Korea emergency numbers for tourists: 119, 112, 1330 and 1339
| Number | Use it for | Not a substitute for |
|---|---|---|
| 119 | Ambulance, fire, rescue and immediate medical danger | Routine clinic enquiries |
| 112 | Crime, threats, assault or urgent police help | Non-urgent lost-property enquiries |
| 1330 | Non-emergency tourism information and interpretation support | Emergency dispatch |
| 1339 | Infectious-disease information | An ambulance; call 119 |
119: ambulance, fire and rescue
Call 119 when someone is unconscious, cannot breathe normally, has severe chest pain, possible stroke symptoms, major bleeding, a serious injury or another immediate medical danger. Korea's National Emergency Medical Center says 119 dispatchers provide first-aid guidance, send paramedics and coordinate transport with a hospital.
Do not delay the call while choosing a hospital. The ambulance team assesses the situation and coordinates an appropriate destination. Location comes first; then give the patient's age, main symptom, allergies and medicines if known.
112: urgent police assistance
Use 112 for an active crime, threat, assault, stalking, theft in progress or another situation in which personal safety or property is in immediate danger. Move to a staffed, well-lit place if it is safe. For an item already lost with no present danger, use a police station or Korea's lost-property service.
What to say
- Say “English please” or “Interpreter please.”
- Give the Korean address, hotel or building name, subway exit or nearby shop.
- State what happened and whether the person is conscious and breathing.
- Give your callback number and stay on the line.
Open your map app and read or show the Korean address. Inside a large building, add the floor, room, gate or shop name. Ask nearby staff for help only if doing so will not delay the call.
1330: visitor and language support
The Korea Tourism Organization operates the 1330 Korea Travel Helpline for non-life-threatening travel questions and interpretation support. Official VISITKOREA guidance lists phone and online call/chat options. Languages and channel availability can change, so check the current page before relying on it. In danger, call 119 or 112 first.
1339: infectious-disease information
1339 is associated with Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency information, including infectious-disease enquiries. It is not the primary ambulance number: current official emergency guidance directs medical emergencies to 119.
Prepare before leaving your accommodation
- Save the accommodation's Korean name, address and phone number offline.
- Carry identification, insurer contact details and your policy number.
- Keep a short list of allergies, medicines and relevant conditions.
- For non-emergency care, confirm hours, language support and payment before travelling.