In any emergency situation, knowing key phrases in the local language can be a lifesaver. For English speakers in Korea, understanding some essential Korean emergency phrases can help in navigating unexpected situations effectively. Here’s a list of useful Korean phrases that could be crucial in emergencies, along with their meanings and pronunciation guides.
도와주세요 (Dowajuseyo) – Please help me.
길을 잃어버렸어요. 도와주세요!
This phrase is critical in attracting immediate assistance, whether you’re lost, in danger, or need medical help.
응급실 어디예요? (Eunggeupsil eodi-yeyo?) – Where is the emergency room?
다쳤어요, 응급실 어디예요?
In case of a medical emergency, knowing how to ask for the emergency room is vital.
경찰을 불러주세요 (Gyeongchaleul bulleojuseyo) – Please call the police.
도둑이 집에 들어왔어요. 경찰을 불러주세요!
Use this phrase if you need immediate police assistance.
불이야! (Buriya!) – Fire!
불이야! 빨리 대피해야 돼요!
This urgent exclamation is used to alert others about a fire.
구급차를 불러주세요 (Gugeupchareul bulleojuseyo) – Please call an ambulance.
그가 심하게 다쳤어요. 구급차를 불러주세요!
If someone is severely injured and needs immediate medical attention, this phrase is essential.
저는 알레르기가 있어요 (Jeoneun allergeuga isseoyo) – I have an allergy.
저는 땅콩 알레르기가 있어요.
If you have allergies, especially to common ingredients, it’s crucial to know how to inform others.
제 지갑을 잃어버렸어요 (Je jigabeul ilheobeoryeosseoyo) – I lost my wallet.
제 지갑을 잃어버렸어요. 도와주실 수 있나요?
In case you lose your wallet or any valuables, use this phrase to seek help in finding it.
길을 잃었어요 (Gireul ilheosseoyo) – I am lost.
길을 잃었어요, 이곳이 어디죠?
This is particularly useful if you find yourself disoriented or in an unfamiliar area.
긴급 상황이에요 (Gingeup sanghwang-ieyo) – It’s an emergency.
긴급 상황이에요, 빨리 도와주세요!
Communicate the urgency of any situation with this phrase to expedite assistance.
목이 막혔어요 (Mogi makhyeosseoyo) – I am choking.
목이 막혔어요, 도와주세요!
If you or someone else is choking and you need immediate help, this phrase can be a lifesaver.
제가 아파요 (Jega apayo) – I am sick.
제가 아파요, 병원에 가야 할 것 같아요.
Use this phrase to communicate that you are unwell and may need to see a doctor.
위험해요 (Wiheomhaeyo) – It’s dangerous.
조심하세요, 여기는 정말 위험해요!
Alert others to a dangerous situation or area with this phrase.
전화를 걸어야 돼요 (Jeonhwareul geollya dwaeyo) – I need to make a phone call.
전화를 걸어야 돼요, 폰 좀 빌릴 수 있을까요?
If you need to contact someone urgently and don’t have access to a phone, this phrase will be useful.
화장실 어디예요? (Hwajangsil eodi-yeyo?) – Where is the bathroom?
화장실 어디예요? 급해요!
In less severe emergencies, knowing how to ask for the bathroom is always practical.
어디가 아파요? (Eodiga apayo?) – Where does it hurt?
어디가 아파요? 의사 선생님께 말해주세요.
This question can help medical professionals quickly understand where someone is experiencing pain.
In conclusion, being prepared with these Korean emergency phrases can significantly impact your safety and well-being while in Korea. It’s advisable for all travelers and expatriates to familiarize themselves with these phrases to handle any emergencies effectively.
