Traveling to South Korea offers a unique cultural experience, from high-tech cities to ancient palaces and delicious street food. But emergencies can happen anywhere, and not knowing the local language during a crisis can increase fear, confusion, and danger. If you find yourself in a medical emergency, lose your wallet, or need the police, being able to communicate in Korean—even a little—can make a huge difference.
.jpg)
This guide focuses on practical, real-life Korean phrases you can use during emergencies. You’ll learn how to ask for help, talk to police, explain symptoms to a doctor, and more. These expressions are designed for quick use and memorization, even if you've never studied Korean before. Understanding these phrases can be the difference between panic and calm, confusion and clarity.
Let’s explore essential Korean phrases for emergencies—because safety and confidence matter while exploring new places.
Why Learning Korean Can Save You in Emergencies
Emergencies are stressful no matter where you are, but when you’re in a foreign country and unable to speak the language, stress can quickly turn into panic. In South Korea, although many young people know some English, you may struggle to find someone fluent in English during a crisis. That’s why learning essential Korean phrases for emergencies is more than useful—it’s a smart travel decision.
Emergency personnel such as police officers, hospital staff, and transportation workers may not always speak English well. In high-pressure moments like calling for medical help or reporting a theft, time is critical. Knowing even a few Korean phrases can help you act faster, reduce miscommunication, and even save a life.
Using Korean in these situations can also show respect for the culture and build trust with locals. Most Koreans appreciate when foreigners attempt to use their language, especially in serious situations. A simple phrase like "Please help me" in Korean can encourage immediate assistance when seconds count.
Korean emergency expressions are generally short and easy to pronounce. Learning how to clearly say “Help me,” “Call the police,” or “I need a doctor” is not only empowering, but also practical for travelers who want to stay prepared and confident in any situation.
🚨 Common Emergency Expressions in Korean
| Scenario | Korean | Pronunciation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ask for Help | 도와주세요 | do-wa-ju-se-yo | Please help me |
| Call the Police | 경찰을 불러주세요 | gyeong-chal-eul bul-leo-ju-se-yo | Call the police |
| I’m Lost | 길을 잃었어요 | gil-eul il-eot-seo-yo | I’m lost |
| It’s an Emergency | 긴급 상황이에요 | gin-geup sang-hwang-i-e-yo | It’s an emergency |
Up next: essential Korean phrases you can memorize now to ask for help anywhere, anytime. Let’s move on to actual expressions you’ll use in real emergencies.
Basic Phrases for Asking Help
Asking for help in a foreign country can be intimidating, but having a few go-to phrases ready in Korean will make it much easier. These expressions are simple, yet effective for catching someone’s attention or explaining that you’re in distress. In many cases, people want to help—they just need to know what you need. Using Korean can immediately create connection and urgency.
When you approach someone on the street or in a store, begin with a polite opener like “Excuse me” before asking for help. This sets the tone for a respectful interaction. Then follow up with clear statements about your situation. If you’re unsure, don’t worry about grammar—just focus on saying key words clearly. Koreans are usually very patient with travelers making an effort.
If you’re lost, injured, or separated from your group, staying calm and speaking clearly helps. You don’t need perfect pronunciation. The effort to speak Korean often leads to better results than speaking only in English, especially with older adults or in rural areas. Try to keep the phrases short, confident, and relevant to the situation.
Here’s a list of basic, but powerful Korean expressions that are useful in almost any emergency. Memorizing these can help you react faster and feel more secure as you explore Korea.
🗣️ Must-Know Help Phrases in Korean
| Expression | Korean | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excuse me | 실례합니다 | shil-lye-ham-ni-da | Excuse me |
| Can you help me? | 도와주실 수 있나요? | do-wa-ju-shil su it-na-yo? | Can you help me? |
| I don’t understand | 이해하지 못해요 | i-hae-ha-ji mot-hae-yo | I don’t understand |
| Please speak slowly | 천천히 말해 주세요 | cheon-cheon-hi mal-hae ju-se-yo | Please speak slowly |
These phrases may seem basic, but they are powerful tools. Practice saying them out loud a few times before your trip. You don’t have to be fluent—you just have to be prepared.
Medical Emergencies: Communicating with Doctors
Health-related emergencies are some of the most stressful situations you can face while traveling. Whether you’re feeling sick, injured, or dealing with a chronic condition, it’s important to express your symptoms clearly. While many major hospitals in Korea have English-speaking staff, smaller clinics may not. That’s why knowing how to explain pain, medication needs, or allergies in Korean is essential.
Doctors in Korea are professional and attentive, but the language barrier can slow down treatment. Being able to point to a part of your body and say "It hurts here" in Korean gives medical staff the information they need right away. If you carry any health information on paper, also include the Korean translations of major terms just in case.
Understanding basic medical Korean vocabulary can also help you read signs, find the pharmacy, or ask about medication. It’s especially useful in emergencies when timing and accuracy are everything. Most Korean hospitals are well-equipped and efficient, so once communication is clear, care is usually fast and effective.
Here’s a quick reference table with medical emergency phrases that cover pain, urgency, and asking for doctors. Practice these out loud to get used to the rhythm and tone—they could be life-saving.
🏥 Medical Emergency Phrases
| Situation | Korean | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| I need a doctor | 의사가 필요해요 | ui-sa-ga pil-yo-hae-yo | I need a doctor |
| It hurts here | 여기가 아파요 | yeo-gi-ga a-pa-yo | It hurts here |
| I feel dizzy | 어지러워요 | eo-ji-reo-wo-yo | I feel dizzy |
| I have an allergy | 알레르기가 있어요 | al-le-reu-gi-ga it-seo-yo | I have an allergy |
In our next section, we’ll talk about losing your wallet or passport—what to say and how to ask for help.
What to Say if You Lose Your Belongings
Losing your phone, wallet, or passport while traveling is not only frustrating, but can also be dangerous—especially in a country where you don't speak the language. In Korea, there’s a strong “lost and found” culture. People often return found items to nearby police stations or subway offices. So knowing how to report a lost item in Korean increases your chance of recovering it.
If you lose something in a taxi, store, or hotel, the first thing to do is ask staff or locals nearby for help. Phrases like “I lost my passport” or “Where is the police station?” are crucial. Be as specific as possible when describing what you lost—mention the color, size, and last known location. If you can, show a picture of the item on your phone.
In many public places such as airports, malls, or transportation hubs, there are “lost and found” counters marked with the term “분실물 센터 (bunsilmul senteo).” Even if the staff doesn’t speak English, using a few key Korean phrases will help bridge the gap. Most Koreans are very honest and willing to help in lost item cases.
Here are essential Korean phrases to use when you’ve lost something. Practice saying them slowly, and keep a note on your phone with translations just in case.
🎒 Lost Items Phrases
| Item Lost | Korean | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | 여권을 잃어버렸어요 | yeo-kkwon-eul ilh-eo-beo-ryeot-seo-yo | I lost my passport |
| Phone | 핸드폰을 잃어버렸어요 | haen-deu-pon-eul ilh-eo-beo-ryeot-seo-yo | I lost my phone |
| Wallet | 지갑을 잃어버렸어요 | ji-gap-eul ilh-eo-beo-ryeot-seo-yo | I lost my wallet |
| Where’s lost & found? | 분실물 센터가 어디에요? | bun-sil-mul sen-teo-ga eo-di-e-yo? | Where is the lost and found? |
Don’t forget to ask for help calmly and politely. Your attitude can make a big difference in how quickly people respond. Let’s now look at how to speak to the police or legal authorities if the situation requires.
Police and Legal Terms Travelers Should Know
Sometimes emergencies involve legal issues—being a victim of theft, needing to report a crime, or just asking for directions at a police station. South Korean police are generally professional and helpful, but English proficiency varies. Having the right Korean words can reduce misunderstanding and get faster assistance, especially when filing a report or explaining what happened.
When you approach a police officer, start by greeting them politely and then explain your situation clearly. Using basic vocabulary like “stolen,” “missing,” “I was attacked,” or “I lost my bag” can be very effective. If you have any visual aids like pictures or a Google Map location, that can help explain faster.
In more serious cases, such as accidents or identity theft, being able to say that you need a translator or your embassy is important. These phrases are not just useful—they can protect your rights and make sure you receive fair treatment under Korean law. Always remain calm and cooperative when speaking to authorities.
Here’s a table of useful legal and police-related Korean phrases that can help you explain emergencies and get support quickly.
👮 Police & Legal Help Phrases
| Phrase | Korean | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| I need to report a crime | 범죄를 신고하고 싶어요 | beom-jwe-reul shin-go-ha-go shi-peo-yo | I want to report a crime |
| Someone stole my bag | 가방을 도둑맞았어요 | ga-bang-eul do-duk-ma-ja-sseo-yo | My bag was stolen |
| Can I talk to an interpreter? | 통역사와 이야기할 수 있나요? | tong-yeok-sa-wa i-ya-gi-hal su it-na-yo? | Can I talk to an interpreter? |
| I want to contact my embassy | 대사관에 연락하고 싶어요 | dae-sa-gwan-e yeon-rak-ha-go shi-peo-yo | I want to contact my embassy |
In the next section, we’ll explore how to stay calm and communicate clearly even under pressure—because how you say things is just as important as what you say.
Staying Calm: How to Speak Clearly Under Stress
Emergencies can cause panic, and panic leads to miscommunication. That’s why staying calm and speaking clearly is just as important as learning the right phrases. In Korea, tone and politeness matter. Even if you don’t use perfect grammar, clear and respectful speech increases your chance of getting help fast.
When you’re stressed, your pronunciation may suffer. To prepare, say key Korean emergency phrases out loud regularly. Use slow, steady speech and don’t worry about sounding native. Focus on being understood, not being perfect. Gestures and showing images on your phone can also support communication.
Koreans generally respond well to foreigners trying to use Korean. Even if your sentence is broken, a kind tone can help. If you're overwhelmed, use simple structure: one idea per sentence. This helps listeners process faster and assist more accurately.
Before your trip, record yourself saying the top 10 phrases from this guide and play them back. Muscle memory will help in emergencies. Also, save a note on your phone with translations. When you're calm, you're clear—and clarity saves time, effort, and lives.
🧘♂️ Phrases to Stay Calm in Emergencies
| Purpose | Korean | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stay calm | 진정하세요 | jin-jeong-ha-se-yo | Please calm down |
| Slow down please | 천천히 말해 주세요 | cheon-cheon-hi mal-hae ju-se-yo | Please speak slowly |
| I’m okay | 괜찮아요 | gwaen-chan-a-yo | I’m okay |
| Thank you | 감사합니다 | gam-sa-ham-ni-da | Thank you |
Let’s now move on to the FAQ section, where we answer 30 practical questions travelers often have about Korean emergencies.
FAQ
Q1. Do Koreans speak English in emergencies?
Most young people speak basic English, but in emergencies it’s better to know simple Korean phrases.
Q2. What is Korea’s emergency number?
119 for fire and ambulance, 112 for police.
Q3. Can I find English-speaking doctors in Korea?
Yes, at major hospitals, but small clinics may not have English support.
Q4. What if I lose my passport?
Go to the nearest police station and contact your embassy immediately.
Q5. Are lost items often returned in Korea?
Yes. Korea has a strong culture of returning found items to police or lost-and-found centers.
Q6. How do I ask for a doctor?
Say "의사가 필요해요" (ui-sa-ga pil-yo-hae-yo).
Q7. What if I feel unsafe?
Go to a well-lit public place and call 112. Ask locals for help using “도와주세요”.
Q8. Can I use translation apps in emergencies?
Yes, but don’t rely on them entirely. Having key phrases memorized is faster.
Q9. How do I say “I lost my wallet” in Korean?
Say "지갑을 잃어버렸어요" (ji-gap-eul ilh-eo-beo-ryeot-seo-yo).
Q10. Is it safe to approach police officers in Korea?
Yes, police in Korea are generally safe and professional. Approach them calmly and speak slowly.
Q11. What is the emergency medical number in Korea?
Dial 119 for ambulances and medical emergencies.
Q12. Can I get an interpreter in Korean hospitals?
Some larger hospitals offer interpreter services, especially in Seoul.
Q13. How do I say “My phone was stolen” in Korean?
Say "핸드폰을 도둑맞았어요" (haen-deu-pon-eul do-duk-ma-ja-sseo-yo).
Q14. Are there English-speaking police stations?
In major tourist areas, yes. Otherwise, English may be limited.
Q15. How do I report a missing person in Korea?
Go to the nearest police station and say "사람을 잃어버렸어요" (sa-ram-eul ilh-eo-beo-ryeot-seo-yo).
Q16. How do I explain a food allergy in Korean?
Say "저는 ___ 알레르기가 있어요" (jeo-neun ___ al-le-reu-gi-ga it-seo-yo), inserting the food name.
Q17. Can I get a written report from police?
Yes, request a “report document” by asking "신고서 주세요" (shin-go-seo ju-se-yo).
Q18. Where can I find a lost and found in Korea?
Look for "분실물 센터" (bun-sil-mul sen-teo) signs in subway stations, airports, or malls.
Q19. What should I do if I’m followed or harassed?
Enter a public place and call 112 immediately. You can also ask help from nearby stores.
Q20. How do I ask for the embassy in Korean?
Say "대사관 어디에요?" (dae-sa-gwan eo-di-e-yo?).
Q21. How do I say “Please help me” urgently?
Use "제발 도와주세요!" (je-bal do-wa-ju-se-yo!) for more urgency.
Q22. How can I describe my symptoms in Korean?
Learn body parts and phrases like "아파요" (a-pa-yo = it hurts).
Q23. Can I ask someone to call 119 for me?
Yes. Say "119에 전화해 주세요" (il-il-gu-e jeon-hwa-hae ju-se-yo).
Q24. How do I ask for directions to a hospital?
Say "병원이 어디에요?" (byeong-won-i eo-di-e-yo?).
Q25. How do I tell someone I’ve been attacked?
Say "공격당했어요" (gong-gyeok-dang-haet-seo-yo).
Q26. Do taxis in Korea have emergency help buttons?
Yes, some taxis have emergency alert buttons for passengers.
Q27. What apps can help in emergencies in Korea?
Use apps like Papago (translation), KakaoMap, or “Emergency Ready App” by the Korean gov.
Q28. Are Korean people willing to help foreigners?
Yes, especially if you try to speak Korean politely. They often go out of their way to assist.
Q29. How do I request CCTV footage?
Go to the local police station and say "CCTV 확인하고 싶어요" (CCTV hwak-in-ha-go ship-eo-yo).
Q30. Are Korean police helpful to foreigners?
Yes, most officers are professional and trained to assist tourists.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not replace professional legal, medical, or travel advice. Always consult official sources during emergencies.
.jpg)