Emergency & Safety

Korean procedures explained in plain language

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Acute alcohol poisoning

If they don't respond to being woken, don't let them sleep — call 119.

As of August 2026Machine translated

Emergency response to sexual violence

It is not your fault. Do not wash — go to a Sunflower Center. Help is available 24 hours.

As of August 2026Machine translated

When a machine causes injury

Stop the machine first. If a part is severed, bring it with you — do not throw it away.

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Getting help from your embassy

For serious matters such as arrest, accident or death, you can have your embassy informed. Consular assistance is a right.

As of August 2026Machine translated

Emergencies with older people

Slurred speech or weakness on one side means 119 immediately.

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Emergencies with children

Children deteriorate fast. Don't hesitate — call 119.

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Blackmail and extortion

Paying once never ends it. Gather evidence and report to 112.

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If your child goes missing

Call 112 immediately. Do not wait. Time matters most.

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First aid for bleeding

Press hard and directly with a clean cloth. Never pull out an embedded object.

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Food poisoning

Fluids are the mainstay; bloody stool, high fever or dehydration mean hospital.

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If you lose your Alien Registration Card

Apply for a reissue on HiKorea. There is a deadline for applying, so don't put it off.

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1577-0199 mental health counselling line

For anxiety, depression, insomnia and hallucinations. It connects you to your local mental health welfare centre.

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The Danuri Helpline 1577-1366

Counselling in 13 languages, 24 hours. Emergency support for domestic and sexual violence, interpretation, and shelter referrals from one number.

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Responding to a seizure

Don't restrain them — clear away dangerous objects instead.

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Pet emergencies

Save a 24-hour animal hospital in your phone in advance.

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Poisoning (drugs and substances)

Establish what was taken and how much, and tell 119.

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1345 Immigration Contact Center

A government call centre for visa, stay and everyday questions in many languages. For emergencies call 112 or 119.

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If you are robbed

Your life matters more than your belongings. Don't resist; report to 112 once you are safe.

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Emergency response to domestic violence

If you are being hit, call 112. Shelters exist, and help is available even if your visa depends on your spouse.

As of August 2026Machine translated

Reporting theft

Theft is a crime. Report it to 112 and keep the report receipt.

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Abduction and unlawful confinement

Being prevented from leaving is itself a crime. Report to 112.

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Chemical exposure

Remove clothing and flush with water immediately. Identify the substance and tell the hospital.

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Using a fire extinguisher

Pull the pin, aim at the base, squeeze the handle, sweep side to side.

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Your rights during a police interview

Interpretation, a lawyer, and the right to remain silent. Never sign a statement you did not understand.

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Dog bites

Wash under running water and see a doctor — rabies and tetanus need checking.

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What to do after a traffic accident

Check for injuries, secure the scene, call 112 and 119, photograph, then insurance. Never simply drive away.

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If you lose your wallet or cards

Freezing the cards is most urgent. Then reissue your ID and search lost property.

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Your rights if you are arrested

You have the right to be told why, to call a lawyer, and to have your family and embassy informed.

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In a mental health crisis

If you feel you're breaking down right now, call 1577-0199 — answered around the clock.

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What to say when you report

Location → what happened → the person's condition → your name. Say it in that order. Short is fine.

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Fractures

Don't move it — immobilise it and call 119.

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When you have nothing to eat

Free meal centres and food banks are open to anyone.

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When you have thoughts of suicide

Call 109 right now. It is free and confidential.

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Unpaid and stranded

With no money and nowhere to go, secure food and a bed first.

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Reporting to 112 and 119 by text

When you cannot make a sound, report by text message. Both 112 and 119 accept texts.

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Bee and wasp stings

Scrape the sting out, and if breathing tightens, call 119 at once.

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Escaping a fire

Don't try to fight it — get out first. Stay low and cover your mouth with a wet cloth.

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Handling an insurance claim after an accident

Report the accident, get treatment, submit documents. Settle only after treatment ends.

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Online threats

Don't delete — screenshot. That is your evidence.

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What happens after you report

Knowing the steps — statement, investigation, notification — makes it less frightening.

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When you have nowhere to sleep tonight

Call 129 and you can be directed to emergency accommodation.

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Anaphylaxis

Whole-body hives plus breathing difficulty means 119 immediately.

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When someone falls from a height

Do not move them. There may be spinal injury. Call 119 first.

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How to use 112, 119 and 1345

Crime: 112. Fire or medical emergency: 119. Living and immigration questions: 1345. Interpretation is connected even if you speak no Korean.

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Hypothermia

When shivering stops and speech slurs, it is critical.

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Electric shock

Cut the power first. Touching the person bare-handed shocks you too.

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Choking

If they can cough, let them. If they can't, deliver back blows and abdominal thrusts.

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Floods and inundation

Avoid basements and rivers, and move to high ground. Don't walk once water reaches your knees.

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First aid basics

Call 119 first, check the scene is safe, then help. Don't attempt more than you should.

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Finding evacuation shelters

Know the shelters near home and work in advance. In an emergency there is no time to search.

As of August 2026Machine translated