Where to go when you are struggling mentally

Struggling mentally is a signal, not weakness. There are several places to get help.

Where you can go

1. Mental health welfare centres — in every area, counselling usually free. Reached via 1577-0199.
2. 109 suicide prevention line — 24 hours, for thoughts of ending your life.
3. 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline — 13 languages, 24 hours. You can speak your own language.
4. 129 health and welfare counselling — welfare and medical matters generally.
5. 1388 youth counselling — ages 9–24.
6. Psychiatric clinics and hospitals — when medication is needed. Covered by health insurance.
7. Family Centers and support centres for foreign workers — counselling with interpretation.

When to seek help

• Feeling low for more than two weeks with no motivation
• Not sleeping, or sleeping far too much
• Anxiety and a racing heart for no reason
• Reaching for alcohol repeatedly
• After an accident, violence or bereavement
• When loneliness becomes unbearable
• Thoughts of dying — call 109 right now

Steps

1. Call. You do not have to give your name.
2. If your own language is easier, start with 1577-1366.
3. You can be referred to a local centre or hospital.
4. If medication is needed, see a psychiatrist. Insurance applies.

Where to go

• 109 suicide prevention (24 hours)
• 1577-0199 mental health counselling
• 1577-1366 Danuri Helpline (13 languages, 24 hours)
• 129 health and welfare counselling
• 1388 youth (9–24)
• Your local mental health welfare centre (ask the public health centre)

Questions people ask

It's hard to describe my feelings in Korean. 1577-1366 counsels in 13 languages, 24 hours. Speak your own language.

Will a psychiatric record hurt my visa? Medical records are not disclosed without your consent and are not immigration screening material.

I'm worried about the cost. Counselling at mental health welfare centres is usually free. Hospital care is covered by insurance.

Will my company find out? Medical records are confidential. Your employer is not notified.

Take care

Do not get through it alone with alcohol. It only masks things briefly and deepens depression. One call today is enough — 1577-1366 or 109.

Related

depression-support · addiction-help · call-109 · call-1577-0199

Source

National Mental Health Portal www.mentalhealth.go.kr / As of 2026-08