Essential Korean Phrases for the Emergency Room
Must-know Korean phrases for emergency situations at Korean hospitals — bleeding, breathing problems, unconsciousness.
응급실이 어디예요?
eung-geup-shil-i eo-di-ye-yo?
Where is the emergency room?
급해요!
geu-pae-yo!
It's urgent!
피가 나요.
pi-ga na-yo
I'm bleeding.
숨을 못 쉬겠어요.
sum-eul mot swi-gess-eo-yo
I can't breathe.
의식이 없어요.
ui-shig-i eops-eo-yo
They're unconscious.
구급차를 불러주세요.
gu-geup-cha-reul bul-leo-ju-se-yo
Please call an ambulance.
알레르기 반응이에요.
al-le-reu-gi ban-eung-i-e-yo
It's an allergic reaction.
When to go to the ER
Go to the emergency room (응급실) for life-threatening situations: severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, chest pain, loss of consciousness, or severe allergic reactions.
At the ER entrance
ER reception is different from regular hospital reception. Tell them your situation immediately — they prioritize by severity, not arrival order.
What to bring
If possible, bring your ID, insurance card, and any medication you're currently taking.
Cost
ER visits are more expensive than regular visits. Without insurance, expect to pay 50,000-200,000 won or more depending on treatment.
Tip
In a real emergency, call 119 (Korean ambulance/fire). They have interpretation services available. At the ER, the word 급해요 (it's urgent) will get immediate attention.
Useful links
Related articles
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.
Describing Accidents & Injuries in Korean at the Hospital
Korean phrases for describing accidents and injuries — falls, traffic accidents, broken bones, sprains, burns.