Updates
A motor-accident support centre for foreign residents has opened
On 19 August 2026, the Korea Automobile Accident Compensation Support Service (TACSS) announced the opening of a support centre for foreign residents involved in motor accidents. The centre is operated in cooperation with the Seoul Foreign Resident Center. Its purpose is to help people who may have difficulty handling an accident because of language barriers or differences between Korea's motor-insurance and compensation system and those of other countries.
What help does the centre provide?
TACSS says its compensation specialists can explain the steps that may be needed after an accident, including:
- the initial response at the scene;
- reporting the accident to the police and an insurer;
- hospital treatment and the handling of treatment costs;
- the motor-insurance compensation process; and
- applications and missing documents under the government compensation scheme for accidents involving uninsured vehicles or hit-and-run drivers.
This is guidance on procedures and compensation. It does not decide fault, guarantee payment or replace the assessment made by the police, an insurer, a medical provider or the competent public body.
Language support and access
The official release gives English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Mongolian, Russian and Uzbek as examples of languages supported through the Seoul Foreign Resident Center's interpretation service. It does not say that Italian or Spanish interpretation is available, and it should not be understood as offering every language.
The release says counselling is held twice a month and combines advance reservations with on-site registration. It does not publish a dedicated public telephone number, the hours for each session or an exact consultation location. Before travelling, check the current schedule, language availability and booking method through the official Seoul Foreign Portal.
If an accident has just happened
Deal with immediate safety first: stop, check for injuries, call 119 or 112 when needed, take reasonable steps to prevent a second accident and notify the insurer. The new centre is an additional source of help with the process; it is not an emergency service.
For the practical sequence, see What should you do immediately after a road accident in Korea?.