Which number do I call for emergencies in Korea, and is interpretation available?
The other night there was loud shouting next door and I froze because I didn't know who to call. I want to confirm whether 119 is for fire and medical emergencies and 112 is for crime or accidents, and whether I can still get help through an interpreter if my Korean is weak. I'd also like to know about non-emergency civil service lines like the 120 Dasan call center.
1 Answer
You've got it right: 119 is for fire and medical emergencies, and 112 is for crime and accidents where you need the police. Both lines connect you to interpreters, so even if your Korean is weak you can speak English or another language and they'll bring an interpreter onto the call. 119 also accepts text-message reports, and for non-emergency questions or civil complaints you can dial 120 (Seoul's Dasan call center; other cities use their area code + 120), which also offers foreign-language support — saving 119, 112, and 120 in your phone is a good idea.