A compilation of emergency contact numbers that might be useful during travel in South Korea
——Essential Guide for Foreign Tourists
As an experienced foreign resident in South Korea, I understand how unexpected situations during a trip can disrupt a pleasant itinerary. To help travelers from Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippine, and other regions enjoy a worry-free journey, this article compiles South Korea's emergency contact information, consular protection resources, and practical tips. It is recommended to save or print this for future reference.
1.Daily Travel Support and Useful Numbers
Multilingual Travel Consultation
Korea Travel Hotline: 1330
Services: Travel-related information consultation, translation services, attraction guides, transportation directions, etc.
Language Support: English, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and 8 other languages.
2. Lost and Found Services & Property Retrieval
Police Department Lost and Found Center: 182
Police Department Lost and Found Portal: www.lost112.go.kr
Applicable situations: Lost items in public places (subways, taxis, shopping malls).
Additional: Seoul Subway Lost and Found Center: 1577-1234 / Incheon Airport Lost and Found: 1577-2600
2. Emergency Contact Numbers for Life Safety (24-hour service)
General Emergency and Help Hotline: 112
Applicable situations: Robbery, theft, violent incidents, missing persons reports.
Language support: Basic communication in English/Chinese. If foreign language translation is needed (state “English/Chinese speaker Please”).
In danger, dial the number and explain briefly in English (e.g., "Danger here!", "Need Help please!").
Remember to inform the operator of your location, such as (“I am at Seongsan Road, Seodaemun District, Seoul.”, observe the surrounding blue road signs or use Naver Map to obtain your location).
Accident and Emergency Help Hotline: 119
Applicable situations: Fire, sudden illness, serious injury, traffic accidents, electrical/gas accidents.
Language support: Basic communication in English/Chinese. If foreign language translation is needed (state “English/Chinese speaker Please”).
In danger, dial the number and explain briefly in English (e.g., "Ambulance, please!", "Need Help please!").
Remember to inform the operator of your location, such as (“I am at Seongsan Road, Seodaemun District, Seoul.”, observe the surrounding blue road signs or use Naver Map to obtain your location).
3. Consular Protection and Support
1.Taiwan Traveler Support
Taipei Representative Office in Korea
Contact: 82-2-6329-6000 (general business phone), 82-10-9080-2761 (emergency only) / kor@mofa.gov.tw (email)
Services: Passport replacement, legal disputes, emergency medical referrals, etc.
Alternative: Contact Korean police (112) or Taiwan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Emergency Center: +886-800-085-095 (24-hour hotline for overseas nationals).
Address: 6th Floor, Gwanghwamun Building, 149 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Website: https://www.roc-taiwan.org/kr/index.html
2.Hong Kong Traveler Support
Chinese Embassy in South Korea (Seoul)
Consular Protection Phone: +82-2-755-0572, +82-2-755-0536 (general phone) / seoul_lb@csm.mfa.gov.cn (email)
Address: 27 Myeongdong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Website: http://kr.china-embassy.gov.cn
3.Singapore Traveler Support
Embassy of Singapore in South Korea
Contact: +82-2-774-2464, +82-2-774-2465 (business hours) / +82-10-7204-6240 (after hours emergency) / singemb_seo@mfa.sg (email)
Address: Seoul Finance Center, 28th Floor, 136 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
Services: Document reissuance, medical assistance, missing person search, etc.
Website: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/seoul
4.Malaysia Traveler Support
Embassy of Malaysia in South Korea
Contact: +82-2-2077-8600 (business hours) / +82-2-794 5488, +82-2-794 5480 (emergency phone) +82-10-9530-2300 (mobile) / mwseoul@kln.gov.my / seo.cons@kln.gov.my (email)
Address: 129 Deurydang-ro, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Services: Passport replacement, legal disputes, emergency medical referrals, etc.
Website: https://www.kln.gov.my/web/kor_seoul
5.Philippines Traveler Support
Embassy of the Philippines in South Korea
Emergency phone: +82-2-788-2100 (office phone)
Emails: consular@philembassy-seoul.com
passport@philembassy-seoul.com
civilregistries@philembassy-seoul.com
notarial@philembassy-seoul.com
atn@philembassy-seoul.com
Address: 80 Baekbeom-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Services: Passport replacement, legal disputes, emergency medical referrals, etc.
Website: https://www.philembassy-seoul.com/#
6.Indonesia Traveler Support
Embassy of Indonesia in South Korea (Seoul)
Address: 380 Yeouidaebang-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
Phone: 010-5394-2546 (hotline)
Email: seoul.kbri@kemlu.go.id
Website: https://kemlu.go.id/seoul
4. Useful Tips
1.Language Barrier Solutions
Naver Papago APP: Supports voice/image translation, Korean → Chinese/English
Google Translate APP: Offline translation feature (download the Korean package in advance)
Most emergency numbers support communication in English, and some support communication in Chinese
2.Electronic Backup to Avoid Loss
Be sure to take photos of important documents such as your passport and visa and store them
Also take photos of your accommodation address in Korean/English (to show to drivers or police if necessary)
3.Payment and Cash Preparation
Prepare an international payment credit card in advance: Visa / MasterCard, etc.
Change some cash in advance: Some places (like for transportation card recharges or certain restaurants) may only accept cash, so it's a good idea to prepare some in advance
Conclusion
In this guide, I’ve summarized the most common contact points for travelers facing tricky situations while traveling in Korea. Korea's emergency system is well-equipped, and even if there is a language barrier, you can still get help using the resources provided above. Wishing all travelers a safe journey and a great time enjoying your trip to Korea! 🌸🚨
