Getting stuck in an emergency abroad is stressful enough without the language barrier. Here’s a quick guide to the most crucial Korean phrases you’ll need if things go sideways. No fluff, just practical survival tools.
1. Help!
도와주세요!
/do.wa.dʑu.se.jo/“Help!”
The universal cry for assistance. Use this to grab attention in urgent situations.
2. Call the police!
경찰을 불러 주세요!
/kjʌŋ.tɕʰa.ɾɨl bul.lʌ dʑu.se.jo/“Call the police!”
Direct but polite. Koreans often add “주세요” (please) even in emergencies to soften requests.
3. I need a doctor
의사가 필요해요
/ɰi.sa.ga pi.ɾjo.hɛ.jo/“I need a doctor”
Swap “의사” (doctor) with “약” (medicine) if you’re at a pharmacy instead.
4. Where is the hospital?
병원이 어디예요?
/pjʌŋ.wʌ.ni ʌ.di.je.jo/“Where is the hospital?”
Point to your phone’s map while saying this if you’re in a hurry.
5. I’m lost
길을 잃었어요
/ki.ɾɨl i.ɾʌ.sʌ.jo/“I’m lost”
Literally “I’ve lost the road.” Follow up with “여기는 어디예요?” (Where is this place?).
6. It hurts here
여기가 아파요
/jʌ.gi.ga a.pʰa.jo/“It hurts here”
Point to the affected area. For headaches, say “머리가 아파요” (My head hurts).
7. I’ve been robbed
도둑맞았어요
/to.duk.ma.dʑa.sʌ.jo/“I’ve been robbed”
Thankfully rare in Korea, but good to know. Add “지갑” (wallet) or “휴대폰” (phone) if specific items were taken.
8. Fire!
불이야!
/pu.ɾi.ja/“Fire!”
Short and sharp. In buildings, look for “비상구” (emergency exit) signs.
9. Be careful!
조심하세요!
/dʑo.ɕim.ha.se.jo/“Be careful!”
Use to warn others of danger, like an oncoming car or slippery floor.
10. Is this safe to eat?
이거 먹어도 돼요?
/i.gʌ mʌ.gʌ.do dwe.jo/“Is this safe to eat?”
Essential for food allergies or street vendors. For allergies, add “알레르기가 있어요” (I have an allergy).
11. I need to contact my embassy
대사관에 연락해야 해요
/tɛ.sa.gwan.e jʌl.la.kʰɛ.ja hɛ.jo/“I need to contact my embassy”
For lost passports or legal trouble. Keep your embassy’s address saved offline.
12. Can you speak English?
영어 할 수 있어요?
/jʌŋ.ʌ hal su i.sʌ.jo/“Can you speak English?”
A last resort if all else fails. Younger Koreans are more likely to understand.
Pro tip: Korean emergency numbers are 112 (police) and 119 (fire/ambulance). Save them in your phone.
For more travel-friendly phrases, check out our guides on Estonian for travellers or Japanese dining phrases.
