Emergency funds are usually identified as liquid assets because they are easily and quickly converted to cash for the needs of unexpected expenses. Empirical studies spplirf got American Households have found that most households do not have recommend levels of liquid savings and an analysis of the 1990 survey of consumer expenditures confirms revious findings. Family Income and Expenditure Survey in Korea is the data base for this study and the level of emergency fund as a flow asset is investigated. A three period model of optimal consumption is presented. The results suggest that many consumers who do not have the recommend levels of liquid assets may be acting rationally. The results may be useful for financial counselors and educators. as well as for insight into empircial patterns of savings.