If sick this week, call this number

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is advising Koreans and expatriates to dial 120 for the Dasan Call Center or 1339 for the Emergency Medical Information Center to get information about medical care during the Lunar New Year holidays.

Some pharmacies and emergency rooms may be closed during the three-day Lunar New Year celebration from today to Friday.

But by dialing 120 and 1339, you can be directed to hospitals and pharmacies that are open. The Emergency Medical Information Center also gives tips for first aid in foreign languages, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

To use the services, dial the numbers without an area code. If you call from a mobile phone or outside Seoul, use the prefix 02.

“People are advised to buy household medicines such as cold and digestive medicines in case of emergency, and also find hospitals and pharmacies open during the holiday in advance,” said Jang Kyeong-ha, a city official.

By Kim Mi-ju [mijukim@joongang.co.kr]