Guide to finding lost items in Korea for foreigners 2026: Subway, taxi, police LOST112

It's easy to panic if you lose your wallet, cell phone, bag, or passport while traveling in Korea. However, if you organize your transportation and location quickly, there is a chance that you can find it through a lost and found center or police system. This article summarizes the order in which foreigners should check if they lose something in Korea.

Organize the time and location of loss first.

Write down when you last saw it, what mode of transportation you took, and what card you used to pay. For taxis, receipts, card payment details, and calling app records are important. When using the subway, it is helpful to remember the route, train direction, and stop at which you got off.

Check the lost and found center by public transportation

Subways and railroads have lost and found centers for each operating organization, and buses can be connected to companies or garages. Airports should check their terminal lost and found centers. Even in the same city, the organizations may be different, so check the map app and official information together.

Please use the National Police Agency LOST112

LOST112 is the Korean National Police Agency's integrated portal for lost and found items. You can search for found items and check report information. If Korean is difficult for you, you can ask accommodation staff, tourist information 1330, or an acquaintance to help you search.

Immediately stop using your credit card and cell phone.

If you lose your wallet or cell phone, you must block payments and SIM usage through your card company, telecommunication company, or bank app. For overseas cards, use the card company app or emergency number in your home country. If you lose your passport, you will need to report it to the police and contact the embassy.

What you need to go find it

When searching for lost items, you may need your passport, identification card, lost item description, photos, and payment details. If someone else picks it up for you, a delegation process may be required. When you receive an item, please check on the spot to make sure you have all the contents.

Pre-visit checklist

• lost time
• place
• Payment History
• means of transportation
• LOST112
• card stop

Detailed conditions and operating hours may vary depending on region, store, institution, and season. For important schedules or expensive choices, it is best to check the official website, consultation center, and on-site information before departure.