Seoul launches English texting service on city helpline

Seoul has introduced a new English texting service for its central municipal helpline, according to city officials who made the announcement on Monday. The 120 Dasan Call Foundation, an agency under the Seoul Metropolitan Government, will roll out the English mobile messaging service at 9 a.m. Tuesday, augmenting its already existing foreign-language telephone hotlines.

This text-based consultation service will operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, allowing users to text their inquiries directly to 02-120 using their mobile phones. The service aims to provide real-time guidance on various aspects of daily life and city infrastructure, including public transit routes and municipal water service updates. While the helpline itself is free of charge, standard text-messaging fees will apply based on the user’s mobile plan provider.

For those outside regular operating hours, foreign residents can still access alternative support networks, such as the government-backed Danuri Call Center, which caters to multicultural families and international residents. The 120 Dasan Call Center was established in September 2007 during Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon's first term in office.