Can I get help in English in an emergency?
Answer status
YES, BY PHONE
Quick answer
Yes. 112 (police) and 119 (fire and ambulance) have interpretation support, and the 1330 Korea Travel Helpline answers 24 hours in English, Japanese and Chinese.
What you should know
- 1330 is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and staff help in Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese.
- Russian, Vietnamese, Thai and Malay are available during set hours only.
- From abroad, call +82-2-1330. 1330 also has a live chat service.
- 1345 is the Immigration Contact Center for visa and stay questions.
What you need
- ā¢The numbers saved in your phone before you need them
Alternatives
- ā¢Tourist Information Centers in major areas and airports
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Related questions
- Can I buy medicine at a pharmacy in Korea?Yes, pharmacists dispense many over-the-counter medicines for common problems without a prescription. More complex medicines need a prescription.YES, WITH CONDITIONSHealth & Medicine
- Can I communicate in English in Korea?Signs in English are common in public places, and tourist information centers and the 1330 helpline help in English. Conversation outside tourist areas can be limited, so keep a translation app and key phrases ready.YES, WITH CONDITIONSEveryday Life
Official sources
The 112 and 119 interpretation support comes from the safety guide on this site; the 1330 details come from VisitKorea.
Last verified: October 3, 2026
Rules, prices and policies change. Confirm important details with the official sources above before you travel.