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American Citizen Services

Emergency Preparedness for Americans Overseas

This information is provided to help prepare U.S. citizens and their families in the unlikely event of natural disasters, civil emergencies, and other situations that might necessitate an evacuation. 

In the event of an actual emergency, the Embassy will place up to date instructions specific to the circumstances of the event on the page found here.

You may also wish to monitor the American Forces Network (AFN) radio stations, which you can find at the frequencies listed here.  You should also follow international and local news outlets for additional information.

Ø   Before an emergency occurs there are a number of things that you can do to prepare: 

  1. Enroll with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) - U.S. citizens living or traveling in South Korea are encouraged to register with the Embassy through the State Department's travel enrollment website: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.  U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll in person at the U.S. Embassy.  In the event of an emergency, we use enrollment information to communicate with you. 
  2. Subscribe to our e-mail message service at www.asktheconsul.org so that you can receive our most up-to-date travel and security information as well as our monthly newsletters.
  3. Read –“Be Prepared for Emergencies” at http://travel.state.gov/travel/living/residing/residing_4993.html  (Scroll to bottom of page).  Whether or not you have to consider the prospect of an evacuation or natural disaster, it is sound advice to follow the information in this document. 

Ø   Staying informed during and emergency situation:

  1. Monitor our website - we will issue updated warden messages and post appropriate information specific to the circumstances on our website at http://seoul.usembassy.gov
  2. Monitor AFN (American Forces Network) radio stations. 
  3. Read - the latest security information worldwide, U.S. citizens should regularly monitor the State Department's website at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings and Travel alerts  can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the Unites States, or, for callers from outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). 

Links:

  1. Travel Warning
  2. Travel Alerts
  3. Country Specific Information
  4. “Be Prepared for Emergencies”
  5. Warden Messages
  6. U.S. Embassy – Seoul web site
  7. FAQs for potential evacuees






For American Citizen Services (ACS) inquiries, please e-mail us at seoulinfo@state.gov.

If you are an American citizen with an after hours emergency, please call us at 82-2-397-4114.  If you have access to DSN, please call 721-4114.

For more information on how to contact us, please click here.


Updated: December 17, 2010