Seoul

1. General Emergency Numbers in South Korea

• 119: Fire Department and Ambulance (for medical emergencies)
• 112: Police
• 1330: Korea Tourism Organization (24/7 multilingual helpline for tourists)
• 1345: Immigration Contact Center (for visa or immigration-related issues)
• 120: Dasan Call Center (Seoul’s general helpline for city services, available in multiple languages)

---

2. Emergency and Assistance Phrases in Korean

Here are some essential Korean phrases for different emergency situations. Pronunciations are included for ease of use.

Medical Emergencies

• Help!

  • Korean: 도와주세요!
  • Pronunciation: Doh-wah-joo-seh-yo!
  • (This is a general call for help.)

• I need an ambulance.

  • Korean: 구급차가 필요해요.
  • Pronunciation: Goo-geup-cha-ga pil-yo-heh-yo.

• I am hurt.

  • Korean: 다쳤어요.
  • Pronunciation: Dah-chyeot-sseo-yo.

• I feel sick.

  • Korean: 아파요.
  • Pronunciation: Ah-pah-yo.

• Where is the nearest hospital?

  • Korean: 가장 가까운 병원이 어디에요?
  • Pronunciation: Ga-jang ga-kka-oon byung-won-ee uh-dee-eh-yo?

• I have a fever.

  • Korean: 열이 있어요.
  • Pronunciation: Yuhl-ee eet-sseo-yo.

Police Assistance

• Call the police, please.

  • Korean: 경찰을 불러주세요.
  • Pronunciation: Kyung-chal-eul bool-luh-joo-seh-yo.

• I lost my wallet.

  • Korean: 지갑을 잃어버렸어요.
  • Pronunciation: Jee-gap-eul il-luh-buh-ryeot-sseo-yo.

• My phone was stolen.

  • Korean: 제 핸드폰을 도난당했어요.
  • Pronunciation: Jeh hen-deu-pon-eul doh-nan-dang-haet-sseo-yo.

• I need help.

  • Korean: 도움이 필요해요.
  • Pronunciation: Doh-oo-mee pil-yo-heh-yo.

• Where is the nearest police station?

  • Korean: 가장 가까운 경찰서가 어디에요?
  • Pronunciation: Ga-jang ga-kka-oon kyung-chal-suh-ga uh-dee-eh-yo?

Lost Belongings

• I lost my passport.

  • Korean: 여권을 잃어버렸어요.
  • Pronunciation: Yuh-kwon-eul il-luh-buh-ryeot-sseo-yo.

• I lost my bag.

  • Korean: 가방을 잃어버렸어요.
  • Pronunciation: Ga-bang-eul il-luh-buh-ryeot-sseo-yo.

• Is there a lost and found?

  • Korean: 분실물 보관소가 있나요?
  • Pronunciation: Boon-shil-mool bo-gwan-so-ga eet-na-yo?

Asking for Help

• Can you help me?

  • Korean: 저를 도와줄 수 있나요?
  • Pronunciation: Juh-reul doh-wah-jool soo eet-na-yo?

• I don’t understand Korean.

  • Korean: 한국어를 못해요.
  • Pronunciation: Han-gook-uh-reul mot-heh-yo.

• Do you speak English?

  • Korean: 영어 할 줄 아세요?
  • Pronunciation: Young-uh hal jool ah-seh-yo?

---

3. Practical Tips and Cultural Insights

Medical Emergencies

• Hospitals and Clinics: Seoul has many hospitals and clinics, including international clinics that cater to foreigners. Some well-known hospitals with English-speaking staff include:

  • Seoul National University Hospital
  • Samsung Medical Center
  • Yonsei Severance Hospital

• Costs: Medical care in South Korea is generally affordable compared to many Western countries. However, ensure you have travel insurance or the Korean National Health Insurance (if you’re an immigrant) to cover costs.

• Pharmacies: Pharmacies (약국, yak-guk) are widely available and can provide over-the-counter medications. Look for the green cross sign.

Police Assistance

• Cultural Considerations: South Korean police are generally approachable and professional. However, language barriers may exist, so using simple English or the Korean phrases above can help. Alternatively, call the 1330 Tourism Helpline for translation assistance.

• Lost Items: If you lose something in Seoul, report it to the nearest police station. South Koreans are known for their honesty, and lost items are often turned in to the police or the location’s lost-and-found.

Lost Belongings

• Subway Lost and Found: If you lose something on the subway, contact the Seoul Metro Lost and Found Center. Each subway line has its own lost-and-found office.
• Taxis: If you lose something in a taxi, call the taxi company or use the 1330 Tourism Helpline for assistance.

General Tips for Asking for Help

• Be Polite: Politeness is highly valued in Korean culture. Always use honorifics (e.g., ending sentences with “-요” or “-세요”) when speaking to locals.
• Body Language: If language barriers persist, use gestures or show written Korean phrases to communicate.
• Translation Apps: Apps like Papago or Google Translate can be lifesavers in emergencies.

---

4. Basic Procedures in Emergencies

• Medical Emergency: Dial 119 and provide your location. If you’re unsure of your address, describe nearby landmarks or show your location on a map app.
• Police Assistance: Dial 112 and explain the situation. If you need translation, request an English-speaking officer or use the 1330 Helpline.
• Lost Passport: Contact your embassy or consulate immediately. The U.S. Embassy, for example, is located in Jongno-gu, Seoul.

---

5. Costs and Considerations

• Ambulance Services: Ambulance rides are free in South Korea, but you will be charged for medical treatment at the hospital.
• Police Services: Reporting crimes or lost items is free of charge.
• Translation Services: The 1330 Tourism Helpline and 120 Dasan Call Center provide free translation and assistance.

---

By familiarizing yourself with these phrases and tips, you’ll be better equipped to handle emergencies in Seoul. Remember, South Koreans are generally helpful and understanding toward foreigners, so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when needed!