Emergencies are frightening anywhere, and more so in a country where you may not speak the language. The reassuring news is that Korea has fast, capable emergency services with interpreter support, and a strong community ready to stand by you. Save these numbers in your phone today, before you ever need them.
The numbers to save right now
- 112 — Police. Crime, danger, theft, accidents, personal safety.
- 119 — Fire and ambulance. Medical emergencies, fires, rescue. This is the number for any serious health crisis.
- 1345 — Immigration Contact Center. Visa, ARC and status questions (English available).
- 1339 — Health helpline. Illness advice, disease information and finding the right facility (English support).
- 120 — Local government help line (Dasan in Seoul). General help and information, with English support.
- 1588-5644 — Roadside/vehicle assistance (if you drive).
Add 112 and 119 to your phone favourites now. In a real emergency, seconds matter and you will not want to be searching.
Language help on the call
You can speak English on 112 and 119 — ask for an interpreter and the operator can bring one onto the line (a three-way translation service supports many languages, including English). Speak slowly and clearly.
What to do in a medical emergency
- Call 119 immediately for an ambulance
- State clearly: what happened, your location, and how many people are affected
- Give a landmark or building name and the nearest subway station and exit if you can
- Ask for English if you need it
- If you can, send someone to guide the ambulance at the street or building entrance
- Carry your ARC; at the hospital it links your NHIS so costs are covered
For non-life-threatening illness, you can also call 1339 for advice or go to a clinic or hospital emergency room (eunggeupsil).
What to do if you are a victim of crime or in danger
- Get to safety first
- Call 112; ask for English if needed
- Note details — location, descriptions, time
- For anything requiring a record (theft, accident, insurance, a stolen ARC), get a police report
Fire
- Call 119, get out, and do not use lifts
- Know your building exits in advance
Prepare before anything happens
- Save the numbers above and your home address in Korean (a screenshot you can show)
- Keep an emergency contact in your phone and tell a friend or family member your key details
- Note your nearest emergency-room hospital, clinic and pharmacy
- Keep your ARC on you — it identifies you and links your insurance
- Keep a little emergency cash and a backup card
Lean on your community
In a serious crisis — hospitalisation, an accident, distress far from family — tell the NIDO welfare team. Standing by members in their hardest moments is exactly why the community exists. You are not alone here.
Save 112 (police) and 119 (fire/ambulance) right now, keep your home address in Korean ready to show, carry your ARC, and remember you can ask for an English interpreter on the call. In a real crisis, call first — then reach out to the community, because NIDO will show up for you.