Korea Emergency Guide for Drivers: Accidents, Breakdowns & Medical Help
By Koro Team·11 min read·June 6, 2026
Every foreign driver's biggest fear: something goes wrong on a Korean highway and you don't know what to do. Don't panic. Korea has a well-organized emergency system, and with the right numbers saved in your phone, you can handle almost any situation — even without speaking Korean.
This guide covers the three most common driver emergencies: accidents, breakdowns, and medical crises. Save these numbers before you get on the road.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Korea
If you're involved in a collision, Korean law requires you to stop, provide your information, and call the police if anyone is injured. Even for minor fender benders, you should document the scene before moving the vehicles.
Korean emergency response teams are fast — usually arriving within 10 minutes on highways.Photo:Ulrick Trappschuh/Pexels
1
Stop and secure the scene
Pull over safely if you can. Turn on your hazard lights immediately. Place your emergency triangle (in the trunk of most rental cars) at least 100m behind the vehicle on highways, 30m on regular roads.
2
Check for injuries and call 112 or 119
If anyone is injured, call 119 (ambulance/fire) first, then 112 (police). Both lines have English support — say 'I need help, car accident' and give your location. The operator will guide you.
3
Document the scene
Before moving the cars, take photos of all vehicles, the road, skid marks, and any damage. Get the other driver's name, phone number, license plate, driver's license number, and insurance company.
4
Contact your rental car company
Call the rental company's emergency line immediately — it's printed on your rental agreement. Most companies require you to report accidents within 24 hours. Do not admit fault or sign anything without their guidance.
5
File a police report
For accidents involving injury or significant property damage, a police report (사고사실확인원) is required for insurance claims. Korean police will arrive at the scene; you can also visit a nearby police station afterward.
Korean Emergency Numbers Every Driver Must Know
Korea has three essential emergency numbers. They're free to call from any phone, including foreign SIMs. All three have 24/7 English assistance.
Call 112 for police, 119 for medical and fire emergencies.Photo:Allen Beilschmidt sr./Pexels
112 — Police. Use for accidents, crime, or any situation requiring law enforcement. English operators available 24/7.
119 — Ambulance and fire. Use if anyone is injured or if there's a fire. They dispatch both ambulances and firefighters.
1330 — Korea Tourism Helpline. Not an emergency line, but provides English/Chinese/Japanese support for travel-related questions, including accident guidance for foreigners.
1588-2504 — Korea Expressway Corporation (KEC). For breakdowns and accidents on highways (expressways only).
When you call, stay calm and speak slowly. Say your emergency first ('Car accident,' 'Someone is injured'), then your location. On a highway, look for the green kilometer markers on the roadside — they give your exact position.
Car Breakdown and Roadside Assistance
Breaking down on a Korean expressway is stressful but manageable. Pull over to the emergency lane on the right shoulder, turn on hazard lights, and get everyone out of the car away from traffic.
Towing services on Korean expressways are dispatched by calling 1588-2504.Photo:Jonathan Reynaga/Pexels
On a highway (expressway): Call 1588-2504 (Korea Expressway Corporation). They dispatch free towing to the nearest service area. Available 24/7.
On regular city roads: Call your rental car company's emergency line first. If you don't have the number, call 1330 for assistance in English.
Emergency call boxes: Blue SOS call boxes are located every 500m along Korean expressways. Press the button and you'll be connected to the KEC operations center.
If you can move the car: Drive to the nearest highway service area (휴게소) where mechanics and towing services are available.
Most rental car agreements include roadside assistance. Check your contract — the number is usually on the front page. Lotte Rent-a-Car: 1588-3500, SK Rent-a-Car: 1599-0001, Jeju Car Rental: varies by company.
Rental Car Emergency Procedures
Rental companies in Korea have strict procedures for accidents. Not following them can void your insurance coverage, so contact the company immediately — even for minor damage.
Save your rental company's emergency number before you drive. It's on your rental agreement.Photo:Gustavo Fring/Pexels
Report immediately: Call the rental company's emergency line within 24 hours of any incident, even minor scratches.
Don't repair independently: Never pay out-of-pocket for repairs without rental company approval — it can void your coverage.
Get a police report number: For insurance claims, you'll need the police report reference number (사건번호).
Photograph everything: Front, rear, and both sides of the car at pickup and any new damage after an incident.
Insurance details: Check your contract for the collision damage waiver (CDW) coverage limit. If you bought additional insurance, you may have zero deductible.
Survival Korean Phrases for Emergencies
Emergency operators speak English, but if you're talking directly to another driver or a bystander, these phrases help.
도와주세요 (Do-wa-ju-se-yo) — Please help me
사고났어요 (Sa-go-na-sseo-yo) — There's been an accident
영어 할 수 있어요? (Yeong-eo hal su i-sseo-yo?) — Do you speak English?
보험회사 연락해야 해요 (Bo-heum-hoe-sa yeol-lak-hae-ya hae-yo) — I need to contact my insurance company
Quick Tips Before You Drive
1Save 112, 119, 1330, and your rental company's emergency number in your phone before you start driving.
2Photograph your rental car on all four sides before leaving the lot — this protects you from pre-existing damage claims.
3Check the trunk for an emergency triangle and first aid kit at pickup. Korean law requires these in vehicles.
4Download Naver Maps offline for your region — GPS navigation still works without a data signal.
5Your rental car agreement is your most important document in an emergency. Keep a photo of it in your phone.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Driving in Korea is safe — accident rates are declining every year, and the roads are well-maintained. But emergencies happen. With these numbers saved and this guide bookmarked, you're prepared for whatever the road throws at you. Drive safely.