Every emergency number that works in Korea: 112 police, 119 fire and ambulance, plus the English-speaking help lines (1330, 1345, BBB) that interpret for you when you cannot speak Korean.
Last verified & updated: 2026-09-09
112 — Police. Crime, assault, theft, stalking, missing persons. 119 — Fire & Ambulance. Fire, injury, sudden illness, rescue. Both are free, work from any phone (even with no SIM), and operate 24/7 nationwide. If you call the wrong one, they transfer you — do not hang up to redial.
Neither line guarantees an English speaker picks up, but both can pull an interpreter into the call. Say “English, please” and stay on the line while they connect the three-way interpretation.
| Number | What it does |
|---|---|
| 1330 | Korea Travel Helpline — 24/7, English·Chinese·Japanese. Tourist help, and it will interpret between you and 112/119 in an emergency |
| 1345 | Immigration Contact Center — visa, ARC, stay questions in 20+ languages (weekdays) |
| 1588-5644 | BBB Korea — free volunteer phone interpreters, around the clock |
| 1577-1366 | Danuri Helpline — 24/7 in 13 languages; family, domestic violence, life support for migrants |
| 02-120 | Seoul Dasan Call Center — city services with an English option (other cities: area code + 120) |
| 129 | Health & Welfare Call Center — hospitals, welfare, emergency medical cost programs |
1. Text 112 — SMS reports work and transmit your location. Short English sentences are fine.
2. Call 1330 first if the situation allows — an English speaker answers immediately and conferences in the police or ambulance.
3. Tell them where you are — read the blue building-number plate on any building, name a big landmark or subway exit, or read the number printed on a utility pole. Phone reports transmit GPS, but indoor accuracy is poor.
| Situation | Call |
|---|---|
| Crime, threat, missing person | 112 |
| Fire, injury, ambulance, rescue | 119 |
| Not sure / need English right now | 1330 |
| Visa or immigration question | 1345 |
| Gas smell | 119 + your city gas company (number on the bill) |
| Embassy matters (lost passport, arrest) | Your embassy — keep its number saved offline |
Q. Do 112 and 119 operators speak English?
Not always, but both services can bring an interpreter into the call (three-way interpretation). Say 'English, please' and stay on the line. If you want an English speaker from the first second, the 24-hour Korea Travel Helpline 1330 can interpret and connect you to 112/119.
Q. Is the 119 ambulance free in Korea?
Yes — the public 119 ambulance is free for everyone, including foreigners and tourists. You only pay the hospital bill afterwards. Private inter-hospital transport ambulances do charge.
Q. What if I do not know my address?
Describe a large landmark, read the blue-and-white building number plate on any building, or read the number printed on a utility pole. Smartphone reports (112 text or app) transmit your location automatically.
Q. Can tourists use these numbers too?
Yes. 112, 119 and 1330 work for anyone in Korea from any phone, including phones with no SIM card, and all are toll-free.
Phone numbers, fees, and procedures can change. Treat this page as a starting point and confirm details with the official sources above.