Stay Safe and Get Help in Korea
This help and safety in Korea guide explains where to get help, what numbers to call, and how to prepare important contacts and documents before you travel. Use this guide to prepare emergency numbers, medical information, important documents, and offline contacts before you travel.
Know the Emergency Basics
Call the Right Emergency Service
Call 112 for police assistance. Call 119 for fire, rescue, or emergency medical help. If speaking is difficult, show a nearby station, building, road name, or saved map pin.
Use the Korea Travel Helpline
Call 1330 for travel information and visitor assistance in Korea. It can help you find appropriate tourism support, but use 112 or 119 for an immediate emergency.
Share Your Exact Location
Save your hotel name and address in Korean and English. When asking for help, provide the nearest subway exit, landmark, building, or map pin.
Get Medical Help
Prepare Insurance and Medicine Details
Carry your travel insurance details, allergies, medical conditions, and prescription list. Keep medicines in their original packaging when practical.
Choose the Right Level of Care
For serious symptoms or immediate danger, call 119. For non-emergency concerns, ask your accommodation, insurer, or the 1330 helpline for guidance on finding appropriate care.
Ask for Language Support
Keep a translated list of important symptoms and medicines, and use a translation app when needed. Confirm important instructions before leaving a clinic or pharmacy.
Handle Lost Items and Documents
Report Lost Property Quickly
Write down when and where you last had the item. Contact the transport operator, venue, accommodation, or local police as appropriate.
Protect Your Passport and Payment Cards
Keep separate digital and printed copies of essential documents. Block missing cards immediately, and contact your embassy or consulate for passport replacement guidance.
Plan for Accessibility and Mobility Needs
Check Accessible Transport, Toilets and Routes
Accessibility can vary between stations, attractions, accommodation and neighbourhoods. Check step-free routes, lifts, accessible toilets and mobility support before travelling.
Read our Accessible Travel in Korea guide.
Stay Safe Day to Day
Check Weather and Safety Alerts
Review official forecasts and alerts before hiking, coastal travel, or trips during heavy rain, extreme heat, or cold weather.
Use Reliable Transport and Well-Lit Routes
Use official transport or taxi services and share your route with a trusted contact when traveling late.
Avoid Scams, Overcharging and Tourist Complaints
Keep receipts, booking confirmations and screenshots when paying for taxis, accommodation or tourist services. If a charge seems unclear or unexpectedly high, ask for an explanation before paying when possible.
For tourism-related complaints or visitor assistance, contact the 1330 Korea Travel Helpline & Complaint Center. For immediate danger, threats or suspected crime, call 112.
Prepare Before You Need Help
Save 112, 119, 1330, your accommodation address, insurer, embassy or consulate, and one trusted contact for offline access. Carry a charged phone and backup battery.