What to say when you report
You do not need to speak well. Just keep the order. Location always comes first.
When you use it
- Calling or texting 112 or 119
- When your mind goes blank about what to say
Steps
- Give the location. "○○-si ○○-gu ○○-ro 12, 3rd floor." If you don't know the address: building name, shop sign, bus stop name, next to a large building.
- Say what is happening. "There is a fire", "someone collapsed", "my husband is hitting me", "a traffic accident".
- Describe the person. How many, conscious or not, breathing or not, bleeding or not.
- Give your name and phone number.
- Stay on the line. Answer their questions and follow the guidance.
What you need
Korean phrases worth memorising:
- "도와주세요" (dowajuseyo) — help me
- "여기는 ○○입니다" (yeogineun ○○ imnida) — this is (place)
- "사람이 다쳤어요" (sarami dachyeosseoyo) — someone is hurt
- "불이 났어요" (buri nasseoyo) — there is a fire
- "통역 부탁해요" (tongyeok butakhaeyo) — I need an interpreter
Where to go
- 112 police · 119 fire and ambulance
- Text reporting to 112 and 119
- 1345 · 1577-1366 interpreted advice
Questions people ask
I really don't know the address. Read out what you can see. Signs, utility pole numbers, apartment block numbers, subway exit numbers. You can also open "my location" in a map app and read it out.
What if my Korean is wrong? Wrong is fine. Single words are understood. Location matters more than a perfect sentence.
I am too panicked to speak. Take one breath and start with the location. Just don't hang up. While the call is connected, your location can be traced.
Take care
Do not hang up first. Keeping the line open until things are under control is safer.
Related
emergency-numbers · my-location · call-112 · call-119 · emergency-interpretation-1345
Source
National Fire Agency www.nfa.go.kr / As of 2026-08