Emergency & Safety

Korean procedures explained in plain language

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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

Emergencies with older people

Slurred speech or weakness on one side means 119 immediately.

As of August 2026Machine translated

109 suicide prevention line

A 24-hour line for when you are having thoughts of ending your life. Since January 2024 the old 1393 has been merged into 109.

As of August 2026Machine translated

Your right to an interpreter during questioning

If your Korean is limited you have the right to an interpreter. It is free, and asking is entirely normal.

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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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When your passport has been taken

An employer holding your passport is unlawful.

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Reporting theft

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

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Your right to a lawyer

You can request a court-appointed lawyer even without money. 132 also gives free advice.

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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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Preparing an emergency kit

The minimum to have ready for earthquakes, blackouts and typhoons.

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Responding to a seizure

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

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Chemical exposure

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

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Landslide risk and evacuation

Move away from the slope the moment you see warning signs. They happen in seconds.

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Anaphylaxis

Whole-body hives plus breathing difficulty means 119 immediately.

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Dog bites

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

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Heavy snowfall

Travel less, and beware the weight of snow on roofs and greenhouses.

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Building collapse

Don't move unnecessarily. Signal your position with sound and light.

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Suspected gas leak

Don't touch flames, switches or your phone. Open the windows and report from outside.

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Acute alcohol poisoning

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

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Coping with heatwaves

Avoid midday outdoor activity and drink often. Heatstroke is life-threatening.

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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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First aid for burns

Cool under running water. Never use ice, soybean paste or oil.

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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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Heatstroke

When sweating stops and consciousness clouds, call 119 at once.

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When a typhoon approaches

Secure windows and loose objects in advance, and stay indoors while it passes.

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When you have nothing to eat

Free meal centres and food banks are open to anyone.

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Online threats

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

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Understanding disaster alerts

The Safety Diddimdol app is multilingual. Install it now.

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Fractures

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

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Food poisoning

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

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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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Floods and inundation

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

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Signs of a stroke

Check face, arm and speech — if any one is wrong, call 119 at once.

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Coping with cold waves

Keeping warm is everything. Hypothermia and frostbite progress quietly.

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Blackmail and extortion

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

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Electric shock

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

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Abduction and unlawful confinement

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

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CPR

If they aren't breathing, push hard and fast on the chest. 119 will guide you by phone.

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During an earthquake

Protect your head and get low while it shakes. Go outside once it stops.

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Bee and wasp stings

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

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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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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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When you have thoughts of suicide

Call 109 right now. It is free and confidential.

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Poisoning (drugs and substances)

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

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Drowning incidents

Don't jump in — find something to throw. Rescue is 119's job.

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Hypothermia

When shivering stops and speech slurs, it is critical.

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Signs of a heart attack

Crushing chest pain lasting more than a few minutes means 119 immediately.

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Helping someone in crisis

Ask, listen, connect. Those three are enough.

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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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Handling an insurance claim after an accident

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

As of August 2026Machine translated