South Korea travel safety: 112, 119, 1330 and what to know about alcohol and drugs

South Korea has convenient public transport and lively cities that stay busy late, and it is a good place to travel. Even so, carrying useful information in case something goes wrong brings peace of mind. This article centres on the UK FCDO's South Korea travel advice (read on 7 November 2026); it is general information, not legal or medical advice. Numbers and hours can change: confirm them before you leave.

Numbers worth memorising

• 112: police
• 119: ambulance and fire

If you do not speak Korean, there are interpreting lines. The same advice lists:

• 1330 (Korea Tourism Organisation travel hotline): help in several languages including English, with three-way calls to emergency services. The UK advice gives hours of 7am to midnight; other sources describe different hours by language, so check the official tourism site (visitkorea.or.kr).
• Danuri Call Centre, 1577-1366: interpreting 24 hours a day, including three-way calls.
• Dasan Call Centre, 02-120: interpreting on weekdays 9am to 6pm, including three-way calls.

Remote interpreting is especially useful in emergencies or out of hours. The English site of Korea's tourism organisation also offers a free online call to 1330 (no charge over Wi-Fi, data charges may apply) and a chat.

Belongings in crowded places

The UK advice recommends extra care with passports, cards and cash where it is crowded, and mentions places popular with foreigners such as Itaewon. Keep a copy of your passport separately and do not carry all your cards together.

At night

The advice notes that there have been assaults, including sexual assault, particularly around bars and nightlife areas. If you are alone, take care and use legitimate taxis or public transport. Share your destination and return time, keep your drink in sight and leave any uncomfortable situation without explaining. As a couple, agree who calls whom and where to meet if you get separated.

Drink-driving

The advice states that the legal alcohol limit in Korea is less than half the UK's and that penalties include prison and fines. If you rent a car, do not drive on a day you drink: plan alternatives first (taxi, metro, driver).

Drugs: even small amounts

According to the same advice, possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs can lead to long prison sentences and heavy fines, including for personal use of small amounts of marijuana, and some British nationals have been detained solely on the basis of drug tests. What is legal at home may not be there; if you carry prescription medicine, check the entry rules first. You can also read our guide on medicines, insurance and health when travelling to Japan and South Korea.

Quick checklist

• Passport copy, insurer contact and accommodation address in Korean, on paper and on your phone.
• 112, 119 and the interpreting numbers saved.
• A plan to get back (taxi app, last metro).
• Remember that laws differ from country to country.

Sources (read 7 November 2026): UK FCDO, South Korea travel advice, "Getting help" (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-korea/getting-help) and "Safety and security" (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-korea/safety-and-security); Korea Tourism Organisation (https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/).