This guide explains how to respond when a human-made crisis such as war, terrorism, or a chemical spill occurs in Korea. As many people experienced during the alert issued in Seoul in May 2023, a lack of clear guidance on where to go can be deeply confusing. Knowing what to do in advance helps you act calmly when it matters most. We strongly encourage you to find the shelter nearest to your home ahead of time and share your evacuation route with your family and coworkers.

Step-by-Step Overview

  1. 1. Check alerts and emergency text messages

    Use the siren sound pattern and emergency disaster text messages to understand the type and severity of the situation.

  2. 2. Decide whether to shelter in place or evacuate

    For a Gyeongye (standby) alert, stay indoors. For an air-raid alert or higher, move immediately to the nearest underground shelter.

  3. 3. Turn off gas and electricity

    Before evacuating, close the gas valve and unplug any unnecessary electrical appliances.

  4. 4. Grab your emergency supplies

    Quickly gather food, water, a first-aid kit, ID, a phone charger, and similar essentials.

  5. 5. Move to a shelter

    Head quickly to the nearest civil defense shelter, such as a subway station, underground shopping mall, or building basement.

  6. 6. Follow official instructions

    Once inside the shelter, wait for further guidance through broadcasts and text messages from the authorities.

When an Emergency Occurs

Step 1: Understand the Situation

  • Pay attention to government news channels, text messages (emergency disaster texts), and public address speakers on the street.
  • Contact your supervisor or people nearby to confirm what is happening.
  • Phone lines may become congested, so use text messages whenever possible.

Step 2: Stay Off the Streets

  • Remain inside your home or workplace.
  • Do not go outside unless it is necessary.

Step 3: Prepare to Evacuate

If a warning alert is issued, follow these steps in order.

  1. Close the gas valve and unplug electrical appliances that could pose an explosion risk.
  2. Pack your emergency supplies: quickly prepare food, water, a first-aid kit, ID, and a phone charger.
  3. If an air-raid alert sounds, move to the nearest shelter immediately.

Types of Alert Sirens

Korea’s civil defense alerts are distinguished by siren sound patterns. As of 2026, four types of alert are in operation. The specific operational criteria may change, so please check the latest information through 1345 (Immigration Contact Center, which also handles general emergency inquiries) or the Ministry of the Interior and Safety SafeKorea portal.

Alert TypeSiren PatternMeaning
Gyeongye Alert (Standby)A steady, flat tone lasting 1 minute (─────)An enemy attack is anticipated. Begin preparing to evacuate.
Air-Raid AlertA wailing tone that rises for 5 seconds and falls for 3 seconds, repeated for 3 minutes (〜〜〜)An enemy attack is imminent or has begun. Move to a shelter immediately.
CBRN AlertDelivered separately by broadcast and text messageIssued when a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attack is suspected or underway.
Nuclear AlertDelivered separately by broadcast and text messageIssued when a nuclear weapons attack is imminent or underway.

How to Find a Shelter

Shelters are usually located in underground facilities such as subway stations, underground shopping malls, underground parking lots, and building basements.

You can find the nearest shelter using the following methods.

  • SafeKorea National Disaster Safety Portal: After visiting the site, go to Civil Defense > Emergency Facilities > Shelters and enter your area to search.
  • SafeKorea in English: An English-language interface is available. If the English site is difficult to access, try the Korean portal.
  • Anjeun Didimddol app (Safety Stepping Stone): Search for “안전디딤돌” on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to install the app, which shows nearby shelters on a map.
  • Naver Maps, Kakao Maps, or T-map: Type “민방위 대피소” (civil defense shelter) into the search bar to view shelters near your current location on the map.

For emergency guidance in other languages, the articles Monsoon and Heavy Rain Emergency Guidelines for Foreigners and Winter Cold Wave Preparedness and Cold-Related Illness Response also summarize the basic principles for responding to different types of disasters.

Additional Guidelines for CBRN Attacks

When a CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear) alert is issued or a chemical leak is suspected, different actions are needed compared to a standard air-raid evacuation.

  • Seal gaps around windows and doors with tape or wet towels to block outside air from entering.
  • If you have a gas mask or other CBRN personal protective equipment, put it on immediately. If not, cover your nose and mouth with a water-soaked towel.
  • When moving to an underground shelter, minimize exposed skin as much as possible. After arriving, wash any exposed skin with soap and water.
  • If you were outdoors, remove the clothing you were wearing, seal it in a bag, and prevent contamination from spreading.

If You Receive a Suspicious Letter or Package

In cases of terrorism or chemical threats, unidentified mail may be used as a delivery method. Please keep the following tips in mind.

Before Opening

  • Check first whether you are expecting any mail or a delivery.
  • Do not open mail right away. Start by checking whether the sender’s information is clear.
  • A strange odor or the sensation of powder inside the package may be additional warning signs.

If the Origin or Contents Are Unclear

  • Do not smell it or touch it with bare hands under any circumstances.
  • Call the police immediately at 112.

If the Package Is Already Open

  1. Do not touch it directly. Cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or cloth.
  2. Keep people nearby from approaching, and evacuate everyone in the area.
  3. Seal off the area to prevent any hazardous substance from spreading.

If Symptoms Appear

If you experience sudden symptoms such as difficulty breathing, nausea, or numbness in your fingers after opening a piece of mail, call 119 immediately. If symptoms appear, the incident may be recognized as an occupational injury, so you may also wish to refer to 2025 Migrant Workers’ Rights Handbook: Labor Rights, Industrial Accident Insurance, and Wage Theft Guide.

Emergency Contact Numbers

SituationContact
Suspicious mail or terrorist threat112 (Police)
Injury, difficulty breathing, or other medical emergency119 (Fire and Emergency Medical Services)
Administrative guidance in foreign languages1345 (Immigration Contact Center — Korea Immigration Service general helpline, available in multiple languages)
Disaster safety informationSafeKorea National Disaster Safety Portal

Details may change depending on the situation, so please confirm the latest information through 1345 or your local Korea Immigration Service office.