Experiencing a medical emergency is stressful anywhere in the world. When it happens in a country where you don’t speak the language, it can feel even more overwhelming. Many foreigners living in or visiting South Korea worry about what to do if they suddenly become seriously ill, get injured, or need urgent medical assistance.
Questions like these are common
- What emergency number should I call in Korea?
- Is the ambulance free?
- Can I call 119 if I don’t speak Korean?
- What is the 1339 medical hotline?
- How much does an emergency room visit cost?
The good news is that South Korea has one of the most advanced emergency medical systems in the world. Whether you are a tourist, international student, digital nomad, or long-term resident, emergency medical care is widely available and designed to help foreigners as well.
This guide explains everything you need to know about handling a medical emergency in Korea, including how to use 119, when to call 1339, emergency room costs, and practical tips that could save valuable time during a crisis.
π¨ Emergency Numbers in Korea
There are two important emergency numbers every foreigner should know.
| Number | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 119 | Ambulance, Fire, Medical Emergencies |
| 112 | Police Emergencies |
For any health-related emergency, always call 119.
Examples include
- Severe chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Serious injuries
- Heavy bleeding
- Loss of consciousness
- Major accidents
- Suspected stroke
- Severe allergic reactions
If someone’s life may be at risk, call 119 immediately.
π Is the Ambulance Free in Korea?
Yes.
Official 119 ambulances are completely free of charge.
This applies to
- Korean citizens
- Foreign residents
- International students
- Tourists
The following services are included:
β Emergency dispatch
β Ambulance transportation
β Basic emergency treatment during transport
β Transfer to the nearest appropriate hospital
Many foreigners are surprised by this because ambulance rides can be extremely expensive in some countries. In South Korea, however, public emergency ambulances are funded by the government and local fire departments.
π How to Call 119 as a Foreigner
Calling 119 is straightforward, even if you don’t speak Korean.
Step 1: Dial 119
Use any phone available.
Even phones without an active SIM card can often connect to emergency services.
Step 2: Say “English, Please”
Many dispatch centers can connect interpretation support when necessary.
Simply say
“English, please.”
Remain calm and speak slowly.
Step 3: Provide Your Location
Your location is the most important information.
Tell the dispatcher
- Your address
- A nearby subway station
- A convenience store name
- A major landmark
Step 4: Explain the Emergency
Use simple phrases
- “Chest pain”
- “Not breathing”
- “Unconscious”
- “Heavy bleeding”
Step 5: Stay on the Line
Do not hang up unless instructed to do so.
The dispatcher may provide important instructions while help is on the way.
π How to Explain Your Location in Korea
One of the biggest challenges foreigners face during emergencies is describing where they are.
Fortunately, there are several easy solutions.
Use a Subway Station
If you’re near public transportation, tell the operator
“Hongdae Station Exit 9” or “Gangnam Station Exit 11”
This is often enough for emergency responders.
Use a Convenience Store
Convenience stores are everywhere in Korea.
Look for
- CU
- GS25
- 7-Eleven
- Emart24
Tell the dispatcher the store name or hand your phone to an employee who can assist.
Use Naver Map
Naver Map is the most accurate navigation app in Korea.
You can quickly find your exact address and read it to the dispatcher.
For foreigners living in Korea, having Naver Map installed is highly recommended.
π£οΈ Emergency Korean Phrases Every Foreigner Should Know
In a stressful situation, even a few Korean words can help emergency responders understand what is happening.
Ui-sik Eop-seo-yo
Meaning
The person is unconscious.
Ga-seum A-pa-yo
Meaning
I have chest pain.
Pi-ga Mani Na-yo
Meaning
There is heavy bleeding.
Sum Mot Swi-eo-yo
Meaning
I cannot breathe properly.
Yang-su Teo-jyeo-sseo-yo
Meaning
My water broke.
Eojireo-wo-yo
Meaning
I feel dizzy.
Yeori Na-yo
Meaning
I have a fever.
Saving these phrases on your phone can be helpful during an emergency.
π What Is the 1339 Medical Hotline?
Not every medical situation requires an ambulance.
If you need medical advice but are unsure whether it’s an emergency, call:
1339
The 1339 hotline operates 24 hours a day and provides medical information and guidance.
It is especially useful for foreigners who need assistance outside normal clinic hours.
π‘ How 1339 Helps Foreigners
The service offers several benefits.
Find Open Hospitals
Need a hospital at midnight?
1339 can tell you which facilities are currently open.
Find Late-Night Pharmacies
If you need medication after normal business hours, 1339 can locate nearby pharmacies.
Medical Advice
Operators can help determine whether your symptoms require emergency treatment.
Language Assistance
Foreign residents often use 1339 when they need help communicating with medical staff.
This can be particularly useful in smaller hospitals where English support is limited.
π₯ What Happens Inside a Korean Emergency Room?
Many foreigners expect emergency rooms to operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Korean emergency rooms work differently.
Patients are treated according to the severity of their condition.
This process is called triage.
Step 1: Initial Assessment
A nurse evaluates
- Blood pressure
- Temperature
- Pulse
- Breathing
- Overall condition
Patients with life-threatening conditions receive immediate priority.
Step 2: Registration
You may be asked to provide
- Passport
- ARC (Alien Registration Card)
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything available immediately. Medical staff focus on treatment first.
Step 3: Diagnostic Testing
Depending on the situation, doctors may order
- Blood tests
- X-rays
- CT scans
- ECG testing
- Ultrasounds
Results are generally processed quickly.
Step 4: Treatment
After evaluation, doctors will determine whether you need
- Medication
- Observation
- Hospital admission
- Surgery
- Specialist treatment
π° How Much Does an Emergency Room Visit Cost?
Emergency room costs vary depending on
- Insurance status
- Hospital type
- Tests performed
- Severity of the condition
With National Health Insurance (NHI)
Patients with Korean National Health Insurance often pay
50,000 KRW to 150,000 KRW
for many genuine emergency situations.
Without Insurance
Patients without insurance may pay significantly more.
Typical costs can range from
150,000 KRW to 500,000 KRW or more
especially if advanced imaging tests are required.
Why Emergency Rooms Cost More
Korean emergency rooms charge an additional emergency service fee.
This helps hospitals maintain
- Emergency staff
- Specialized equipment
- 24-hour operations
As a result, non-emergency visits can become expensive.
πΆ Parents: Consider Moonlight Children’s Hospitals
If your child develops a fever late at night but is otherwise stable, an emergency room may not be necessary.
Instead, consider visiting a
Moonlight Children’s Hospital
These facilities provide
- Evening pediatric care
- Weekend treatment
- Holiday services
They are often more affordable than emergency rooms and designed specifically for children.
You can ask 1339 to locate one nearby.
β οΈ When Should You Call 119 Instead of 1339?
Call 119 immediately if someone
- Cannot breathe
- Is unconscious
- Has severe chest pain
- Experiences stroke symptoms
- Suffers major trauma
- Has uncontrollable bleeding
- Has severe allergic reactions
Call 1339 if you need
- Medical advice
- Hospital information
- Pharmacy information
- Non-emergency assistance
Knowing the difference can save valuable time.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Can tourists call 119?
Yes.
Tourists can use 119 emergency services and ambulances just like Korean residents.
Can I call 119 without speaking Korean?
Yes.
Simply say “English, please.”
The dispatcher may connect language assistance if available.
Is the ambulance really free?
Yes.
Official 119 ambulances do not charge transportation fees.
What should I save in my phone?
Every foreigner in Korea should save
π 119 β Emergency Ambulance
π 1339 β Medical Hotline
β Final Emergency Checklist
Before an emergency happens, take a few minutes to prepare.
β Save 119 and 1339 in your contacts
β Install Naver Map
β Keep your passport or ARC accessible
β Learn a few emergency Korean phrases
β Know the nearest hospital
β Share your address with family members
Medical emergencies are never pleasant, but knowing how Korea’s emergency healthcare system works can make a stressful situation much easier to manage. Whether you need an ambulance, medical advice, or help finding a hospital, Korea provides reliable support for both residents and visitors. Save these emergency numbers todayβyou’ll hopefully never need them, but you’ll be glad to have them if you do.
π Related Korea Living Guides
New to Korea? These guides will help you settle in faster :
How to Visit a Doctor in Korea as a Foreigner (2026 Ultimate Guide)
Korean Pharmacy Guide
Top 5 Essential Apps Every Foreigner Needs in Korea (2026 Ultimate Guide)