Travel Phrases — Entry No. 1164
119
emergency-119 · noun
119
emergency-119
[eel-goo-goo]
nounbeginner
Meaning
South Korea’s emergency number (119) for fire, ambulance, and rescue services. Dial this for medical emergencies, fires, or accidents—equivalent to 911 in the US.
K-Pop & K-Drama Context
Every K-drama emergency scene uses 119—it’s as iconic to Korean viewers as sirens are globally. K-pop idols and celebrities have publicly discussed calling 119 during health scares. Knowing this number could save your life while visiting Korea.
Example Sentences
119에 전화했어요.
Ilgubgue jeonwahhaesseoyo.
I called 119. (Past tense, showing action taken)
119에 전화해주세요!
Ilgubgue jeonwahhaejuseyo!
Please call 119! (Emergency command)
한국에서 119는 응급 번호예요.
Hangugeseo ilgubgunun eunggup beonhoyeyo.
In Korea, 119 is the emergency number.
⚠️ Don’t use emergency-119 when…
1) 119 is ONLY for life-threatening emergencies (fires, medical crises, accidents)—don’t call for minor injuries or non-emergencies. 2) English support is limited; have someone Korean-speaking nearby or learn key phrases beforehand.
🎵 Heard In
- K-Drama: Descendants of the Sun — Constant emergency scenes showcase 119 dispatch protocols and rescue operations central to Korean medical dramas.
- K-Pop: EXO ‘Call Me Baby’ — While not literally about emergencies, the urgent, immediate tone mirrors how 119 calls demand instant response and action.
ℹ️ Editorial Note: The cultural context and example usage are for educational reference only. Artist names, song titles, and drama references are used descriptively to illustrate vocabulary in context. This content is AI-assisted and reviewed for accuracy. For official information, please refer to the respective artists’ or studios’ official channels.