Emergency Numbers and Medical Help
Save these numbers
| Number | When to call |
|---|---|
| 119 | Fire, ambulance, rescue — life-threatening emergencies. The 119 ambulance is free. |
| 112 | Police — crime, theft, traffic accidents. |
| 1330 | Korea Travel Hotline — multilingual help and three-way interpretation, including with 112/119. |
| 1339 | Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency hotline — health and infectious-disease guidance. |
When you call 112 or 119, say "English, please" first. If you cannot explain where you are, give the name of a nearby station, hotel or shop — or ask a local to talk.
Not an emergency but you feel unwell
- Pharmacy (약국, yakguk): look for the green cross or "약" sign. Pharmacists can help with colds, stomach trouble and minor injuries.
- Small clinic (의원, uiwon): walk-in is normal and quick. Bring your passport.
- Big hospitals often have an International Healthcare Center with English-speaking staff — good for anything serious.
- Convenience stores sell a small range of basic medicines (pain relief, digestion).
Costs
Visitors pay the full fee, and an emergency room may ask for a deposit. Travel insurance is strongly recommended — keep receipts and the medical report for your claim.
Useful Korean
- Byeongwon eodi-eyo? — Where is a hospital?
- Apayo — It hurts / I'm sick.