Daejeon

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Emergency Hotlines

Sections

1. General Emergency Services

South Korea uses a centralized emergency hotline system for police, fire, and medical emergencies.

Police (Crime, Safety, and General Assistance)

  • Hotline: 112
  • Purpose: Report crimes, suspicious activities, or request police assistance.
  • Language Support: English, Chinese, Japanese, and other languages are available via interpretation services.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Procedure: Dial 112, briefly explain your situation, and request language assistance if needed. The operator will connect you to an interpreter.

Fire Department and Ambulance (Fire, Medical Emergencies, Rescue)

  • Hotline: 119
  • Purpose: Report fires, medical emergencies, or request rescue services.
  • Language Support: Interpretation services are available in English, Chinese, and Japanese.
  • Cost:
    • Fire and rescue services are free.
    • Ambulance services are free for emergencies, but hospital treatment costs will apply (see below for details).
  • Procedure: Dial 119, describe your emergency, and request an interpreter if necessary. Provide your location as accurately as possible.

2. Medical Assistance

Emergency Medical Information Center

  • Hotline: 1339
  • Purpose: Non-emergency medical advice, guidance on nearby hospitals, and pharmacy locations.
  • Language Support: English, Chinese, Japanese, and other languages.
  • Cost: Free for consultation. Hospital visits and treatments will incur costs.
  • Procedure: Call 1339, explain your symptoms or concerns, and request language assistance if needed.

Hospital Costs for Foreigners

  • South Korea has excellent healthcare, but it is not free for foreigners unless covered by insurance.
  • If you are a visitor, ensure you have travel insurance to cover medical expenses.
  • If you are a resident, ensure you are enrolled in the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) for reduced costs.

3. Mental Health Support

Mental Health Crisis Hotline

  • Hotline: 1577-0199
  • Purpose: Support for mental health crises, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.
  • Language Support: Primarily Korean, but interpretation services may be available through other hotlines (e.g., 1330 or 120).
  • Cost: Free for consultation.
  • Procedure: Call the hotline and explain your situation. If language support is unavailable, you can request assistance through the 1330 tourist hotline (see below).

Suicide Prevention Hotline

  • Hotline: 1393
  • Purpose: Support for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress.
  • Language Support: Primarily Korean. For foreign language support, use 1330 or 120 to connect to interpretation services.
  • Cost: Free.

4. Tourist Assistance

Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Tourist Hotline

  • Hotline: 1330
  • Purpose: Assistance for tourists, including travel information, emergency interpretation, and guidance on local services.
  • Language Support: English, Chinese, Japanese, and other languages.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Procedure: Call 1330, select your preferred language, and explain your situation. They can connect you to emergency services or provide advice.

5. Immigration and Visa Assistance

Immigration Contact Center

  • Hotline: 1345
  • Purpose: Assistance with visa, immigration, and residency-related inquiries.
  • Language Support: 20+ languages, including English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Russian.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Procedure: Call 1345, select your language, and ask your questions.

6. Local Government Assistance

Daejeon Call Center

  • Hotline: 120
  • Purpose: General inquiries about city services, including transportation, lost items, and local emergencies.
  • Language Support: English, Chinese, Japanese, and other languages.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Procedure: Call 120, select your language, and ask for assistance.

7. Womenโ€™s Safety and Domestic Violence Support

Womenโ€™s Emergency Hotline

  • Hotline: 1366
  • Purpose: Support for women facing domestic violence, sexual harassment, or other emergencies.
  • Language Support: English, Chinese, Japanese, and other languages via interpretation.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Procedure: Call 1366, explain your situation, and request language assistance if needed.

8. Child Protection and Welfare

Child Protection Hotline

  • Hotline: 112
  • Purpose: Report child abuse or neglect.
  • Language Support: Interpretation services available.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Procedure: Same as the police hotline (112).

9. COVID-19 and Public Health Emergencies

KCDC (Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency) Hotline

  • Hotline: 1339
  • Purpose: COVID-19-related inquiries, including testing locations, quarantine guidelines, and symptoms.
  • Language Support: English, Chinese, Japanese, and other languages.
  • Cost: Free for consultation. Testing and treatment costs depend on your insurance status.
  • Procedure: Call 1339, explain your concerns, and request language assistance.

10. Cultural and Local Considerations

  • Address Format: South Korea uses a specific address system. When calling for help, provide the building name, street name, and district (e.g., Seo-gu, Daejeon). If unsure, use landmarks.
  • Language Barriers: While many hotlines offer interpretation services, not all responders may speak English fluently. Be patient and speak slowly.
  • Apps for Emergencies: Download apps like Emergency Ready App (by the Korean government) for offline access to emergency numbers and procedures.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: South Koreans value politeness. Even in emergencies, try to remain calm and respectful when speaking to responders.

Summary Table of Key Hotlines

| Service | Hotline | Language Support | Cost | |----------------------------------|-------------|------------------------------|----------| | Police | 112 | English, Chinese, Japanese | Free | | Fire/Ambulance | 119 | English, Chinese, Japanese | Free | | Medical Advice | 1339 | English, Chinese, Japanese | Free | | Mental Health Crisis | 1577-0199 | Limited (use 1330 for help) | Free | | Suicide Prevention | 1393 | Limited (use 1330 for help) | Free | | Tourist Assistance | 1330 | English, Chinese, Japanese | Free | | Immigration | 1345 | 20+ languages | Free | | Womenโ€™s Emergency Support | 1366 | English, Chinese, Japanese | Free | | Daejeon City Call Center | 120 | English, Chinese, Japanese | Free |

By keeping this guide handy, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to handle emergencies or seek assistance during your time in Daejeon. Let me know if you need further clarification or additional information!