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In South Korea, call 119, the national emergency number, and say you are at sea. Second 24-hour line: KCG Command Center, +82 32 835 2542. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
See it on the rescue map → Print an emergency card →
From official sources · checked 2026-10-14
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) publishes short-range marine forecasts for each Korean sea area on its Weather Nuri website. Visitors can also call 131 in Korea for a weather forecast in English.
Typhoon season usually runs from June to November. Follow KMA forecasts and local authority advice.
Under the Water Leisure Safety Act, everyone taking part in water leisure activities must wear a life jacket and other required safety equipment. Not wearing it can lead to a fine of up to 500,000 won.
Anyone operating a powered water-leisure craft must pass the licence exam and hold a Korea Coast Guard operator licence. The only exemption for foreigners in the Act is for those taking part in international competitions held in Korea. Steering while on board with a licensed operator is also allowed, under conditions set by ministerial ordinance.
Water leisure activities are banned in any area where a typhoon, storm-wave, storm-surge, heavy rain, heavy snow or strong-wind advisory (or higher) is in force, or where fog cuts visibility to 0.5 km or less.
Night-time water leisure activity is banned from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, unless the craft carries the required night navigation equipment.
Anyone planning water leisure activity 10 nautical miles or more from the departure port must report it in advance to the Coast Guard or police.
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Who you are, where you are (latitude and longitude), what happened, how many people are aboard, and what your boat looks like.
How to make a MAYDAY call →That is a job for marine assistance, not sea rescue — keep the rescue line free for lives.
Mayday or a tow? →In South Korea, call 119, the national emergency number, and say you are at sea. Second 24-hour line: KCG Command Center, +82 32 835 2542. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
119 is the number the authorities in South Korea give for emergencies at sea. Many phones also pass 112 on, but we found no official confirmation for South Korea.
The one whose search-and-rescue area you are in — not the country of your SIM card. Near borders that can change during a trip; the VesselSOS app picks it from your GPS position.
Anyone operating a powered water-leisure craft must pass the licence exam and hold a Korea Coast Guard operator licence. The only exemption for foreigners in the Act is for those taking part in international competitions held in Korea. Steering while on board with a licensed operator is also allowed, under conditions set by ministerial ordinance.
Typhoon season usually runs from June to November. Follow KMA forecasts and local authority advice.
Under the Water Leisure Safety Act, everyone taking part in water leisure activities must wear a life jacket and other required safety equipment. Not wearing it can lead to a fine of up to 500,000 won.
The Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) publishes short-range marine forecasts for each Korean sea area on its Weather Nuri website. Visitors can also call 131 in Korea for a weather forecast in English.
Numbers change. If this one has, tell us: support@vesselsos.com