Save three Korean numbers before a problem happens. Call 112 for police, 119 for fire or an ambulance, and 1330 for travel information or interpretation when no immediate safety response is needed. The distinction matters: a tourism helpline should not delay an emergency call.
- Police danger → 112
- Fire or ambulance → 119
- Non-urgent travel help → 1330
- Give address first
Choose the line from the problem
For a crime in progress, threat or urgent police help, call 112. For injury needing an ambulance, fire or rescue, call 119. Korea Tourism Organization lists 1330 for travel questions, interpretation and tourist complaints. It is useful for a non-urgent transport or language problem, not a substitute for police or emergency medical dispatch.
From outside Korea, KTO publishes +82-2-1330 for the tourist helpline. In Korea, dial 1330 for the tourist helpline and make sure your phone can make voice calls. If the call fails or you cannot speak, ask nearby hotel or station staff to contact emergency services and stay where responders can find you.
Say location before telling the whole story
Open a current map and read the Korean address, building name, floor and nearest exit. A location first helps even when you cannot explain everything. You can say '여기 [주소]입니다. 도와주세요.' ('I am at [address]. Please help.'). For an ambulance add '구급차가 필요해요.' ('I need an ambulance.'). Show the address on screen to a bystander if pronunciation is difficult.
Give your callback number and describe the immediate danger plainly. Follow the operator's questions. Do not end an emergency call just to search for a perfect translation; the operator or nearby staff may help bridge the language gap.
Know the language limit of 1330
KTO lists Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai and Malay for 1330. It does not list German, French or Dutch voice service, so speakers of those languages should not assume a native-language operator. Ask for English if you can use it, or use the current online chat options that KTO offers for travel questions.
Save a screenshot of your hotel's Korean address and a travel companion's contact. This simple preparation is more useful in an urgent moment than a long list of outdated local telephone numbers.
A worked example
You feel faint and need immediate medical help: call 119 and give the Korean address first. Your train ticket app is confusing but nobody is at risk: 1330 may help with travel information or interpretation. Someone is threatening you: call 112 rather than waiting for a tourism chat reply.
Common questions
Is 1330 an ambulance number?
No. Call 119 for a medical emergency.
Can a tourist call 112?
Yes. It is the police emergency number listed by KTO.
Does 1330 have German, French or Dutch operators?
Those languages are not listed in KTO's service description; use a listed language or other assistance.
Official sources checked
This is general information; individual circumstances and product or agency instructions may differ.