Jeonju

Emergency Services in Jeonju, South Korea

Jeonju, a city known for its rich cultural heritage, has a well-organized and efficient emergency response system. The city provides essential services for medical emergencies, fire incidents, and police assistance. Below is a detailed breakdown of these services:

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1. Emergency Contact Numbers

South Korea uses a standardized emergency number system nationwide, including Jeonju. These numbers are toll-free and accessible 24/7:

• Medical Emergencies (Ambulance): 119
• Fire Emergencies: 119
• Police Assistance: 112
• Foreigner Support (24/7 Interpretation Services): 1330
• Emergency Medical Information Center (for medical advice): 1339

How to Call:

• From a local phone: Dial the number directly (e.g., 119 or 112).
• From an international phone: Dial +82 (South Korea’s country code), followed by the number (e.g., +82-119).

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2. Medical Emergencies

What to Do in a Medical Emergency:

1. Call 119 for an Ambulance:

   • When you call 119, you can request an ambulance. Operators may not always speak fluent English, so it’s helpful to know basic Korean phrases or use interpretation services (see below).
   • Provide your location clearly. If you’re unsure of your address, describe nearby landmarks or use a map app to share your location.

2. Visit a Hospital or Clinic:

   • Major hospitals in Jeonju with emergency departments include:
     • Jeonbuk National University Hospital (전북대학교병원)
       • Address: 20 Geonji-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju
       • Phone: +82-63-250-1111
       • Services: 24/7 emergency care, English-speaking staff available in some departments.
     • Jesus Hospital (예수병원)
       • Address: 365 Seowon-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju
       • Phone: +82-63-230-1100
       • Services: Emergency care, some English-speaking staff.

3. Costs:

   • Ambulance services are free of charge in South Korea.
   • Hospital fees depend on the treatment and whether you have health insurance:
     • Without insurance: Emergency room visits can cost between 100,000–300,000 KRW ($75–$225 USD) or more, depending on the severity of the issue.
     • With insurance: Costs are significantly reduced. Foreigners with the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) or private insurance should present their insurance card.

4. Language Support:

   • If you don’t speak Korean, call 1330 (Korea Tourism Organization’s helpline) for interpretation assistance. They can connect you with emergency services and help you communicate with medical staff.

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3. Fire Emergencies

What to Do in a Fire Emergency:

1. Call 119:

   • Report the fire and provide your location. Use simple English or Korean phrases like “Fire! (Hwajae! 화재!)” and your address.
   • Firefighters in South Korea are trained to handle a variety of emergencies, including rescues and hazardous material incidents.

2. Evacuate:

   • Follow fire safety protocols. Most buildings in Jeonju have clear evacuation routes and fire extinguishers.

3. Costs:

   • Firefighting services are free of charge.

4. Cultural Note:

   • South Koreans are highly safety-conscious, and fire drills are common in public buildings. Familiarize yourself with fire exits in hotels, restaurants, and other establishments.

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4. Police Assistance

What to Do in a Police Emergency:

1. Call 112:

   • Use this number for crimes, theft, assault, or any situation requiring police intervention.
   • When calling, state your emergency clearly. For example, “Help! I need police. (Dowajuseyo! Gyeongchal-i piryohaeyo! 도와주세요! 경찰이 필요해요!)”

2. Visit a Police Station:

   • Jeonju has several police stations. The main one is:
     • Jeonju Wansan Police Station (전주완산경찰서)
       • Address: 15-1 Jeonjucheonseo-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju
       • Phone: +82-63-280-0112

3. Costs:

   • Police services are free of charge.

4. Language Support:

   • Police officers may not always speak English. Call 1330 for interpretation assistance or request an English-speaking officer.

5. Cultural Note:

   • South Korea has strict laws regarding public safety. Always carry your passport or Alien Registration Card (ARC) as police may ask for identification.

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5. Foreigner-Specific Support

Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Helpline: 1330

• This helpline provides 24/7 assistance in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Japanese.
• Services include:
  • Interpretation for emergency calls.
  • Directions to hospitals, police stations, or embassies.
  • General travel and safety advice.

Embassy Assistance:

• If you’re a foreigner in Jeonju and require consular assistance, contact your country’s embassy in South Korea. Most embassies are located in Seoul, but they can provide guidance over the phone.

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6. Practical Tips for Foreigners

1. Learn Basic Korean Phrases:

   • “Help me!” – Dowajuseyo! (도와주세요!)
   • “I need a doctor.” – Uisaga piryohaeyo. (의사가 필요해요.)
   • “There’s a fire!” – Hwajae isseoyo! (화재 있어요!)
   • “Call the police.” – Gyeongchal bureojuseyo. (경찰 불러주세요.)

2. Use Navigation Apps:

   • Apps like KakaoMap or Naver Map are widely used in South Korea and can help you provide accurate location details to emergency responders.

3. Carry Identification:

   • Always have your passport or ARC with you. This is essential for identification during emergencies.

4. Stay Calm and Cooperative:

   • South Korean emergency responders are professional and efficient. Remaining calm and cooperative will help them assist you more effectively.

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7. Non-Emergency Medical Assistance

If your situation is not life-threatening but still requires medical attention, you can visit a local clinic or pharmacy:

• Pharmacies (약국, Yakguk):
  • Open during regular business hours (9 AM–6 PM). Some are open 24/7.
  • Pharmacists can provide over-the-counter medications and basic medical advice.
• Clinics (의원, Uiwon):
  • Smaller than hospitals but suitable for minor injuries or illnesses. Costs range from 10,000–50,000 KRW ($7–$37 USD) without insurance.

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8. COVID-19 and Public Health Emergencies

• For COVID-19-related emergencies, call 1339 for guidance on testing, quarantine, and treatment.
• Testing is available at designated public health centers in Jeonju. Costs may vary depending on your visa status and symptoms.

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By familiarizing yourself with these emergency services and procedures, you’ll be well-prepared to handle any unexpected situations during your time in Jeonju. Stay safe!