for travelers who need tourism-related assistance.
Its services include:
- tourist information
- tourist interpretation
- tourist complaints
- online voice calls
- online chat
From within Korea, the number to remember is:
1330
For calls from overseas, the Korea Tourism Organization lists:
+82-2-1330
For current call, online voice and chat options, check the official service page:
Official VisitKorea – 1330 Travel Helpline & Complaint Center
112, 119 or 1330? Real Situations
| Situation | Who to Contact |
|---|---|
| Someone is seriously injured | 119 |
| There is a fire | 119 |
| You are being threatened | 112 |
| You need urgent police assistance | 112 |
| You need help understanding travel information | 1330 |
| You need tourist interpretation and there is no immediate danger | 1330 |
| You want to report a tourism-related inconvenience | 1330 |
Useful Korean in an Emergency
You do not need to build perfect Korean sentences during an emergency.
Short and clear expressions are more useful.
| Korean | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 도와주세요. | Please help me. |
| 경찰을 불러 주세요. | Please call the police. |
| 구급차를 불러 주세요. | Please call an ambulance. |
| 아파요. | I'm sick / It hurts. |
| 여기 주소예요. | This is the address. |
| 영어 가능하세요? | Do you speak English? |
5 Korean Phrases Worth Saving
도와주세요.
dowajuseyo.
Please help me.
경찰을 불러 주세요.
gyeongchareul bulleo juseyo.
Please call the police.
구급차를 불러 주세요.
gugeupchareul bulleo juseyo.
Please call an ambulance.
여기 주소예요.
yeogi jusoyeyo.
This is the address.
영어 가능하세요?
yeongeo ganeunghaseyo?
Do you speak English?
If You Need Medicine but It Is Not an Emergency
Not every health problem requires an ambulance.
If you have a minor problem such as a headache, cold symptoms or a mild stomach problem, a Korean pharmacy may be a more appropriate first step.
The Korean word for pharmacy is:
약국
yakguk
Our pharmacy guide explains how to describe common symptoms, ask how to take medicine, and understand the difference between a pharmacy and a convenience store.
How to Visit a Pharmacy in Korea: Medicine, Useful Korean Phrases & Tips for Tourists
A Realistic Emergency Scenario
Imagine you are walking back to your hotel when another traveler suddenly collapses.
This is not the time to search for a nearby clinic or worry about speaking perfect Korean.
You call:
119
When the call connects, you ask for English or an interpreter if needed.
Then give the clearest location information you can:
- the address shown on your map
- the nearest building
- the subway station and exit number
- another recognizable landmark
If someone nearby is helping you, you can show them the address on your phone and say:
여기 주소예요.
yeogi jusoyeyo.
This is the address.
Save These Before You Travel
You may never need these numbers.
That is the best outcome.
But save them before arriving in Korea:
112 — Police
119 — Fire & Ambulance
1330 — Korea Travel Helpline
It is also useful to save:
- your hotel's Korean address
- your travel insurance contact information
- your embassy or consulate contact details
- an emergency contact
Emergency Help in Korea FAQ
What is the police number in Korea?
Call 112 when you need emergency police assistance in Korea.
What is the ambulance number in Korea?
Call 119 for emergency medical assistance and an ambulance. The same number is also used for fire emergencies.
What if I cannot speak Korean?
Official Korea Tourism Organization guidance advises international visitors to say “English please” or “Interpreter please” after connecting to 112 or 119 if interpretation is needed.
What is 1330 in Korea?
1330 is the Korea Travel Helpline & Complaint Center operated by the Korea Tourism Organization. It provides tourist information, tourist interpretation and assistance with tourism-related complaints.
Is 1330 an emergency number?
It is a travel assistance service rather than a replacement for police, fire or ambulance services. If there is an immediate threat to life, safety or property, use 112 or 119.
Should I call 119 for a minor illness?
119 is for emergency medical situations. For a minor health problem, a pharmacy or an appropriate medical facility may be more suitable.
Before You Leave for Korea
Take 30 seconds and save:
112 → Police
119 → Fire & Ambulance
1330 → Travel Help
You probably will not need them.
But knowing the right number before something happens is much easier than trying to find it during an emergency.
At Korean For You, the goal is to understand what to do in a real situation and learn the Korean that can actually help you.
Continue Preparing for Your Korea Trip
- How to Visit a Pharmacy in Korea
- SIM Card or eSIM in Korea? A First-Time Visitor's Guide
- Arriving in Korea: Incheon Airport Step-by-Step Guide
- How to Take a Taxi in Seoul
Official information: For current emergency guidance, check the Korea Tourism Organization's safety guidance for international visitors . For tourist information, interpretation and complaint services, check the official 1330 Travel Helpline & Complaint Center .