Korea Emergency Contacts
Essential emergency numbers, hospital info, embassy contacts, and useful Korean phrases for urgent situations.
1Emergency Numbers (긴급 전화번호)
Tap any number to call directly. Numbers marked EN have English-speaking operators.
How the Korean Emergency System Works
Calling 119 (Fire/Ambulance): When you call 119, state your location clearly (address or nearby landmark). Dispatchers will ask for the nature of the emergency. Ambulances are free and typically arrive within 5-8 minutes in urban areas. You will be taken to the nearest hospital unless you request a specific one.
Hospital Emergency Rooms (응급실): Korean ERs follow a triage system. Severe cases are seen immediately. Wait times for non-critical cases can be 1-3 hours. Bring your ARC and insurance card. Payment is collected after treatment. Most major hospital ERs operate 24/7.
Language Support: Many emergency dispatchers speak basic English, but having key Korean phrases ready helps significantly. The 1588-0112 line specifically provides English emergency assistance. You can also use the BBB Korea (1588-5644) volunteer interpretation service for non-emergency situations.
Insurance Matters: If you are enrolled in National Health Insurance (국민건강보험), emergency treatment is covered at 70-80%. Without insurance, you pay 100% out of pocket. Keep your insurance card with you at all times. Foreign visitors should consider travel insurance that covers medical emergencies in Korea.
Written and reviewed by Taeyang Kim · Rates and thresholds are taken directly from the official notices of Korea's National Tax Service, National Pension Service, National Health Insurance Service, Ministry of Employment and Labor, and Minimum Wage Commission. Results are non-binding estimates for reference only and may differ from the actual amount depending on your circumstances. Found a mistake? Tell us through Contact.