Firefighters face mental health strain as counselors remain scarce

Korea’s firefighters are facing growing mental health pressures as demand for trauma counseling outstrips the state’s ability to provide timely care, prompting national calls for reform and expanded support for first responders in the wake of recent tragedies. Data from the National Fire Agency, submitted to Rep. Han Byung-do of the Democratic Party of Korea, show that as of 2025, just 128 counselors serve South Korea’s 268 fire stations — fewer than half the number needed for adequate coverage. Last year, 102 counselors handled an average of roughly 779 cases each, highlighting the heavy burden placed on a limited staff caring for traumatized firefighters. Regional disparities remain severe. In North and South Jeolla Provinces, fewer than 40 percent of fire stations have a counselor on staff. Counseling sessions for firefighters soared to almost 80,000 last year, up 65 percent from 2020, underscoring growing mental health needs and persistent regional gaps. While half of Seoul’s fire stations are staffed with counselors, Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province continue to face ac

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