In many countries, losing a wallet means it’s gone forever. In Korea, there’s a surprisingly high chance you’ll get it back, thanks to the honesty of locals and the LOST112 system. This portal connects police stations, subways, and bus companies across the entire country.
If your wallet is missing, follow these steps to reunite with your belongings.
1. Search First, Report Later (습득물 검색)
Before you file a report, check if someone has already turned it in. Most found items are registered on the portal within 24 to 48 hours.
How to Search:
Visit the
LOST112 Website Click on "Find the Owner!" (주인을 찾아요!).
Filter by Category (Wallet/Wallet-bag), Date, and Location (e.g., Seoul, Gangnam-gu).
Local Tip: Even if you don't speak Korean, the app provides photos of the found items. Look for your specific wallet design!
2. Filing a Lost Property Report (분실신고)
If you can't find it in the "Found" list, you should register your lost item. This way, if someone turns it in later, the system will automatically notify you.
For Foreigners:
If you have an ARC (Alien Registration Card): You can sign up for an account and file the report online.
If you are a Tourist (No ARC): You should visit the nearest police station or "Police Box" (Chiso) in person. The officers will help you file a report and issue a "Certificate of Loss," which you might need for insurance.
Important Info to Provide: The exact time you lost it, the bus/subway number, the color/brand of the wallet, and the contents (cash, cards, IDs).
3. The "Subway & Taxi" Hack
If you lost your wallet specifically on public transport, there are faster ways than waiting for the police:
Subway: Each line has its own Lost & Found center. Items are kept there for 7 days before being sent to the central police storage (LOST112).
Taxis: If you paid by card, call the taxi company or the Dasan Call Center (120). They can track the taxi using your payment info and contact the driver directly.
4. 2026 Update: LOST112 & Police Minwon 24
As of early 2026, LOST112 services have been integrated with the Police Minwon 24 (경찰민원24) portal. This means you can now manage lost property reports along with other police-related services in one place. The interface has become much more mobile-friendly for international users.
5. Translation Help: Call 1330
If navigating a Korean website feels overwhelming, use the 1330 Korea Travel Hotline.
The Service: It’s a 24/7 multilingual service (English, Japanese, Chinese, etc.).
How to use it: Call 1330 and tell the operator you lost your wallet. They can help you search LOST112 or even call a specific bus garage on your behalf.
💡 Local's "Golden Rule" for Lost Items
If you realize you lost your wallet, check the nearest trash can or restroom counter first. Often, if someone finds a wallet, they might take it to the nearest staff member or leave it in a visible spot. If it’s been more than 4 hours, LOST112 is your best friend.
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