The Ultimate Seoul Hack: 120 Dasan Call Center for Foreign Residents & Tourists

Living in a new city is exciting, but navigating administrative tasks, public transportation, or medical appointments in a foreign language can be a challenge. If you are in Seoul, there is a "magic number" you need to save in your phone: 120.

The 120 Dasan Seoul Call Center is the city’s official one-stop customized assistance agency. Whether you are a tourist or a long-term resident, this service is designed to solve almost any problem you encounter in the capital.

How to Access the Foreign Language Helpline

The Dasan Call Center provides specialized support for foreigners in five major languages.

• Dial: 02-120
• Wait for the prompt: Press 9 for the Foreign Language Helpline.
• Select your language:

• • Press 1 for English.
• • Press 2 for Chinese
• • Press 3 for Japanese
• • Press 4 for Vietnamese
• • Press 5 for Mongolian

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 18:00 (Closed on holidays).

What Can They Help You With?

The helpline covers everything from simple questions to complex administrative reporting. Here are the most common areas of assistance:

1. Daily Life & Tourism

• Transportation: Real-time info on buses/subways, filing transportation complaints, or reporting Lost & Found items.

• Tourism: Information on Hangang parks, special tourist zones, and city-sponsored festivals.

2. General Administration & Public Health

• District Office Services: Help with international marriage reports, changing residency reports, or vehicle ownership changes.

• Health Services: Finding nearby hospitals/pharmacies, booking general health checks for visas, or getting information on infant vaccinations and TB tests.

• Waterworks: Settling water bills, setting up automatic payments, or changing the name on a utility account.

3. Interpretation & Reservations

• 3-Way Interpretation: If you are at a government office or a shop and can’t communicate, the center can act as a translator between you and the third party.

• Reservation Assistance: If a Korean website is too difficult to navigate, they can help you book public facilities, sports centers, experience programs, or even doctor appointments.

Specialized Digital Services for Residents

If you are a resident looking for more in-depth support, 120 also acts as a gateway to several Seoul platforms:

• Seoul Job Portal: Assistance with job openings, vocational training, and startup support.
• Youth Policy Hub: Information on exclusive benefits and policies for young residents.
• Seoul Safety Nuri: Real-time disaster alerts and safety action tips.
• Seoul Welfare Portal: Finding and applying for customized welfare benefits.

Tips for Foreigners

Don't struggle with Korean-only websites for facility bookings! Just call 120, explain which program or facility you want to visit, and the agent can often assist in making the reservation for you or guide you through the process step-by-step.

Official Website: 120 Dasan Center