Learning a new language entails knowing words for all kinds of situations, including the less pleasant ones. When you’re in Korea, it’s vital to be familiar with vocabulary related to safety and emergency situations. Here is a list of essential Korean words to help you communicate during emergencies, with their definitions and example sentences.

경찰 (gyeongchal) – Police
When you’re in need of law enforcement assistance, this is the word to use.
도와주세요. 경찰을 불러야 해요.
(Please help me. I need to call the police.)

소방서 (sobangseo) – Fire Station
In case of a fire, you’ll need to know where the nearest fire station is or how to contact them.
불이야! 소방서에 신고해야 해요!
(Fire! We need to report it to the fire station!)

응급실 (eunggeupsil) – Emergency Room
For medical emergencies, the emergency room is where you’ll need to go.
다쳤어요. 가까운 응급실로 가야 해요.
(I’m injured. I need to go to the nearest emergency room.)

구급차 (gugeupcha) – Ambulance
If someone is in urgent need of medical attention, this is the vehicle you need to request.
긴급한 상황이에요. 구급차를 불러주세요.
(This is an urgent situation. Please call an ambulance.)

위험 (wiheom) – Danger
This is a general term used to indicate a threatening situation.
조심하세요, 여기는 위험해요.
(Be careful, it’s dangerous here.)

조심하다 (josimhada) – To be careful/cautious
An important verb used to advise someone to take precautions.
바닥이 미끄러우니 조심하세요.
(The floor is slippery, please be cautious.)

도둑 (doduk) – Thief
In case of theft or if you suspect someone is stealing.
저기, 도둑이에요! 경찰을 불러주세요!
(Look, a thief! Please call the police!)

사고 (sago) – Accident
Used when referring to any kind of accident, whether traffic-related or otherwise.
거기 사고 났어요. 우리가 도와줘야 할 것 같아요.
(There’s been an accident over there. I think we should help.)

화재 (hwajae) – Fire
Critical to know if you need to report or inquire about a fire.
화재 발생! 바로 소방관을 불러야 해요!
(Fire outbreak! We need to call the firefighters immediately!)

구조하다 (gujohada) – To rescue
This verb comes into play when someone needs to be saved from a dangerous situation.
그 사람이 위험해요. 빨리 구조해야 해요.
(That person is in danger. We need to rescue them quickly.)

응급처치 (eunggeupcheochi) – First Aid
Essential to know if you’re in a situation where first aid is required.
응급처치 키트가 필요해요. 상처가 심해요.
(We need a first aid kit. The injury is serious.)

실종 (siljong) – Missing person
Use this term if someone is lost or missing, especially in reporting to authorities.
아이가 실종됐어요. 도와주세요!
(The child is missing. Please help!)

Having this vocabulary will not only enhance your Korean skills but can potentially be life-saving in the real world. It’s crucial to be prepared and know how to ask for help or respond to various safety and emergency situations. Always remember, if you’re in an emergency in Korea, dial 112 for the police, 119 for fire and medical emergencies, and try to communicate the situation clearly using the vocabulary you’ve learned.