In Korea, call 112 for urgent police help and 119 for fire, rescue or a medical emergency. Request an interpreter after connection if needed and give your current location. Use 1330 for travel enquiries; it does not replace emergency dispatch.
Numbers by situation
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety identifies 112 and 119 as emergency numbers. KTO’s disaster-safety guide also identifies 112 for police and 119 for fire and ambulance. These numbers are for use within Korea; check your provider for internet-calling or roaming arrangements.
| Help needed | Number within Korea | Authority and purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Crime, violence or urgent police assistance | 112 | Police emergency reporting |
| Fire, rescue or medical emergency | 119 | Fire and ambulance response |
| Non-emergency travel or interpretation enquiry | 1330 | Korea Tourism Organization travel assistance |
Sources: Ministry of the Interior and Safety emergency numbers · KTO disaster safety services for international visitors · KTO visitor-information service standards
Information to give on the call
- Location: provide a Korean address, building, floor, nearby station or exit, or map location.
- Briefly explain what happened, how many people are hurt and any nearby hazards such as fire or traffic.
- Give a reachable callback number and the language needed, then follow the operator’s questions and instructions.
- If your phone cannot connect, ask a bystander or venue staff to call emergency services. Do not delay reporting while waiting for a tourism adviser.
Interpretation and official apps
KTO advises requesting an interpreter after connecting to emergency services. This does not guarantee instant access in every language or a response time. Prepare whatever location information you can while waiting.
KTO’s guide introduces the Ministry of the Interior and Safety’s Baro reporting and Emergency Ready apps. Check official distribution and current features before travelling, but do not begin installing an app instead of requesting urgent help.
Sources: KTO disaster safety services for international visitors
Contacts and details to save before the trip
Save the accommodation’s Korean address and contact, companion numbers and your insurer’s assistance procedure. If needed, keep an accurate translation of medicines and allergies. For consular issues such as a lost passport, verify your own embassy or consulate’s official contact.
1330 provides travel information and interpretation, but language-specific service conditions may apply. Do not assume every language is available at every hour; check KTO’s current service information.
A few good questions
Should I avoid emergency calls if I cannot speak Korean?
No. Call the appropriate emergency number and request an interpreter. Give the address, building or map location and follow the operator’s instructions.
Should I call 1330 first when someone has a medical emergency?
Call 119 when emergency medical help is needed. 1330 is travel assistance and does not replace an ambulance request.
Should I contact travel insurance before emergency services?
For immediate danger or an emergency, request urgent help first. Once safe, check the insurer’s procedure and documentation requirements.
Sources & review dates
Links lead to the responsible organisations. Some source pages may be in a different language.
Published · Updated
- Ministry of the Interior and Safety emergency numbersChecked 2026-11-04
- KTO disaster safety services for international visitorsChecked 2026-11-04
- KTO visitor-information service standardsChecked 2026-11-04