Difference between 소방수 x 소방관
What's the difference between those words (trans: fireman, firefighter). Additionally, are those terms restricted to men i.e. could I use 소방수 or 소방관 for women too? Thank you!

Question

Answer

They are basically the same thing and can be used interchangeably but  소방관 is definitely heard more often.

Answer

~관 is indicative for officials:
경찰관: police officer
장관: minister
재판관: judge

소방수 is about the role while 소방관 is about the duty/rank.
The same with 순경 vs 경찰관. Understand it as "police man" vs "police officer".