South Korea‘s 119 Emergency Medical Counseling Service Earns World-First Government Innovation Certification
SEOUL,SOUTH KOREA – The South Korean Fire Department’s ”Overseas 119 Emergency Medical Counseling Service” has been certified as the world’s first innovation case in government service,the department announced today. The recognition, awarded by the Ministry of Public Governance and Security and the Korea Administrative Institute, acknowledges the service as a pioneering initiative improving public safety and convenience.
The “Overseas Counseling Service” provides real-time medical guidance - including first aid and medication advice – from emergency medical specialists and 119 personnel too South Korean citizens experiencing medical issues while abroad. Accessible via telephone, email, the Nurijip app, and KakaoTalk, the service launched fully in 2018 and expanded globally to all overseas citizens in 2020.
A survey of 123 embassies, including that of the United States, confirmed the uniqueness of the service, finding no comparable free offerings internationally. Last year alone, 4,901 individuals utilized the counseling service. The initiative previously received the Excellence Award (Minister of Public Administration and Security) at the 2024 pan-Government Active Administrative Case Contest.
The Fire department, led by CEO hur Suk-gon, is actively working to enhance accessibility by integrating consultation requests into the 119 Safety Report Centre application and exploring partnerships with airlines to provide in-flight medical support.
“We are deeply honored to be recognized as the world’s first innovation case for protecting the lives and safety of our citizens abroad,” said Hur Suk-gon.”We will continue to dedicate ourselves to creating innovations that prioritize national safety.”
