How to Handle Medical Emergencies in Korea: A Foreigner’s Essential Guide

What to Do, Who to Call, and Where to Go When You Need Urgent Medical Help in Korea

1. Emergency Numbers You MUST Know

Korea has dedicated emergency hotlines that are available 24/7:

  • 119 – Fire, ambulance, and medical emergencies

  • 1339 – Korea Disease Control medical hotline (COVID, general medical advice)

  • 1345 – Immigration help, may assist with emergency coordination

  • 120 – Seoul City Call Center (multiple languages)

📞 When you call 119, say “Help. I need an ambulance. English, please.” – They will connect you to an interpreter.

2. When to Go to the ER (Emergency Room)

Visit a hospital ER if you experience:

  • Chest pain, difficulty breathing

  • Major bleeding or trauma

  • Seizures, unconsciousness

  • Sudden severe pain or high fever

  • Drug or food overdose

🏥 Tertiary hospitals (e.g., Seoul National University Hospital, Severance Hospital) have emergency departments with English-speaking staff.

3. Finding an Emergency Room or Urgent Care Clinic

  • Use Google Maps or Naver Map with keywords like “응급실” (Emergency Room) or “병원” (Hospital)

  • Try these hospitals with foreigner support centers:

    • Severance Hospital (Shinchon)

    • Asan Medical Center (Seoul)

    • Samsung Medical Center (Gangnam)

    • Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital

🧭 Many large hospitals operate 24/7 emergency departments. Smaller clinics may close after 6 PM.

4. What to Bring for Faster Treatment

  • Passport or Alien Registration Card (ARC)

  • Korean health insurance card (if you have one)

  • Medication list or allergy history

  • Emergency contact number

  • Translation app (Papago) if you don’t speak Korean

🩺 You’ll receive faster and more accurate care if you show previous medical records or prescriptions.

5. Medical Costs & Insurance Tips

  • Without insurance: ER visits can cost KRW 100,000–300,000+

  • With National Health Insurance (NHI): Covered up to 70–80%

  • Travel insurance: May require upfront payment, then reimbursement

  • Some hospitals accept international insurance cards or offer paperwork for claims

💡 Always ask for receipts and medical reports if using travel insurance.

6. If You Need Medicine or a Doctor After Hours

  • Visit a 24-hour pharmacy (search “24시 약국” in Naver Map)

  • Go to an Urgent Care Center (야간진료소) – limited services but useful

  • Try a Telehealth service if you just need a consultation (requires Korean ID)

🕒 Most local clinics close by 6 PM. Use emergency hospitals or night pharmacies afterward.

7. Korean Phrases for Medical Emergencies

  • “도와주세요!” — Help me!

  • “구급차 불러주세요.” — Please call an ambulance.

  • “배가 너무 아파요.” — I have severe stomach pain.

  • “영어 가능한 의사 있나요?” — Is there a doctor who speaks English?

  • “여기에 아파요.” — It hurts here.

Having these phrases ready can make all the difference during a crisis.


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