Korea Emergency Guide for Drivers: Accidents, Breakdowns & Medical Help

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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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
• 119 불러주세요 (119 bul-leo-ju-se-yo) — Please call 119
• 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

1. 1Save 112, 119, 1330, and your rental company's emergency number in your phone before you start driving.
2. 2Photograph your rental car on all four sides before leaving the lot — this protects you from pre-existing damage claims.
3. 3Check the trunk for an emergency triangle and first aid kit at pickup. Korean law requires these in vehicles.
4. 4Download Naver Maps offline for your region — GPS navigation still works without a data signal.
5. 5Your rental car agreement is your most important document in an emergency. Keep a photo of it in your phone.

FAQ

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.