Medical emergencies are stressful anywhere, but they can feel even more confusing in a foreign country. In Korea, emergency help is organized around the 119 emergency number, ambulance services, hospital emergency rooms, and after-hours medical options.
This guide explains how emergency medical services work in Korea for foreigners, including when to call 119, what to say, how ambulances work, what happens at the emergency room, and what to prepare in advance.
1. When to Call 119
Call 119 when there is a serious or urgent situation that may need an ambulance, rescue, or immediate emergency response. If the situation feels life-threatening or unsafe to delay, call 119.
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe chest pain
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe bleeding
- Serious injury or accident
- Stroke-like symptoms
- Severe allergic reaction
- Seizure or sudden collapse
- Severe burns
- Dangerous falls or head injuries
2. What to Say When Calling 119
The most important information is your exact location and what happened. Keep your words short and clear. If Korean is difficult, use simple English, a translation app, or ask someone nearby to help.
- Your location or address
- What happened
- How many people need help
- Whether the person is conscious
- Whether the person is breathing
- Your phone number
- Nearby landmarks if the address is difficult
3. Useful Emergency Korean Phrases
| Korean | Meaning | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 응급상황입니다. | This is an emergency. | Calling 119 |
| 구급차가 필요해요. | I need an ambulance. | Calling 119 |
| 숨을 못 쉬어요. | I cannot breathe. | Breathing emergency |
| 의식을 잃었어요. | The person lost consciousness. | Severe case |
| 피가 많이 나요. | There is heavy bleeding. | Injury |
| 가슴이 아파요. | My chest hurts. | Chest pain |
| 여기가 제 위치입니다. | This is my location. | Showing map/address |
4. How Ambulances Work in Korea
After you call 119, emergency responders may send an ambulance depending on the situation. They may ask follow-up questions by phone and may guide you on what to do until help arrives.
- Keep your phone nearby.
- Stay at the location you reported if possible.
- Send someone to the entrance or lobby to guide responders.
- Prepare ID, Residence Card, or passport if available.
- Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger.
- Follow instructions from emergency staff.
5. Going to the Emergency Room
Emergency rooms in Korea are designed for urgent cases. When you arrive, staff may check the severity of your condition first. More serious patients may be treated before less urgent cases, even if they arrive later.
- Register with ID if possible
- Explain symptoms and when they started
- Provide insurance information
- Wait depending on severity
- Receive tests such as blood tests, X-ray, CT, or ultrasound
- Pay after treatment or before discharge
- Receive prescriptions or follow-up instructions
6. What to Bring If You Can
In a true emergency, do not delay care just to gather documents. But if you have time, these items can help hospital staff process your visit more smoothly.
- Residence Card / ARC or passport
- Phone and charger
- Medication list
- Allergy information
- Private insurance information if any
- Emergency contact information
- Address in Korean
- Payment card or cash backup
7. Costs and Insurance
Emergency room costs vary depending on the hospital, tests, treatment, insurance status, and whether the service is covered. NHIS may reduce covered costs if you are enrolled, but emergency care can still be more expensive than regular clinic visits.
- Hospital type
- Ambulance and emergency response details
- Tests and imaging
- Medication or injections
- Emergency room fees
- Admission or observation time
- Covered vs. non-covered services
8. Night Clinics and Non-Emergency Options
Not every after-hours health problem requires an emergency room. For less serious symptoms, you may be able to use a night clinic, weekend clinic, pharmacy, or next-day local clinic.
| Situation | Better Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mild cold or sore throat | Local clinic / pharmacy | Often cheaper and faster |
| Minor stomach discomfort | Clinic or pharmacy | ER may not be necessary |
| Severe breathing problem | 119 / ER | Urgent care needed |
| Serious injury | 119 / ER | Immediate evaluation needed |
| Symptoms getting worse quickly | ER or urgent care | Delay may be risky |
9. Preparing Before an Emergency Happens
The best time to prepare is before you need help. Save important numbers and information in your phone so you can act quickly under stress.
- Save 119 in your phone.
- Save your Korean address and building name.
- Save emergency contacts in English and Korean if possible.
- Keep a note with allergies and medication names.
- Know the nearest emergency room.
- Keep your Residence Card accessible.
- Learn the Korean words for your main health conditions.
10. Common Emergency Mistakes
- Not knowing your Korean address
- Waiting too long for serious symptoms
- Going to the ER for very mild symptoms without checking alternatives
- Forgetting to mention allergies or current medication
- Not keeping receipts and medical documents
- Assuming emergency care is free
- Not asking for help because of language fear
- Leaving the ER without understanding follow-up instructions
11. FAQ — Emergency Medical Services in Korea
What number do I call for an ambulance in Korea?
Call 119 for ambulance, fire, and rescue emergencies.
Can I call 119 in English?
English support may vary by situation and operator. Speak slowly, use simple words, and clearly provide your location.
Should I take a taxi or call an ambulance?
If the condition may be serious, dangerous, or worsening quickly, call 119. For mild non-emergency symptoms, a taxi to a clinic may be enough.
Are emergency rooms expensive in Korea?
They can be more expensive than regular clinics, especially if tests, imaging, or non-covered services are used.
Do I need my ARC at the emergency room?
Bring it if possible, but do not delay urgent care if you do not have it with you.
- Call 119 for serious medical emergencies, ambulance help, rescue, or life-threatening symptoms.
- Give your location first, explain the problem simply, and prepare ID, allergy, and medication information if possible.
- Use emergency rooms for urgent cases, but consider clinics or pharmacies for mild non-emergency symptoms.
Healthcare rules, eligibility, coverage, costs, hospital procedures, public services, and official contact information can change. Confirm important details with NHIS, the medical provider, or another official source.