If you’re traveling to South Korea, knowing the correct korea emergency numbers can make a stressful situation much easier to handle.
South Korea is considered one of the safest travel destinations globally. However, situations like lost items, medical issues, or language barriers can still happen.
This guide explains the most important emergency numbers tourists should know in 2026, based on official government and tourism infrastructure.
Essential Korea Emergency Numbers (2026 Verified)
Police — Crime & Safety
📞 112
Use for:
- Theft
- Assault
- Lost passport (urgent cases)
- Traffic accidents
- Personal safety threats
✔ 24/7
✔ Interpreter support available
Ambulance & Fire Emergency
📞 119
Use for:
- Medical emergency
- Fire
- Serious injury
- Rescue situations
✔ 24/7
✔ Can detect caller location in many cases
Tourist Help Hotline (Best for Travelers)
📞 1330
Operated by Korea Tourism Organization
Services:
- Travel help
- 3-way live interpretation
- Complaint support
- Directions & local info
✔ 24/7
✔ Multi-language support (English / Japanese / Chinese + others)
👉 여행자 기준에서는 가장 실용적인 번호
Medical Consultation (Non-Emergency)
📞 1339
Use for:
- Finding open hospitals
- Late night clinic search
- Infectious disease advice
- General medical guidance
✔ Not for life-threatening emergencies
✔ Info service focus
Lost Items in Korea (Official System)
If you lose items in Korea, use the national system operated by the
Korean National Police Agency
Lost112 Portal Features
- Nationwide lost item database
- Police + public transport + public facility integration
- Online lost report possible
- Search found items nationwide
👉 Especially useful for:
- Taxi lost items
- Subway / bus lost items
- Wallet / passport / phone
The official Lost112 website address has been changed to:
https://minwon24.police.go.kr/main.do
Where Tourists Can Get Medicine Late at Night
Convenience Stores
Available:
- Pain relievers
- Digestive medicine
- Fever medicine
Good for minor symptoms only.
Pharmacies (약국 / Yak-guk)
Look for:
➡ 약 sign
Note:
- Many close on Sunday
- Use medical info line (1339) to find open locations
Smart Safety Strategy for Travelers (2026)
Best realistic setup:
| Emergency Type | Number | Why Important |
|---|---|---|
| Crime / Police | 112 | Direct police dispatch |
| Medical / Fire | 119 | Fast emergency response |
| Tourist Help | 1330 | Translation + travel help |
| Medical Advice | 1339 | Non-emergency medical support |
Safety Tips
✔ Save 1330 before arrival
✔ Screenshot passport copy
✔ Save hotel name in Korean
✔ Use official taxi or ride apps
✔ Carry small emergency cash
* If you’re planning your trip, check our Best Areas to Stay in Seoul for first-time visitors guide.
Final Travel Safety Tip
Most travelers never need emergency services in Korea.
But knowing the correct korea emergency numbers ensures you can respond quickly and confidently if something unexpected happens.