After record-breaking heavy rain hits Seoul and the greater capital area, invisible dangers can linger everywhere. Whether you left your home or stayed inside, going through the checks below once the rain stops will go a long way toward preventing further harm.

Inside Your Home

Gas

If your home was flooded, first check that both the gas valve and the electrical breaker are turned off, then have them inspected by the Korea Gas Safety Corporation (1544-4500), the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation (1588-7500), or another qualified professional before using either.

  • Gas may have leaked in, so open windows and ventilate the space thoroughly. Do not use matches or a lighter until ventilation is complete.
  • If you smell gas, open windows immediately, leave the building, and call the Korea Gas Safety Corporation at 1544-4500.

Electricity

  • Even if the circuit breaker is switched on, if the floor or any outlets are still wet, dry them completely with a dry cloth and have a qualified professional inspect before using electricity.
  • If any outlets or wiring were submerged, contact the Korea Electrical Safety Corporation (1588-7500) and request an inspection.

Tap Water and Drinking Water

  • Check that tap water and any stored drinking water are uncontaminated before using them. Any food or ingredients that were touched by floodwater carry a risk of food poisoning and should not be used.
  • If the water looks cloudy or smells off, stop using it and contact your nearest Jumin Center (neighborhood community office) for guidance.

Around Your Home

  • As floodwater recedes, it is often contaminated with oil, animal carcasses, and other harmful matter, so stay away from standing water.
  • If you notice cracks or tilting in the outer walls or fences of a building, do not go inside. Call 119 to report it.
  • Before entering any previously flooded space such as a semi-basement, basement, or ground-floor storage room, ventilate it thoroughly first.

Reporting Damage and Applying for Support

If you have suffered damage, please do not hesitate to follow the steps below. You need to file a report in order to qualify for government support.

  1. Take photos of the damage. Use your smartphone to photograph your home, furniture, vehicle, and anything else that was damaged. These images serve as evidence when you apply for assistance.
  2. Visit or call your Jumin Center (local neighborhood office). Report the damage to the community office responsible for your address. If you do not know which one handles your area, call 120 (the Seoul Dasan Call Center) for directions.
  3. Apply for disaster relief funds. Once your report is received, a government official will inspect the site and let you know whether you qualify for support. People officially recognized as disaster victims (meaning they have lost access to their home) may receive temporary housing costs, living expenses, and other assistance.
  4. Check the National Disaster Safety Portal. Visit safekorea.go.kr for real-time updates on disaster conditions by area, as well as information on nearby emergency shelters.

Emotional and Mental Health Support

A sudden disaster takes a toll on your mind as well as your body. If you feel anxious, cannot sleep, or feel helpless, please do not try to cope alone.

  • Mental Health Crisis Counseling: 1577-0199 (24 hours, free)
  • Suicide Prevention Hotline: 109 (24 hours, free)
  • You can also ask your Jumin Center or district office (gu-cheong) about disaster psychological recovery support services.

Special Information for Foreign Nationals and Immigrants

  • Foreign nationals who hold an Alien Registration Card (ARC) are eligible to report disaster damage and apply for support. If language is a concern, call the Danuri Call Center (1577-1366), which offers assistance in Korean, English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and several other languages.
  • For questions about your visa or residency status, contact the Immigration Contact Center (1345) (24 hours).

Emergency Contact Numbers

SituationContact
Fire, rescue, or medical emergency119
Crime or public safety112
Gas emergencyKorea Gas Safety Corporation 1544-4500
Electrical emergencyKorea Electrical Safety Corporation 1588-7500
Seoul general inquiries120 (Dasan Call Center)
Multilingual support and daily life assistanceDanuri Call Center 1577-1366
Immigration and visa questions1345
Mental health crisis counseling1577-0199
Real-time disaster updatessafekorea.go.kr

Specific amounts, eligibility conditions, and application deadlines may change depending on the situation. Please confirm the latest information with 1345 or your local Jumin Center before applying. We hope you and your loved ones are safe.