A trip can turn difficult through a minor illness, an accident or a sudden threat. You do not need to memorize every medical detail. You need a short plan that separates danger from discomfort, gives responders your location and keeps essential information available.
Call 119 for life-threatening medical help; 112 for police
Call 119 for an ambulance, rescue or fire service, including a life-threatening medical emergency. Call 112 for a crime, assault, theft or immediate threat. If the situations overlap, tell the first operator what is happening and where you are, then follow the instructions. For non-urgent questions, move somewhere safe and use an official tourism or medical information channel instead of tying up an emergency line.
Ask for an interpreter with simple English
When the call connects, say “English please” or “Interpreter please.” A perfect sentence is less important than your location, number of people, injury and whether the person is conscious and breathing. Give a nearby building, station or hotel name and keep the map address ready. If speaking is difficult, check the official emergency reporting options that support text or image reports.
Use a pharmacy for minor problems, not danger signs
A pharmacy may help with a minor symptom or an over-the-counter medicine, but suitability depends on allergies, conditions and medicines you already take. For breathing trouble, loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding or severe chest pain, do not shop around for a pharmacy: call 119 or ask for an emergency department. Bring your passport, insurance details and a list of medicines and allergies when possible.
Contact your accommodation and insurer after you are safe
Once the immediate risk is controlled, a hotel front desk or host may help with a hospital location, taxi, translation or a companion. If you have travel insurance, check its emergency number and required documents. Some policies ask you to call before non-emergency treatment and may require receipts, a medical certificate or prescription. Insurance advice does not replace urgent medical care.
Make a one-page emergency note before departure
Write down your accommodation and address, a companion’s number, allergies, conditions, medicines and insurer contact in Korean and your own language. Keep a paper copy because a phone can lose power or data. Never call emergency numbers as a test. At the scene, clear access and follow responders’ instructions.
GOOGLE MAPS
Find an emergency room or pharmacy
Save nearby facilities before you travel, then confirm opening hours and availability when you need care.
Google Maps ↗