Reporting to 112 and 119 by text
You can report even when you cannot speak. 112 and 119 both accept text messages.
When you use it
- The person harming you is nearby and you cannot make a sound
- You are hiding and a call would be dangerous
- You have a hearing or speech disability
- It is too noisy to be heard on a call
Steps
- Open your messaging app.
- Enter 112 or 119 as the recipient.
- Write your location first. Address, building name, floor and unit. If unknown, a nearby shop sign.
- Write what is happening, briefly. "Husband hitting me", "gas smell", "cannot breathe".
- You can attach a photo. A photo showing where you are helps too.
- Wait for a reply. Answer briefly when it comes.
What you need
- A phone
- If possible, your current address checked in a map app
Where to go
- Text 112 police · text 119 fire and ambulance
- Text #1388 youth counselling
- The 112 and 119 apps (location sent automatically)
Questions people ask
I can't write in Korean. Short English or even just numbers is fine. Sending your location and "help" is enough to get a response. If you can, copy the address in Korean from a map app and paste it.
No reply is coming. Call as soon as calling becomes possible. Send an app report as well.
It is dangerous if someone sees the message. The report stays filed even if you delete the conversation afterwards. Turn off notifications too.
Take care
Text can be slower than a call. If you can speak, calling comes first. Prank texts are punishable.
Related
emergency-numbers · emergency-app · my-location · what-to-say-emergency
Source
National Fire Agency www.nfa.go.kr / Korean National Police Agency www.police.go.kr / As of 2026-08