Level 3 · Confident Speaker
Learn critical vocabulary for emergencies, reporting problems, getting medical help, and staying safe while traveling in Korea.
14 words · tap 🔊 to hear native-speaker pronunciation
Nobody plans for emergencies, but knowing the right words can make all the difference. Korea is one of the safest countries in the world for travelers, but it's still important to be prepared.
In this unit, you'll learn essential vocabulary for emergency situations: reporting a problem to police, visiting a hospital, finding your embassy, and getting interpretation help. You'll also learn two critical grammar patterns: how to say "when something happens" and "must do / have to" — both essential for understanding emergency instructions.
The key emergency numbers to memorize: 112 (경찰, police), 119 (소방/응급, fire/ambulance), and 1330 (관광통역안내, tourist hotline with English support). Let's learn the words that will keep you safe!
emergency
비상 상황이에요!It's an emergency!
💡 Memory tip: 비 (not) + 상 (normal) — a not-normal situation, an emergency!
Pronunciation: 비 is [bi]. 상 ends with the nasal ㅇ [ng].
help / assistance
도움이 필요해요!I need help!
💡 Memory tip: "Do-um" — "Do! Um... help me!" Think of calling out for help!
Pronunciation: 도 is [do]. 움 ends with nasal ㅁ [m].
police station
가까운 경찰서가 어디예요?Where is the nearest police station?
💡 Memory tip: 경찰 (police) + 서 (office/station) — the police office!
Pronunciation: 경찰 is pronounced [경찰]. 서 is [seo].
embassy
미국 대사관에 연락해야 해요.I need to contact the American embassy.
💡 Memory tip: 대사 (ambassador) + 관 (building) — the ambassador's building, the embassy!
lost item / loss
여권을 분실했어요.I lost my passport.
💡 Memory tip: 분 (lose) + 실 (lose) — double "lose," something is truly lost!
Pronunciation: 분 ends with nasal ㄴ. 실 is [sil].
theft
도난 신고를 하고 싶어요.I want to report a theft.
💡 Memory tip: 도 (steal) + 난 (trouble) — trouble from stealing, theft!
accident
교통사고가 났어요.There was a traffic accident.
💡 Memory tip: "Sa-go" — an accident that makes you say "사... go!" (got to go deal with it!)
insurance
여행 보험이 있어요?Do you have travel insurance?
💡 Memory tip: 보 (protect) + 험 (danger) — protection against danger, insurance!
Pronunciation: 보 is [bo]. 험 ends with nasal ㅁ [m].
emergency room
응급실에 데려가 주세요.Please take me to the emergency room.
💡 Memory tip: 응급 (emergency/urgent) + 실 (room) — the urgent care room!
Pronunciation: 응급 has two nasal ㅇ endings. 실 is [sil].
report (to authorities)
경찰에 신고했어요.I reported it to the police.
💡 Memory tip: 신 (inform) + 고 (tell) — informing and telling authorities, reporting!
symptom
어떤 증상이 있어요?What symptoms do you have?
💡 Memory tip: 증 (evidence/proof) + 상 (condition) — evidence of a medical condition, a symptom!
prescription
처방전이 필요해요.I need a prescription.
💡 Memory tip: 처방 (prescribe) + 전 (paper/document) — the prescribing document!
Pronunciation: 처 has the aspirated ㅊ. 방 ends with ㅇ [ng]. 전 is [jeon].
oral interpretation / interpreter
통역 서비스가 있어요?Is there an interpretation service?
💡 Memory tip: 통 (through/communicate) + 역 (translate) — communicating through translation!
Pronunciation: 통 ends with the nasal ㅇ [ng]. 역 ends with unreleased ㄱ [k].
safety
안전에 주의하세요.Please be careful about safety.
💡 Memory tip: 안 (peace) + 전 (whole/complete) — complete peace, safety!
Korea is one of the safest countries in the world, but here's what you need to know in case of emergency:
-- 112 (경찰 Police): For crimes, theft, accidents, or any police matter. Operators speak Korean, but you can request English support. Tourist police (관광경찰) in major areas like Myeongdong and Itaewon speak English, Japanese, and Chinese.
-- 119 (소방/응급 Fire & Ambulance): For fire emergencies and medical emergencies. Ambulances (구급차) are free in Korea. Dispatchers can provide basic English support.
-- 1330 (관광통역안내 Tourist Hotline): Available 24/7 with support in English, Japanese, Chinese, and more. They can help with translation, tourist information, complaints, and emergency assistance. This is often your best first call as a tourist.
-- Hospitals: Korean hospitals (병원) are excellent and relatively affordable. Many large hospitals in Seoul have international clinics (국제진료센터) with English-speaking doctors. Pharmacies (약국) are on almost every block — pharmacists can recommend medicine for minor issues.
-- Lost Items: Korea has an amazing lost-and-found culture. If you lose something on public transport, check the lost-and-found center (분실물 센터) or call the transport company. Items left in taxis can be tracked through the taxi company or police.
-- Insurance tip: Always have travel insurance (여행 보험)! Keep a photo of your insurance card on your phone. Most Korean hospitals will treat you first and handle insurance paperwork after.
-- Useful emergency phrases: "도와주세요!" (Help!), "응급이에요!" (It's an emergency!), "영어 할 수 있는 사람 있어요?" (Is there anyone who speaks English?), "여기 주소가 뭐예요?" (What is the address here?)
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