Youth counselling line 1388

1388 is a 24-hour counselling line for young people and their guardians. Young people with a migrant background can use it too.

When to call

• You are bullied or discriminated against at school
• You have left home, or you want to
• You are struggling with study, your future or Korean
• You are having thoughts of ending your life
• You are a guardian worried about a child

Steps

1. Dial 1388. 24 hours, free.
2. You can also text. Send a message to #1388 from a mobile.
3. Online counselling exists too. www.1388.go.kr
4. You can be referred to a local youth counselling centre. Face-to-face counselling, shelter, study support.

What you need

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

Where to go

• 1388 youth counselling line (24 hours) · text #1388
• 109 suicide prevention line (24 hours)
• 112 emergency · 119 injury
• 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline (multicultural families, 13 languages)
• Your local youth counselling centre and Family Center

Questions people ask

Can I get counselling if my Korean is weak? 1388 operates mainly in Korean. If you need interpretation, use 1577-1366 (13 languages) or 1345 alongside it.

Will my parents be told? Counselling is confidential in principle. If your life is judged to be in danger, protective measures may follow.

I was hurt by school violence. Along with 1388 there is 117 for reporting school violence. If you are physically hurt, 112 or 119 comes first.

Take care

If you are having thoughts of ending your life right now, do not stay alone. Call 109 or tell someone near you now. Someone answers 24 hours a day.

Related

emergency-numbers · call-109 · call-1366

Source

Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, 1388 www.1388.go.kr / As of 2026-08