Every visitor to Korea should save three numbers before the trip: 112 for police, 119 for fire or medical emergencies, and 1330 for the Korea Travel Hotline. Most trips are smooth, but these numbers matter if you lose something important, need urgent medical help, face a safety issue, or need travel interpretation.
This guide explains which number to call and what to prepare.
Quick Answer
Call 112 for police, crime, theft, assault, or immediate safety issues. Call 119 for fire, ambulance, rescue, or urgent medical emergencies. Call 1330 for travel information and interpretation support.
The Three Numbers To Save
Save:
- 112: police
- 119: fire, ambulance, rescue
- 1330: Korea Travel Hotline
VisitKorea lists 112, 119, and 1330 as key emergency and travel-help contacts for visitors.
When To Call 112
Call 112 for:
- theft
- assault
- harassment
- serious threats
- lost passport involving suspected theft
- traffic incident requiring police
- immediate safety concerns
- suspicious illegal filming
If you are in danger, move to a safe, public place first if possible.
When To Call 119
Call 119 for:
- fire
- ambulance
- serious injury
- severe allergic reaction
- breathing problems
- loss of consciousness
- rescue situations
- serious heat illness
The National Fire Agency provides emergency response services through 119.
When To Call 1330
Call 1330 for:
- travel information
- interpretation help
- tourist complaints guidance
- directions
- transport questions
- help communicating with travel services
1330 is not a replacement for 112 or 119 in urgent emergencies.
What To Say
Prepare:
- your location
- hotel name
- address in Korean
- what happened
- number of people involved
- injuries
- phone number
- language needed
Useful phrase:
Yeong-eo tongyeok piryohaeyo. I need English interpretation.
Other Contacts To Save
Save:
- hotel front desk
- embassy or consulate
- travel insurance emergency line
- airline
- tour operator
- credit card lost-card line
- local contact if any
Store offline copies in case data fails.
Emergency Preparation
Before traveling:
- save numbers in phone
- screenshot hotel address
- carry passport copy
- keep medicine list
- share itinerary with someone
- keep phone battery charged
- know your blood type or allergies if relevant
Preparation is quiet until it matters.
FAQ
What is the emergency number in Korea?
112 for police and 119 for fire or medical emergencies.
Does 119 provide ambulance help?
Yes, 119 handles fire, ambulance, and rescue emergencies.
What is 1330?
1330 is the Korea Travel Hotline for travel information and interpretation support.
Should I call my hotel first?
For urgent danger or medical emergencies, call 112 or 119 first. Hotels can help after or alongside.
Explore more Korea Go Now guides
- Urgent Medical Care for Visitors
- Making a Police Report in Korea
- Using the 1330 Korea Travel Helpline