Local Emergency Guide: How to Respond Within 1 Hour if You Lose Your Passport and Cards in Korea

The confusion one feels when realizing their passport or wallet (credit card) has disappeared while enjoying a trip to Korea is indescribable. It can feel even more overwhelming in a strange land where you don't speak the language.

However, don't worry. Korea has one of the highest recovery rates for lost items in the world and possesses a systematic response system for losses. This guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the essential actions to complete within the 1-hour golden time after realizing your loss.

What you will learn in this guide

• How to check for found items in real-time using LOST112

• Procedures for filing a police report (112) and obtaining a Lost Item Report Confirmation

• Checklist for visiting your embassy and applying for an emergency passport

• How to immediately block credit cards and utilize local assistance services

1. Step 1: Check surroundings and search LOST112 immediately

The first thing to do is calmly retrace your steps to the last place you saw your items. In Korea, it is common for staff to keep items if left behind in cafes or restaurants.

• Contact visited places: Immediately call or revisit the restaurants, taxis, or hotels you recently used.

• Lost & Found Centers: If you used the subway or a bus, inquire at the Lost & Found center for that specific line immediately.

• Use LOST112: You can search for 'found items' in real-time on the Korean National Police Agency's integrated lost property portal, LOST112 website or app. (Operating as of March 2026)

💡 Local Tip: If you lost something on the subway, your chances of recovery increase significantly if you know the exact time you got off and the carriage number (or which carriage you were in).

2. Step 2: File a police report and obtain documents (112)

If you definitely cannot find your item, you must report it to the police immediately. This is not just to find the item, but to secure the essential documents required for passport reissuance.

• How to report: Visit a nearby local police box or station, or dial 112. If your English is insufficient, you can request interpretation services by calling 1330 (Traveler Helpline).

• Required documents: Make sure to request a 'Police Report for Lost Items'. This document will be used as evidence when you later apply for a replacement passport at your embassy.

3. Step 3: Visit your embassy in Korea and apply for a new passport

Without a passport, you cannot leave Korea or verify your identity. Once your police report is ready, head to your country's embassy or consulate.

• Check locations: Most embassies are concentrated in the Jongno/Jung-gu/Yongsan (Itaewon) districts of Seoul.

• Required items:

  • Police Report for Lost Items

  • Passport photos (2 or more; can be taken at nearby instant photo booths)

  • Identification documents (digital copies, driver's license, etc.)

  • Reissuance fee (cash or card)

• Emergency Travel Document (ETD): If your travel schedule is tight, you can obtain an 'Emergency Travel Document' from your embassy in Korea to depart within the same day or within 1-2 days.

4. Step 4: Block credit cards and plan for cash

If you lost your cards along with your passport, you must block them as quickly as possible—even within a minute—to prevent fraudulent use by others.

• Banking apps/phone: For international card companies, activate the 'Lock' feature immediately via their mobile app or call their international call center.

• Unified reporting service: If you are using Korean financial institutions, you can use the Financial Supervisory Service's integrated lost card reporting service.

• Emergency cash: If you have no cards, try receiving a remittance from your home country via 'Western Union' or look for stores that support mobile payment services (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, etc.).

5. Key Emergency Numbers

These are numbers you must know in case of a crisis while traveling in Korea. (Available 24/7)

💡 Local Tip: 1330 serves as a 'one-stop center' for all problems during your trip in Korea. If you face a language barrier when talking to the police or embassy, ask the 1330 operator for three-way interpretation.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I check into a hotel if I lost my passport?
A: In principle, you need the original passport. However, if you have the 'Police Report for Lost Items' and a copy (or image) of your passport, most hotels will understand and cooperate. Note that new bookings may be difficult.

Q: I lost my items on Friday night and the embassy is closed.
A: Most embassies do not handle consular affairs on weekends. However, there is an 'emergency duty number' for protecting their nationals. Check your embassy's official website for an emergency contact to leave a message or call.

Conclusion

Losing a passport or card is a major trial, but Korea is a country that is sufficiently safe and well-equipped with systems. If you actively utilize the National Police Agency's LOST112 and the traveler helpline 1330 Korea Travel Helpline, you can solve the problem sooner than you think and continue the rest of your trip.

If you are curious about overall safety tips for traveling in Korea, please check out our Emergency Numbers in Korea guide as well.