Emergency Care in Korea — Foreigner's Guide
Korean emergency care is world-class, with 24-hour ERs at all major hospitals, fast ambulance response, and multilingual support. This guide covers what foreigners need to know.
What to Do in an Emergency
- Call 119. Say "English please" or your language. Interpreter will join the call.
- State your location. Give building name, street, landmarks. If using KakaoMap/NaverMap, share your exact coordinates.
- Describe the emergency briefly. Unconsciousness, bleeding, chest pain, breathing difficulty, trauma, etc.
- Stay on the line if safe to do so. Operator provides first-aid instructions.
- Prepare documents for the hospital: passport, travel insurance card, list of medications and allergies.
Typical ER Costs (USD, Without Korean Insurance)
| Service | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Initial ER evaluation + basic tests | $100–300 |
| Evaluation + CT scan | $300–500 |
| Evaluation + MRI | $500–800 |
| Minor surgery or suturing | $200–500 |
| Hospital admission (per day) | $200–500 (room) + procedures |
| 119 ambulance transport | Free |
KTAS Triage System (1–5)
Level 1 (Red) — Immediate. Cardiac arrest, severe trauma, unconsciousness.
Level 2 (Orange) — Emergent, ≤15 min. Chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe asthma.
Level 3 (Yellow) — Urgent, ≤30 min. Moderate pain, fever 39°C+, simple fractures.
Level 4 (Green) — Less urgent, ≤1 hr. Minor injuries, mild fever, minor burns.
Level 5 (Blue) — Non-urgent, ≤2 hr+. Chronic complaints, minor aches, prescription refills.
Korea charges an additional non-emergency ER fee (~$30–40) for Level 4–5 patients who could be seen at a regular clinic.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
What number do I call for an ambulance in Korea?
Call 119 — Korea's emergency number for medical, fire, and rescue. Operators speak English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Russian, and several other languages via live interpreter. Service is free (you pay only the hospital).
Will I be charged for the ambulance?
Public 119 ambulances are free for transport to emergency rooms. If you request transport for non-emergencies, there may be a fee. Private ambulances and inter-hospital transfers are not free.
How much does an ER visit cost without Korean insurance?
Initial evaluation + basic tests: $100–300. Adding CT scan: $300–500. Adding MRI: $500–800. Admission to hospital: $200–500/day room fee plus procedures. Present your passport and travel insurance card; many travel insurances will guarantee payment.
Which hospitals have 24/7 emergency rooms?
All tertiary hospitals (상급종합병원) and most general hospitals (종합병원) have 24/7 ERs. In Seoul: all Big Five hospitals, plus dozens of general hospitals. Outside Seoul, the nearest general hospital is typically within 30 minutes. Our main site has a full searchable list by region.
What is the KTAS triage system?
Korean Triage and Acuity Scale ranks patients 1 (most urgent) to 5 (least urgent). Level 1: immediate life threat. Level 2: potentially life-threatening. Level 3: urgent. Level 4: less urgent. Level 5: non-urgent. Non-urgent cases (Level 4–5) may wait hours behind emergencies.
Can I use travel insurance in Korea?
Yes. Most major international travel insurance (World Nomads, IMG, Cigna Global, Allianz, HTH Worldwide) is accepted at major Korean hospitals. Some require direct billing arrangements; others reimburse you after you pay upfront. Always carry your policy card and contact your insurer immediately on admission.
What about dental or minor emergencies at night?
For severe toothaches or accidents, major hospital ERs handle dental trauma. For minor evening dental issues, some Gangnam and Jongno dental clinics operate until midnight. See our main site's night clinic listings.
I'm a tourist without insurance — what should I do?
Seek care regardless. Korean hospitals treat patients first and bill after. For non-emergencies, the cost will be moderate ($50–200) at a neighborhood clinic. For emergencies, plan to pay upfront and claim reimbursement from any travel insurance or credit card insurance you have. The Korea Consumer Agency can mediate billing disputes.