Whether you're living, working, or just traveling in South Korea, unexpected emergencies can happen. What should you do if you witness a crime, become a victim of theft, or face any kind of danger in Korea?
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| How to Report an Emergency to the Police in Korea |
In this guide, we’ll explain how to contact the Korean police, what numbers to call, and how to report an emergency even if you don’t speak Korean. This is essential information for all foreigners in Korea!
📞 Emergency Numbers in Korea
South Korea has dedicated hotlines for different types of emergencies:
- 112 – Emergency police number (crime, assault, theft, violence, harassment, etc.)
- 182 – Non-emergency police reports (lost items, general inquiries)
- 118 – Cybercrime reporting
- 119 – Fires and medical emergencies
You can dial these numbers without a regional area code, even from mobile phones or public phone booths. If you're using a public phone, press the 긴급 전화 (Emergency Call) button before dialing.
What to Do in an Emergency in Korea
If you’re in immediate danger or have witnessed a crime, here are the steps to follow when reporting to the Korean police:
1. Request an Interpreter
If you're not confident in Korean, ask for an interpreter right away when calling 112. The Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) provides interpretation in various languages, including English, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more. This will help ensure that your report is clear and accurately handled.
“Interpreter, please.”Or in Korean: “통역 부탁합니다. (Tong-yeok butakhamnida.)”
2. Clearly State Your Location
Location is crucial. If you call from a Korean number, the police system will attempt to trace your position via your phone signal. However, if you’re using a foreign SIM card with international roaming, your location might not be traceable.
In this case, describe your exact location, including nearby buildings or landmarks. You can use apps like KakaoMap or Naver Map to identify and share your address.
3. Describe the Incident in Detail
Be clear and calm when explaining:
- What happened
- When and where it occurred
- Who was involved (appearance, clothing, vehicle plate numbers, etc.)
- Any weapons or threats used
Once your report is completed, you will typically receive a confirmation SMS within 3 minutes.
⚠️ Important Notes for Foreigners in Korea
1. Stay calm and speak slowly to avoid miscommunication during a high-stress situation.
2. Do not tamper with the scene of the crime. Wait for the authorities and follow their instructions.
3. Undocumented immigrants can safely report crimes. The police and immigration authorities are separate entities. You won’t be automatically reported to immigration for contacting the police.
4. All calls to 112 are recorded for investigation purposes, but your personal information will remain confidential.
📝 Other Ways to Report to the Police in Korea
If you’re unable to make a phone call, you can still report an incident through the following methods:
1. Send a Text Message
You can send an SMS to 112 if you're in danger and cannot speak. Keep in mind that if you write in a language other than Korean, it may take longer for police to understand and respond.
2. Use the “112 Emergency Report” App
Download the app “112 긴급 신고” to report emergencies directly from your phone. Note: This app is in Korean and may require identity verification, which can be challenging for short-term visitors.
3. Report Non-Urgent Situations via Safety e-Report
For non-emergency issues like broken traffic lights, damaged manholes, or other safety concerns, use the “안전신문고” (Safety e-Report) app. You can take a photo and upload it with a description. This is ideal for residents or long-term visitors in Korea.
🚓 What If You Don’t Have a Korean SIM Card?
If you're a tourist without a Korean phone number, you can still:
- Approach a police officer or tourist police on the street.
- Use public phones for free emergency calls.
- Ask locals for help calling 112.
References: wikipedia, creatrip, police.go.kr
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