Real-time GPS tracking for ambulances and updated transport and treatment fees — amended Enforcement Rule of the Emergency Medical Service Act takes effect
Source material is a Korean government announcement (in Korean).
The Ministry of Health and Welfare amended the Enforcement Rule of the Emergency Medical Service Act to introduce GPS-based real-time management of ambulances, update transport and treatment fees for the first time in 12 years, and make epinephrine auto-injector pens mandatory. It was promulgated and took effect on July 13.
Key facts
| Promulgated and in force | Promulgated and in force from July 13, 2026 (partial amendment to the Enforcement Rule of the Emergency Medical Service Act) |
|---|---|
| GPS operation management | Operating information is sent in real time to the ambulance record management system (AiR), blocking false journeys and journeys outside the intended purpose |
| Transport and treatment fees | Updated for the first time in 12 years, since 2014; a waiting charge added and night and holiday surcharges expanded |
| Emergency care | Carrying an epinephrine auto-injector pen is mandatory |
| Phased application | Transport and treatment fee and medicines standards one month later; submission of GPS information three months later for private transport operators and one year and three months later for ambulances of medical institutions and of national and local governments |
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On July 13, the Ministry of Health and Welfare promulgated and brought into force a partial amendment to the Enforcement Rule of the Emergency Medical Service Act, strengthening ambulance safety, management and oversight. All ambulance operators will send operating information in real time to the ambulance record management system (AiR), to block false journeys and journeys outside the intended purpose. Transport and treatment fees have been updated for the first time in 12 years, since 2014, a waiting charge has been added, and carrying an epinephrine auto-injector pen is now mandatory so that anaphylactic shock can be treated during transport. Some items are being phased in: the transport and treatment fee and medicines standards apply one month later, and the submission of real-time GPS operating information applies three months later for private transport operators.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
FAQ
What is GPS operation management for ambulances?
It is a system where every ambulance operator sends the operating information collected by the vehicle's recording device in real time to the ambulance record management system (AiR), blocking false journeys and journeys outside the intended purpose.
When does it take effect?
The amendment took effect at the same time as it was promulgated on July 13. Some items are phased in: the transport and treatment fee and the standards for medicines to be carried apply one month later, and the submission of real-time GPS operating information applies three months later for private transport operators.