119
Ambulance · South Korea
119 is the South Korea Ambulance emergency number. Verified 2026-01. Source: National Fire Agency. Works from mobile. Free to call. One-tap dial.
📞 About 119 — Ambulance in South Korea
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in South Korea
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call 119
- • Do not call 112 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station
- • Do not call 119 for minor injuries - visit a local clinic or hospital
- • Do not call emergency numbers for power outages - contact KEPCO
- • Do not use emergency lines for road conditions
- • Do not use emergency lines for road conditions or traffic information
- • Do not call emergency numbers for power outages
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Korean law
- • Do not call 119 for minor injuries - visit a local clinic
✈️ Travel Notes — South Korea
Emergency response is fast and excellent throughout South Korea. 112 and 119 services are well-developed with interpretation support. Ambulance services are free. Medical care is world-class. The Emergency Ready app provides disaster alerts in English.
🛡️ Traveling to South Korea? Protect Yourself
Emergency medical treatment and evacuation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend securing travel insurance before your trip.
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What is 119 in South Korea?
119 is the official Ambulance and Fire Service emergency number in South Korea. This number is operated by National Fire Agency and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 119 is the unified number for both ambulance and fire emergencies. Response is fast throughout South Korea. Ambulance transport is free.
When to Call 119
Call 119 immediately in situations involving ambulance-related emergencies in South Korea. When you call, clearly state:
- Your exact location (street address, landmark, GPS coordinates if possible)
- The nature of the emergency
- The number of people involved or injured
- Your name and callback number
Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.
Technical Details — 119 in South Korea
Here are the key technical facts about calling 119 in South Korea:
- Works from mobile: Yes — you can call from any mobile phone.
- Works without SIM card: A SIM card is typically required. Try 112 if you have no SIM.
- Free to call: Yes — calling is completely free. No credit needed.
- Last verified: 2026-01
- Official source: National Fire Agency
How to Call 119 from Abroad
If you are calling 119 from outside South Korea, or from a foreign SIM card, dial the international format: +82 followed by 119 (omitting any leading zero). However, in a genuine emergency within South Korea, simply dialing 119 directly from any local or roaming SIM will connect you to the Ambulance and Fire Service. The universal number 112 is also active across South Korea and can be dialed from any phone.
All Emergency Numbers in South Korea
Besides 119 (Ambulance and Fire Service), South Korea has the following emergency services available: Police (Gyeongchal): 112 · Ambulance and Fire Service: 119 · Fire and Disaster Response: 119 · Korea Coast Guard: 122. Save all these numbers before traveling to South Korea.
Data Source & Verification Policy
The number 119 is listed as the Ambulance and Fire Service emergency line for South Korea based on data from National Fire Agency. It was last verified in 2026-01. If this number has changed or is incorrect, please contact us immediately — accuracy of emergency contact information is our highest priority.
Frequently Asked Questions — 119 (South Korea)
What is 119 in South Korea? ▼
119 is the Ambulance and Fire Service emergency number in South Korea. 119 is the unified number for both ambulance and fire emergencies. Response is fast throughout South Korea. Ambulance transport is free.
Can I call 119 without a SIM card in South Korea? ▼
A SIM card may be required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 119 free in South Korea? ▼
Yes, calling 119 is completely free in South Korea. No airtime credit needed.
Does 119 work from mobile in South Korea? ▼
Yes, 119 works from all mobile phones in South Korea.
Who do I reach when I call 119 in South Korea? ▼
Calling 119 in South Korea connects you to Ambulance and Fire Service (National Fire Agency), available 24/7.
What is the source for 119 being the Ambulance number in South Korea? ▼
Verified from National Fire Agency: https://www.nfa.go.kr/. Last verified: 2026-01.
Is 119 for both ambulance and fire in South Korea? ▼
Yes. 119 is the unified number for both ambulance and fire emergencies. The National Fire Agency operates both services.
Can I call 112 from a mobile without a SIM card in South Korea? ▼
Yes. Emergency calls to 112, 119, and 122 are free and can be made without a SIM card.
Are emergency calls free in South Korea? ▼
Yes. All emergency calls are free. Ambulance transport is also free of charge.
Do emergency operators speak English in South Korea? ▼
112 and 119 centers provide interpretation services for English, Chinese, and Japanese. Direct English-speaking operators may not be available, but interpretation is provided.
What number do I call for maritime rescue in South Korea? ▼
122 is the Korea Coast Guard emergency number. Also contactable via VHF Channel 16. Handles all maritime emergencies.
Is 119 for both ambulance and fire? ▼
Yes. 119 is the unified number for ambulance and fire. Free ambulance transport.
Can I call 112 from a mobile without a SIM card? ▼
Yes. Emergency calls are free and work without a SIM card.
Do emergency operators speak English? ▼
112 and 119 provide interpretation services for English, Chinese, and Japanese.