Dog bites
Even a small wound risks infection. Wash it, get seen, and identify the owner.
First aid
- Wash the wound thoroughly with running water and soap (several minutes).
- Press with clean cloth to stop bleeding.
- For heavy bleeding, keep pressure on and call 119 or go to A&E.
- See a doctor even if it looks minor. Infection, tetanus and rabies risk must be assessed.
- Get the dog's and owner's details — contact, vaccination status.
- Photograph the wound.
What the doctor checks
- Infection risk — dog bites are deep and heavily contaminated.
- Tetanus — a booster may be needed depending on your history.
- Rabies risk — judged on the dog's vaccination status and condition.
Legal and cost questions
- In Korea, owners are responsible for their dogs. You can claim treatment costs for a bite.
- Secure the owner's contact details, witnesses and CCTV.
- If the owner evades responsibility, report to 112 and consult 132 (Korea Legal Aid Corporation).
- Breaches of dangerous-dog rules are punishable.
Where to go
- 119 (heavy bleeding, emergencies)
- A nearby surgery clinic or A&E
- 112 (owner unknown, disputes)
- 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation (claiming costs)
- 120 Dasan call centre (stray dog reports and administration)
Questions people ask
I was bitten by a stray. Treatment first. Secure CCTV and witnesses and inform the local authority (120). Tell the hospital exactly what happened for the rabies assessment.
The wound was small so I left it. Get seen even late. Swelling, redness and heat signal infection.
The owner refuses to pay for treatment. Gather evidence (photos, medical certificate, correspondence) and consult 132. See crime-victim-support.
I was bitten by a cat or another animal. Wash and get seen just the same. Cat wounds are deep and infect easily.
Take care
If swelling or fever develops days after a bite, go to hospital at once — infection appears late. For a child, face and neck wounds need urgent care, and watch for psychological shock too.
Related
first-aid-basics · bleeding · insect-sting · pet-ownership · crime-victim-support
Source
Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency www.kdca.go.kr / As of 2026-08