Initializes AI-Powered 119 Emergency Service in Seoul, Marking First Nationwide Debut in South Korea
In a significant leap forward for emergency response, Seoul, South Korea, has launched its first AI-based emergency service, named 119. This innovative system is designed to provide faster initial response and increase critical time for urgent situations, particularly during large-scale disasters [1][3][5].
The AI Call Bot system, a key component of the 119 emergency service, automatically classifies urgent incidents and connects callers swiftly to emergency reception staff at the Seoul Comprehensive Disaster Control Center. This streamlined initial handling quickly identifies the nature and urgency of calls, significantly reducing delays in dispatching relevant emergency services [1][3][5].
The AI analysis system integrated into the 119 emergency call system further enhances the service's efficiency. By analysing calls for critical information, the system enables faster and more accurate emergency response, helping responders prioritise resources efficiently during disasters [4].
The AI-powered emergency system in Seoul operates under a dual-monitoring system, with human staff ensuring the accuracy of AI responses in real time [6]. The system can manage up to 240 emergency calls simultaneously, ensuring it can handle sudden surges in emergency calls effectively [2].
When similar emergency calls come from the same area, the system analyses the risk of additional emergencies [7]. If a call is deemed particularly urgent, the AI system forwards it to human operators for immediate attention [8].
The Seoul Metropolitan Government's aim is not limited to disaster response. They are working towards developing AI systems for general administrative services, advancing from basic automation to decision-making and customer response capabilities [9].
The city government official emphasised the importance of ensuring both technological reliability and public trust in AI technologies for protecting lives [10]. They are building a balanced institutional foundation and a public AI ecosystem to ensure the safe operation of AI technologies for the people [11].
By the second half of 2026, the city government plans to expand the AI-based emergency system to comprehensively monitor daily disasters, including road flooding and drainage problems [12].
In conclusion, Seoul's AI emergency system is transforming emergency response by automating call classification, prioritising urgent cases, and enhancing communication between callers and emergency teams. This innovation is improving overall efficiency and saving lives during large-scale disasters.
The AI Call Bot, a significant part of the 119 emergency service in Seoul, utilizes artificial intelligence to automate the classification of urgent incidents and swiftly connect callers to emergency response staff. This integration of artificial intelligence in emergency services leads to quicker identification of urgent calls, reducing delays in emergency response.
