Emergency Numbers and Safety in Korea

Korea is a very safe country to travel in, but it's worth saving a few numbers before you need them.

Numbers worth knowing

112 — Police (crime, accidents).
119 — Fire and ambulance (fire, medical emergencies).
1330 — Korea Tourism Organization travel information and interpretation by phone or live chat; check the official page for language-specific hours.
1339 — Emergency medical information and help locating medical care.

Remember 1330

For a threat to life or safety, call 112 or 119 directly rather than going through 1330. When connected, say “English please” or “Interpreter please” to request interpretation. Use 1330 for travel information and non-dispatch interpretation help.

Basic safety habits

Korea is safe enough that stepping away from your bag at a café for a minute is common — still, keep an eye on your things as you normally would.
Nights out are generally safe too, but stay alert in quiet, empty areas as you would anywhere.
For urgent medical care, look for a hospital's "emergency medical center" (응급의료센터, eungeup-uiryo-senteo) rather than a small local clinic.

Travel insurance

Hospital care in Korea isn't free for non-residents, so travel insurance is worth having. If you need a prescription filled, look for a pharmacy — the sign will read "약국" (yakguk), a name only licensed pharmacies are legally allowed to use.