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 ...