109 suicide prevention line

If it is too much to bear right now, dial 109. 24 hours, free. You do not have to hold on alone.

When to call

• You are having thoughts of ending your life
• You want to disappear, or want it all to stop
• Someone close to you has said something like that
• You cannot explain why, but it is too hard

Steps

1. Dial 109. Someone answers 24 hours a day.
2. Saying only "it's hard" is enough. You do not have to explain it well.
3. You can be referred to a nearby mental health centre or hospital.
4. If the danger is high, they act together with 119.

What you need

• Nothing at all. You do not have to give your name.

Where to go

• 109 suicide prevention line (24 hours)
• 1577-0199 mental health counselling line
• 129 health and welfare counselling centre
• 119 if life is in danger right now
• 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline (13 languages, 24 hours)
• Your local mental health welfare centre

Questions people ask

Korean is hard for me. 109 operates mainly in Korean. If you want to speak your own language, call 1577-1366 (13 languages, 24 hours) first. Say that you are struggling and they will connect you.

Can I still dial 1393? Since January 2024 it has been merged into 109. Calls to 1393 are forwarded and the number will be discontinued. Use 109.

Will a record of counselling hurt my visa? Mental health counselling is not immigration screening material. Getting help does not count against you.

My friend says they want to die. Don't leave them alone — stay with them. It is fine to ask directly whether they are having those thoughts. Call 109 together.

Take care

If you are harming yourself right now, 119 comes before counselling. If pills or tools are within reach, give them to someone else to hold.

Related

emergency-numbers · call-1577-0199 · call-1388

Source

Ministry of Health and Welfare www.129.go.kr/109 / As of 2026-08