How to Call 119 (Korean Emergency Number) — What to Say
Step-by-step guide to calling 119 in Korea. What to say, how to give your location, and how to request interpretation.
119에 전화해주세요!
il-il-gu-e jeon-hwa-hae-ju-se-yo!
Please call 119!
사람이 쓰러졌어요.
sa-ram-i sseu-reo-jyeoss-eo-yo
Someone collapsed.
여기 주소가...
yeo-gi ju-so-ga...
The address here is...
빨리 와주세요.
ppal-li wa-ju-se-yo
Please come quickly.
통역 서비스 필요해요.
tong-yeok seo-bi-seu pil-yo-hae-yo
I need interpretation service.
환자가 의식이 없어요.
hwan-ja-ga ui-shig-i eops-eo-yo
The patient is unconscious.
119 — Korea's emergency number
119 is for both ambulance and fire emergencies in Korea. It's free to call from any phone.
What to say when you call
Stay calm and provide: what happened, the location (address or nearby landmark), and the patient's condition.
Language support
119 has interpretation services available. You can request an interpreter for English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and other languages.
Important: know your location
The most important thing is giving your location. If you don't know the exact address, describe nearby landmarks, building names, or share your GPS location.
Tip
119 dispatchers can connect you to an interpreter. Say 통역 필요해요 (I need interpretation) or simply speak English — they may transfer you to an English-speaking operator.
Useful links
Related articles
Essential Korean Phrases for the Emergency Room
Must-know Korean phrases for emergency situations at Korean hospitals — bleeding, breathing problems, unconsciousness.
Describing Accidents & Injuries in Korean at the Hospital
Korean phrases for describing accidents and injuries — falls, traffic accidents, broken bones, sprains, burns.