Incheon
Emergency Services
Important emergency services in Incheon, such as police, fire, and medical assistance, and how to contact them.
Sections
1. General Emergency Numbers in South Korea
In South Korea, including Incheon, the following emergency numbers are universally used:
- 119: Fire, ambulance, and rescue services (similar to 911 in the U.S.)
- 112: Police assistance
- 1339: Medical emergencies and health consultation (non-urgent)
- 1345: Immigration Contact Center (for visa or immigration-related emergencies)
- 120: Dasan Call Center (general inquiries, including emergencies, with multilingual support)
Tip: When calling emergency services, you can request an English-speaking operator. However, itโs helpful to know basic Korean phrases or have a translation app ready.
2. Healthcare Emergencies
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
- Ambulance Services: Dial 119 for an ambulance. Ambulances are free of charge for emergency transport to hospitals.
- Emergency Rooms (ERs): Major hospitals in Incheon have 24/7 emergency rooms. Some of the most prominent hospitals include:
- Inha University Hospital: Known for its international patient services.
- Incheon St. Maryโs Hospital: Offers high-quality care and interpreters for foreign patients.
- Gachon University Gil Medical Center: A large hospital with advanced facilities.
Costs
- Ambulance services are free, but treatment in the ER is not. Costs vary depending on the hospital and the severity of the condition:
- ER Consultation Fee: KRW 20,000โ40,000 (approx. USD 15โ30) for locals and foreigners without insurance.
- Treatment Costs: Can range from KRW 100,000 to several million (USD 75โ7,500+) depending on the procedures and tests required.
- Health Insurance: If you are enrolled in the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), costs are significantly reduced. Tourists should check if their travel insurance covers medical emergencies.
Language Support
- Many large hospitals in Incheon have International Health Centers with English-speaking staff or interpreters. For example:
- Inha University Hospitalโs International Healthcare Center provides multilingual support.
- If language support is unavailable, use the 1330 Korea Travel Hotline, which offers interpretation services in English, Chinese, and Japanese.
Cultural Tips
- South Koreans are accustomed to efficient and professional healthcare services. Be prepared to provide detailed information about your symptoms and medical history.
- Payment is typically required upfront for non-urgent care, so carry a credit card or cash.
3. Fire Services
Fire and Rescue
- Dial 119 for fire emergencies. Firefighters in South Korea are well-trained and equipped to handle fires, rescues, and hazardous situations.
- Fire services are free of charge.
Cultural Tips
- South Korea has strict fire safety regulations. In public buildings, youโll often find fire extinguishers and evacuation maps. Familiarize yourself with these when staying in hotels or apartments.
- If youโre in a high-rise building, follow the evacuation instructions carefully. Avoid using elevators during a fire.
4. Police Assistance
Police Services
- Dial 112 for police assistance in cases of theft, assault, or other emergencies.
- The police in South Korea are professional and approachable. They are trained to handle both locals and foreigners.
Costs
- Police services are free of charge.
Language Support
- When calling 112, you can request an English-speaking operator. Alternatively, the 1330 Korea Travel Hotline can assist with interpretation during police interactions.
Cultural Tips
- South Korea is generally a very safe country, but petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Always report incidents to the police, as they take such matters seriously.
- If you lose your passport, report it to the police and contact your embassy immediately.
5. Other Relevant Emergency Services
Immigration Assistance
- Dial 1345 for the Immigration Contact Center. This service provides assistance in multiple languages for visa issues, overstays, or other immigration-related emergencies.
- The center operates from 9 AM to 6 PM on weekdays.
Tourist Assistance
- Dial 1330 for the Korea Travel Hotline. This service is available 24/7 and provides information, translation, and emergency assistance for tourists in English, Chinese, and Japanese.
Lost and Found
- If you lose an item in a public place, contact the nearest police station or call 112. Lost items are often turned in to the police in South Korea.
Natural Disasters
- South Korea occasionally experiences typhoons and earthquakes. The government sends emergency alerts to mobile phones in Korean. If you donโt understand the alert, use a translation app or call 1330 for assistance.
6. Practical Considerations for Tourists and Immigrants
Emergency Apps
- Emergency Ready App: This government app provides information on emergency shelters, first aid, and emergency contacts. It is available in English and other languages.
- HiKorea App: Useful for immigration-related emergencies and visa inquiries.
Embassy Assistance
- Tourists and immigrants should know the contact details of their countryโs embassy in South Korea. The embassy can assist with lost passports, legal issues, or other emergencies.
Payment and Insurance
- Always carry a credit card or cash for emergencies. Many hospitals and pharmacies accept international cards, but smaller clinics may require cash.
- If youโre an immigrant, ensure youโre enrolled in the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) for reduced medical costs.
- Tourists should have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Cultural Tips
- South Koreans value efficiency and politeness. In emergencies, remain calm and cooperative.
- Bowing is a common gesture of respect, but itโs not necessary in emergency situations.
- Learn a few basic Korean phrases, such as:
- โ๋์์ฃผ์ธ์โ (Dowajuseyo) โ โPlease help me.โ
- โ119๋ฅผ ๋ถ๋ฌ์ฃผ์ธ์โ (Baek ilsip gureul bulleojuseyo) โ โPlease call 119.โ
7. Summary of Key Resources
| Service | Number | Language Support | Notes | |--------------------------|----------|--------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Fire/Ambulance | 119 | Limited English | Free ambulance service. | | Police | 112 | Limited English | Free service for emergencies. | | Medical Consultation | 1339 | English, Chinese, etc. | For non-urgent medical advice. | | Immigration Assistance | 1345 | Multilingual | Visa and immigration-related help. | | Tourist Assistance | 1330 | English, Chinese, Japanese | 24/7 travel and emergency help. | | General Inquiries | 120 | Multilingual | Local information and emergency support.|
By following this guide, youโll be well-prepared to handle emergencies in Incheon, South Korea. Always stay calm, use the resources available, and donโt hesitate to ask for help.