South Korea Securing the Golden Time for Firetrucks Arrival
- Eunyo Hwang
- Mar 17
- 1 min read
Mar 17, 2026
Eunyo Hwang
In South Korea, fire departments, in efforts to ensure citizens’ welfare and safety, established a concrete proposal called ‘Secure of Golden Time for Firetruck Arrival, 2026.’ On 17 March, it was announced that their primary goal is to have an arrival time of 7 minutes less than 69.4% of all cases this year.
According to the fire departments, it is identified that an arrival time less than 7 minutes was 69.3% out of all cases last year, whereas a target rate was 68.7%. To successfully prolong this outcome, the departments proposed several methods: introduction of an intelligent dispatch system, expansion of ‘911 Pass,’ and resolving factors that contribute to impediments in regard to arrival time.
Intelligent dispatch systems are applied to traditional markets to reinforce fire prevention. Originally, it was challenging to determine the source and place of fire since navigation displayed directions only up to entrances. With the application of the systems, fire departments will be able to identify the real-time and optimal entry route to specific places in the markets. 911 Pass—which allows individuals to open their front doors immediately with an exclusive card—enables them to escape an ignited building right after detecting a fire.
Consequently, the adoption of these systems is anticipated to realize the departments’ goal this year. By reducing delays through advanced technology and improving accessibility in emergency situations, fire response efficiency can be significantly enhanced. Ultimately, since even a single minute can determine life or death, these efforts are not merely improvements in service but essential steps toward safeguarding people’s lives and securing public safety.
