Emergency Korean phrases for getting help

Explanation

This is a language-learning page, not emergency, medical, or legal advice. In immediate danger in Korea, call 112 for police or 119 for fire, rescue, and medical emergencies. Do not delay a real call while trying to memorize a perfect Korean sentence, and never call an emergency number merely to practise.

On an emergency call, useful information usually fits three short blocks: what happened, where you are, and what help you need. 사람이 다쳤어요 means “Someone is injured.” 서울역 1번 출구 앞이에요 gives a clear landmark. 구급차를 보내 주세요 asks for an ambulance. Give the most important fact first, then answer the operator’s questions.

If you do not know the street address, name a station exit, building, floor, shop, intersection, or visible landmark. 어디인지 모르겠어요 means “I do not know where I am.” 제 위치를 보낼게요 means “I will send my location.” Follow the operator’s instructions for sharing location or other information.

Describe what you can directly observe instead of trying to diagnose the problem. 의식이 없어요 means “They are unconscious,” 숨을 못 쉬어요 means “They cannot breathe,” and 피가 많이 나요 means “There is heavy bleeding.” The omitted subject depends on context, so point to or identify the person when possible.

For police help, say what is happening now and where you are. 누가 저를 따라오고 있어요 means “Someone is following me,” and 경찰을 보내 주세요 means “Please send the police.” Move or act only as the actual operator or authorities instruct; the sample dialogue on this page is language practice, not an official dispatch script.

When language is a barrier, say 한국어를 잘 못해요 and 영어 통역이 필요해요. Seoul’s 2026 public guidance lists the Korea Travel Hotline 1330 as a 24-hour tourist information and interpretation service that can support three-way interpretation with 112 and 119. In immediate danger, contact 112 or 119 first rather than waiting to reach another service.