South Korea attracts over 1.17 million foreign patients each year, with top-tier hospitals, short wait times, and affordable care. With the 2nd-best healthcare in the world, Korea leads in medical tech, from robotic surgery to 3D-customized plastic procedures.

Backed by Bookimed’s research and internal data analysis, this guide uncovers why Korean medical tourism is booming, which treatments are most in demand, how much they cost, and Korea’s top clinics. Hear from actual patients and get a step-by-step roadmap for planning your own treatment in Korea.

Key Takeaways

Medical tourists save 40%–70% on treatments in Korea compared to the U.S., UK, or Germany.

Top specialties include plastic surgery, cancer treatment, cardiac surgery, orthopedics, organ transplants, and health checkups. 

Korean clinics consistently rank in global listings such as Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals and Smart Hospitals. They are equipped with technologies like Da Vinci surgical robots, 7T MRI, PET-CT, and AI diagnostic tools.

South Korea has some of the world’s highest survival rates for cancer, heart surgery, and organ transplants (73%–98%).

Clinics provide all-in-one packages: surgery, tests, hotel, airport transfer, translator, and follow-up.

Table of Contents

  1. Why Is South Korean Medical Tourism so Popular?
  2. TOP 6 Specialties for Medical Tourism in Korea
  3. TOP 5 Korean Medical Institutions
  4. Cost of Healthcare in South Korea for Foreigners
  5. Patient Testimonials About Medical Tourism in Korea
  6. What to Know Before You Go to Korea
  7. How to Organize Korean Medical Tourism with Bookimed
  8. FAQ

Why Is South Korean Medical Tourism so Popular?

Cost savings. Patients receive world-class treatment in fields like plastic surgery, oncology, and orthopedics for 40%–70% less than in the US or the UK. South Korea’s government actively supports the medical tourism industry by subsidizing infrastructure, regulating fair pricing, and promoting bundled care. Doctors’ salaries, insurance, and operating costs are also lower than in Western countries.

Advanced treatment options. South Korea ranks 6th in the 2024 Global Innovation Index (GII)—and that leadership extends to healthcare. Medical institutions use robotic-assisted systems for surgeries to reduce scarring and speed up recovery. Diagnostic and treatment technologies like 7T MRI, SPECT/CT scanner, and RapidArc are also available.

In plastic surgery, 3D facial scanning and AI-based planning tools help create ultra-personalized results. Clinics also integrate stem cell therapy, laser-assisted procedures, and minimally invasive techniques.

Accreditations and awards. South Korean hospitals are held to some of the strictest quality standards in Asia. Korea runs its own Korean Accreditation Program for Hospitals serving Foreign patients (KAHF). It evaluates 149 quality indicators, including infection control, patient rights, and specialized medical services for international patients.

Built-in patient protection. All registered Korean clinics must carry malpractice insurance, financially protecting patients in cases of medical errors or complications. The government also regulates pricing and cracks down on illegal brokers to prevent overcharging and scams. These measures make Korea one of the safest countries for medical tourists.

Qualified doctors. Korean doctors have a strong educational base after 10–12 years of study. They complete fellowships or training abroad, especially in the US and Europe. Surgeons hold memberships in respected bodies like the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS).

International awards. South Korea has received global recognition for its medical tourism leadership, including:

  • IMTJ’s Medical Tourism Destination of the Year
  • Porter Prize for Excellence
  • Healthcare Asia Medtech Award for Corporate Social Responsibility.

All-inclusive treatment packages. Korean medical institutions offer all-in-one medical tour packages that often include:

  • medical services;
  • medical tests;
  • doctor consultations;
  • airport transfers;
  • hotel stay;
  • translation services;
  • follow-up care.

These tour packages make planning easier and help patients save time and money.

Our top offers for you

Republic of Korea, Seoul
Dentist - Jeongwon Youn
Jeongwon Youn
18 years of experience
  • Technique: 3M Clarity Ultra Braces
  • Jeongwon Youn is an Invisalign provider and adjunct professor at Yonsei University, specializing in orthodontics.
  • Yonsei JW Dental Clinic serves around 5,000 patients annually, attracting visitors from Europe, Asia, the USA, and more.
  • Included Services: 3D dental scan, consultation with a dentist
  • Stay Info: Accommodation is not included; no hotel stay required.
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Package price
$4500
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offer image offer image offer image offer image offer image offer image offer image offer image offer image offer image offer image offer image
Republic of Korea, Seoul
Endodontist - Kyung Seo Park
Kyung Seo Park
7 years of experience
  • Technique: Simple Extraction (Permanent Tooth)
  • Kyung Seo Park is a U.S. board-certified prosthodontist overseeing the entire treatment process.
  • DARUN Dental Clinic serves patients from Asia, the USA, Canada, Australia, and the CIS countries.
  • Included Services: Teeth scaling and polishing
  • Stay Info: 0 days stay in the patient room, 0 days stay in the hotel, accommodation not included.
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Package price
$10
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Republic of Korea, Seoul
General surgeon - Dae-won Kang
Dae-won Kang
19 years of experience
  • Technique: Standard upper arm liposuction with no implant used
  • Dae-won Kang is a certified specialist in family medicine and a member of the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity and Liposuction (KSSL).
  • Bbae Clinic has performed over 10,000 liposuction cases and specializes in body contouring procedures in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
  • Included Services: Wound dressing set, post-operative care, consultation with a doctor, and ultrasound.
  • Stay Info: Accommodation is not included in the price; 0 days recommended stay in the hotel or patient room.
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Package price
$2660
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Republic of Korea, Seoul
Plastic surgeon - Lee Jeong Min
Lee Jeong Min
20 years of experience
  • Technique: Basic lip lift with no implant applicable
  • Dr. Lee Jeong Min is a permanent member of the Korean Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
  • URBAN Plastic Surgery welcomes around 8,000 patients annually from diverse countries like the USA and Spain.
  • Included Services: General anesthesia, sedation, blood tests, cosmetic kit, echocardiography, consultation with a heart surgeon, vitamin infusions.
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Package price
$1700
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Republic of Korea, Seoul
Dermatologist - Jooyoung Park
Jooyoung Park
17 years of experience
  • Jooyoung Park has trained over 300 physicians in advanced filler and HIFU applications nationwide.
  • BIOFACE Clinic attracts around 25,000 international patients annually for cutting-edge non-surgical cosmetic treatments.
  • Included Services: Consultation with a doctor, coffee zone, parking.
  • Stay Info: Accommodation is not included; no hotel stay required for this procedure.
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Package price
$1300
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TOP 6 Specialties for Medical Tourism in Korea

Plastic surgery

✦ South Korea is the plastic surgery capital of the world. Korean surgeons perform about 1 in every 4 cosmetic procedures globally. 

✦ Over 2,700 board-certified plastic surgeons—the highest density worldwide. 

✦ Around 114,000 international patients choose Korea for cosmetic surgeries every year.

✦ The most requested procedures include eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, V-line surgery, facelift, breast augmentation, and liposuction

Cancer treatment

✦ South Korea leads in cancer care, leaving the US and UK behind: the average 5‑year survival rate for cancer patients is 72.9% (compared to 69% in the US and 55.7% in the UK).

✦ It has high survival rates for the most common cancers:

  • 94.3% for breast cancer;
  • 74.6% for colorectal cancer;
  • ~96% for prostate cancer;
  • ~78% for stomach cancer and striking 100.1% for thyroid cancer—the highest survival rates for these cancers worldwide.

✦ The Republic of Korea is the place where electrocauterization was developed. It is a method of removing harmful tissues now applied all over the world. Local doctors apply robotic surgeries, tomo- and proton therapies.

✦ Korea’s major hospitals use AI-powered systems like IBM Watson, which analyze vast databases of cancer cases to suggest the most effective, personalized treatment plans. Centers like Samsung Hospital have developed in-house technologies to improve the precision and efficiency of cancer treatments.

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Checkups

✦ Korea has the highest checkup participation rate worldwide. For Koreans, early detection is a top healthcare priority, driven by the belief that catching illness early saves lives. Therefore, hospitals offer smart, fast-track checkup packages that include screenings for cancer, heart disease, brain health, women’s and men’s health, and more.

✦ The 4–6-hour packages include MRI, CT, blood work, cardiac tests, and cancer markers, with same-day specialist reviews and translation support.

✦ Over 55,000 medical tourists undergo full-body screenings in Korea each year. Its checkup programs attract foreign patients who face long wait times, high costs, or outdated equipment in their home countries.

Cardiovascular disease treatment

✦ Korea has some of the highest success rates in cardiac surgery. The most common procedures, like valve replacement and coronary artery bypass (CABG), have a 1-year survival rate of over 90%.

✦ The country made history as the first in the world to perform a successful heart transplant. It has since pioneered new surgical techniques with outstanding success rates: 

✦ Patients benefit from robot-assisted surgeries, advanced ICU care, and efficient recovery programs.

Orthopedics

✦ Korea performs over 1 million orthopedic procedures each year. Despite growing numbers, the success rate remains high, with 97%–98% of cases proceeding without complications like infection.

✦ Advanced care features robotic navigation, minimally invasive spine surgery, 3D-printed customized implants, and rapid rehabilitation for conditions like herniated discs, arthritis, and sports injuries.

✦ Korean orthopedic surgeons hold memberships in international organizations like:

  • International Society of Orthopedic Surgery and Traumatology;
  • Western Pacific Orthopedic Association;
  • Japan Orthopedic Association.

These professional global ties ensure the adoption of the latest advances in orthopedics, trauma, and sports medicine.

Organ transplants

✦ South Korea is the world’s leader in living-donor liver transplants and kidney transplantations. Surgeons perform over 4,000 organ transplantations each year.

✦ It also has some of the highest 1-year success rates for organ transplants:

TOP 5 Korean Medical Institutions

The following list is based on Bookimed’s ranking, which considers patient reviews, medical outcomes, international accreditations, and innovation in care.

Asan Medical Center – Seoul

✦ Ranked #1 hospital in South Korea and 25th globally by Newsweek.

✦ Performs 45% of all heart transplants in the country.

✦ Achieves a 98% liver transplant success rate, one of the highest worldwide.

✦ Equipped with Da Vinci robotic systems, PET-CT, and GammaKnife for minimally invasive medical treatments.

✦ Certified by the ISO and the Korean Institute for Healthcare Accreditation.

Asan Medical Center
Republic of Korea, Seoul
85% patients recommend

Asan Hospital (Asan Medical Center) is the largest multidisciplinary medical center in South Korea, which can serve 2,700 patients at once.

The key specialties in the hospital are organ transplant, oncology, cardiology, and cardiac surgery. Almost half of all heart transplants in South Korea are carried out (45%) at Asan. The success of organ transplants ranges from 90%.

Every day, 11,800 outpatients and 2,550 inpatients are treated in Asan Hospital. Medical tourists from the USA, China, the UAE, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia choose Asan Hospital.

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Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality

International Organization for Standardization certificate for Asan Medical Center Korean Institute for Healthcare Accreditation certificate for Asan Medical Center World's Best Hospitals 2020 by Newsweek certificate for Asan Medical Center World's Best Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek certificate for Asan Medical Center World's Best Smart Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek certificate for Asan Medical Center World's Best Hospitals 2022 by Newsweek certificate for Asan Medical Center World's Best Smart Hospitals 2023 by Newsweek certificate for Asan Medical Center

Latest review

Verified review.
Everything is good and even healthy, only expensive. Everything is on the level, staff, doctors, service, and so on. Of the proposed chambers was 500 bucks a day. Procedures are also not cheap, but everything is qualitative and operational, people know what to do and how.
— Vladimir Kondratyuk
Russian Federation, Jun 5, 2019
Jun 5, 2019 • Verified review.
Bone marrow transplantation $250000 - $275000
Mammoplasty $15000 - $17000
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) $4350 - $5500
Lobectomy $23770 - $29100
Removal of liver cancer $21100 - $29100
Stomach resection $14100 - $17600
Hysterectomy (uterus removal) $14400 - $21000
Breast cancer surgery $10600 - $14100
Thyroid resection $6200 - $8400
Gastric balloon $10986 - $16479
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Samsung Medical Center – Seoul

✦ Ranked #2 in Korea and 18th among the World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2025 for AI, digital imaging, and telemedicine.

✦ Home to the largest cancer center in Asia, offering proton therapy, Novalis, and Da Vinci surgery.

✦ Performs 45,000+ surgeries annually and holds the status of “Hospital of presidential standards”.

✦ Certified by ISO and the Korean Institute for Healthcare Accreditation for excellence in medical care and safety.

Samsung Medical Center
Republic of Korea, Seoul
86% patients recommend

Samsung Medical Center is a prominent multidisciplinary hospital in South Korea that has repetitively received many awards in customer satisfaction and services quality. It has a special status of “Hospital of presidential standards”. A part of Samsung Medical Complex, Comprehensive Cancer Center provides the most thorough treatment for cancer patients using state-of-the-art equipment: Novalis, IGRT (image-guided radiation therapy), Da Vinci surgical system, etc.

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Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality

International Organization for Standardization certificate for Samsung Medical Center Korean Institute for Healthcare Accreditation certificate for Samsung Medical Center World's Best Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek certificate for Samsung Medical Center World's Best Smart Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek certificate for Samsung Medical Center World's Best Hospitals 2022 by Newsweek certificate for Samsung Medical Center World's Best Smart Hospitals 2023 by Newsweek certificate for Samsung Medical Center

Latest review

Verified review.
In the questionnaire, there was a question regarding my health concerns which I responded to. I feel that those concerns were not visited with any doctors. I liked the speed of the procedures and professionalism of the program staff. But it felt like I was on a factory line, too robot-like. Wish I had known that I could keep my phone with me. I saw others using phones while waiting to get in to exam rooms but I did not now we were allowed to have phone on us.
— Anonymous
United States of America, Sep 3, 2023
Sep 3, 2023 • Verified review.
Stomach resection $17600 - $25000
Liver transplant $128000 - $135000
Chemotherapy $1060 - $1590
Thyroid resection $6850 - $9150
Nephrectomy $9000 - $10700
Rhinoplasty (nose job) $5000 - $8000
Hysterectomy with DaVinci robot $18700 - $23400
Da Vinci Robotic System $15700 - $23000
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Severance Hospital – Seoul

✦ Ranked #4 in Korea and 46th worldwide by Newsweek.

✦ Handles 1.6 million outpatients annually—around 4,300 per day.

JCI-accredited, with global partnerships including MD Anderson and Johns Hopkins.

✦ Performs 40,000 surgeries each year, excelling in robotic cancer surgery, cardiology, and pediatric care.

Severance Hospital
Republic of Korea, Seoul
85% patients recommend

Severance Hospital in Korea is an international multidisciplinary clinic at Yonsei University, located in Seoul South Korea. Yonsei Severance Hospital's Health System includes: oncology and rehabilitation centers, pediatric and women's clinics, cardiovascular center and Clinic of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology. The Hospital has been certified by JCI (Joint Commission International) and serves 1.6 million outpatients annually.

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Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality

Joint Commission International  certificate for Severance Hospital Korean Institute for Healthcare Accreditation certificate for Severance Hospital World's Best Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek certificate for Severance Hospital World's Best Smart Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek certificate for Severance Hospital World's Best Hospitals 2022 by Newsweek certificate for Severance Hospital World's Best Smart Hospitals 2023 by Newsweek certificate for Severance Hospital

Latest review

Verified review.
I was in Severance on May 27, 2019 at a reception by the oncologist's homolog, and on the same day mammography and ultrasound of the mammary glands were done. For the conclusion they said to come on June 5th. I want to say a big thank you to my coordinator Lydia, I went everywhere, translated, sat and waited in queues with me. Service at the highest level! Today, on June 5, I came back to the homologue and she looked at the pictures and said that all is not well worry. And in Russia, they saw a tumor from somewhere. I was also given a disc with ultrasound and momography and a conclusion in paper in English. Thank you all and thanks to bookimed.com! This is not a hoax, really help people. I wanted to share a photo of the clinic and the coordinator, but something is impossible to expose them.
— Lola Saydakhmedova
Russian Federation, Jun 5, 2019
Jun 5, 2019 • Verified review.
Mammography:  Before and After Photos. Explore patients' results Mammography:  Before and After Photos. Explore patients' results Mammography:  Before and After Photos. Explore patients' results
Prostatectomy $14000 - $27000
Lung cancer surgery $25000 - $35000
Hemorrhoidectomy $3800 - $4700
Breast cancer surgery $8500 - $13000
Surgical treatment of scoliosis $50000 - $60000
Thyroid resection $10000 - $12000
Chemotherapy $1200 - $3200
Liver transplant $128000 - $135000
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery $50000 - $70000
Craniotomy $25639.64 - $29302.44
Rhinoplasty (nose job) $5000 - $7000
Heart Valve Replacement $50000 - $70000
Breast reconstruction surgery $10000 - $22500
Robotic da Vinci prostatectomy $24000 - $27000
Stomach cancer surgery $25000 - $29000
Da Vinci Robotic System $16000 - $23000
Radioiodine therapy $5347.7 - $6080.26
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SAERO Plastic Surgery – Seoul (Gangnam)

Single-specialty clinic focused on plastic surgery.

✦ Led by Dr. Park Young Kyu with 20+ years of experience, a member of the ISAPS, ASPS. The doctor is a Top Medical Resident of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.

✦ Uses advanced plastic surgery techniques like SMAS lifting with full HD endoscopic technology.

SAERO Plastic Surgery
Republic of Korea, Seoul
105% patients recommend

SAERO Plastic Surgery is a private single-specialty medical center located in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The team is dedicated to plastic surgery. SAERO Plastic Surgery values honesty and warmth between the surgeon and patient, and aims to make accurate medical plan with only necessary procedures. SAERO Plastic Surgery serves only adults. Patients from Europe & Commonwealth, Asia, the USA, Canada, Australia visit the clinic most often.

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Latest review

Verified review.
One would fear that flying to a foreign country where you don’t know the language would be stressful and scary. Not only did the staff (Joanne <3!) make that all a cakewalk, the clinic’s aftercare was top notch, they really went above and beyond for me. And I am NOT an easy patient—I need to know every chemical in the anesthesia, I negotiate different antibiotics, make them go over my 21 daily supplements, etc—I kept them BUSY and was shown nothing but continual grace and warmth, and was always responded to promptly. By far the most attentive care I have EVER gotten in medicine—again, thanks especially to Joanne, who even walked me back to my hotel across the street post op. As for the surgery outcome, I didn’t even need a Tylenol it was that painless, I was able to walk around and enjoy Seoul every day after my mini lift, and although I’m still swollen at just under two weeks out, I already look ten years younger and am loving what I’m seeing. Dr. Park knows what he is doing, he’s done 3000+ facelifts (yes I asked), he has superb attention to detail, a true artist’s hand, and is a friendly and gentlemanly doctor!
— Žaneta Majringer
Canada, Apr 26, 2025
Apr 26, 2025 • Verified review.
5.0
Rhinoplasty (nose job) $3720 - $4110
Rehabilitation with Vector Gait System $1590
Facelift $4090 - $8800
Liposuction $3000 - $5000
Septoplasty (Deviated Septum Surgery) $3000 - $5000
Breast lift $10345
Otoplasty (ear surgery) $2440
Blepharoplasty (Eyelid correction) $1570 - $2610
Tummy tuck $7735 - $9235
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Wooridul Spine Hospital – Seoul (Gangnam)

✦ Ranked among Newsweek's Top 100 Smart Hospitals and named one of the Top 10 Hospitals for International Patients by MTQUA.

✦ Performs over 10,000 spine surgeries annually, using advanced techniques like endoscopic and laser spine surgery through incisions as small as 1 cm.

✦ Healthcare professionals have an average of 30+ years of experience and have published 320+ scientific articles and 25 medical textbooks internationally.

✦ Offers a five-step diagnostic system, which reaches over 90% accuracy in identifying spinal conditions.

Wooridul Spine Hospital
Republic of Korea, Seoul
100% patients recommend

Wooridul Hospital is a specialized spine treatment center located in Seoul, South Korea. Each year, the hospital's neurosurgeons perform over 10,000 surgeries.

Wooridul Spine Hospital has been ranked among the Top 10 hospitals worldwide four times in a row by the Medical Tourism Association (MTQUA). The ranking highlights hospitals with the best treatment organization for international patients.

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Hospital certificates and accreditation of quality

Medical Travel Quality Alliance certificate for Wooridul Spine Hospital Korean Institute for Healthcare Accreditation certificate for Wooridul Spine Hospital World's Best Smart Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek certificate for Wooridul Spine Hospital World's Best Smart Hospitals 2023 by Newsweek certificate for Wooridul Spine Hospital

Latest review

Verified review.
The ward is excellent, the attentive staff, the surgeon is a master of his craft, testing, organization, time accuracy at a high level. It’s bad that there is a lack of Russian-speaking staff, without English knowledge it can be difficult to explain what is needed, the Russian-speaking Yako-coordinator is busy and it is difficult to find it urgently. The kitchen could to be more European, but enough food and quite tolerable. I ordered the interpreter when I met at the airport and departure separately.
— Anonymous
Israel, Oct 3, 2019
Oct 3, 2019 • Verified review.
[object Object]:  Before and After Photos. Explore patients' results [object Object]:  Before and After Photos. Explore patients' results
5.0
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Cost of Healthcare in South Korea for Foreigners

Medical tourists can save 40%–70% on treatments in South Korea compared to countries like the US, UK, or Germany.

The table below shows a cost comparison for common medical procedures across top specialties in Korea vs. other countries:

Medical treatment Korea USA UK Germany Average savings
Liposuction $1,500–$5,000 $8,500–$21,000 $6,700–$14,000 $2,700–$9,000 ~65%
Breast cancer surgery $8,500–$14,100 $15,000–$55,000 $9,500–$17,500 $15,000–$19,000 ~50%
Coronary artery bypass (CABG) $59,000–$67,000 $150,000–$200,000 ~$100,000 $65,000–$85,000 ~50%
Medical check-up $500–$900 $2,000–$3,000 ~$1,200 $1,900–$3,000 ~60%
Knee replacement $13,500–$16,000 $32,500–$49,000 $16,000–$31,000 $18,000–$22,500 ~45%
Kidney transplant $40,000–$70,000 ~$446,800 $70,000–$75,000 From $58,000 ~70%

These costs are approximate and based on data from Bookimed’s partner clinics, as well as global market analysis.

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Patient Testimonials About Medical Tourism in Korea

Here's what Bookimed patients say about their medical tourism experience in Korea — in their own words:

medical tourism korea reviews

What to Know Before You Go to Korea

Here's your up-to-date checklist for medical tourism in Seoul and beyond:

Medical visa & entry requirements

➤ US and most EU citizens can enter Korea visa-free for up to 90 days. K‑ETA is optional until the end of 2025, but starting Feb 24, 2025, all travelers must submit an e-Arrival Card upon entry.

➤ If your treatment requires over 90 days, apply for a medical tourism visa (C-3-3). Requirements include a passport valid for ≥6 months, a visa form, a photo, proof of accommodation, and a return flight.

➤ Always check with your local Korean embassy for the latest updates before booking.

Travel & accommodation

➤ Korean medical facilities often include a hotel stay and airport transfers, so be sure to check with your healthcare provider.

➤ For long-term stays, patients often book serviced apartments or medical guesthouses near clinics—prices range from $60–120/night or $1,500–2,500/month.

➤ Some hospitals provide on-site recovery suites with nursing care. 

➤ Popular districts like Gangnam and Seocho in Seoul are well-equipped for medical travelers.

Payment & insurance

➤ Most medical institutions accept Visa and Mastercard; some also offer bank transfer or cash discounts. You’ll often pay a deposit upfront, with final billing upon discharge.

➤ Clinics usually require a deposit after treatment confirmation.

➤ International patients should confirm in advance if the clinic accepts payment in USD or KRW (local currency). Even if the quote is in USD, conversion may happen at checkout.

➤ Korea’s National Health Insurance (NHIS) doesn’t cover short-term visitors, so all medical tourists must pay out of pocket unless insured privately.

Health & vaccinations

No vaccines are required for entry.

Tap water is safe to drink in Seoul.

➤ Visit local pharmacies, open till late, for over-the-counter medications and equipment like ice packs, bandages, and throat lozenges.

How to Organize Korean Medical Tourism with Bookimed

Medical tourism in Korea is simple with Bookimed. Just follow these steps:

1. Browse clinics. Compare top-rated medical institutions and professionals in Korea on Bookimed’s website.

2. Leave a request. Fill out a quick form to help us know about your medical needs.

3. Consult with your personal coordinator. Bookimed’s dedicated medical expert will contact you to discuss your needs and help you choose the best match.

4. Choose a clinic & get a quote. Receive personalized treatment plans and price estimates from trusted clinics.

5. Prepare for your trip. Your coordinator will help you with documents, accommodation, and travel.

6. Receive specialized treatment. Enjoy 24/7 support and patient protection during your stay.

7. Return home. Your coordinator stays in touch even after your procedure, ready to help anytime.

GET EXPERT ADVICE

FAQ

Do Korean doctors speak English? Will I need a translator?

Yes, most medical institutions serving international patients have English-speaking medical staff. Still, ask for a free translator—it’s common and helps avoid misunderstandings.

How do I choose the right medical facility in Korea?

✔️ Check for medical certification. Look for JCI or Korean Accreditation for Foreign Patients (KAHF).

✔️ Review the doctor’s credentials. Ask about the medical professional’s experience, years of practice, and certifications (e.g., membership in ISAPS, KSPRS, or other global associations). 

✔️ Read verified patient reviews. Focus on outcomes, communication, and aftercare.

✔️ Compare before/after photos. Especially relevant for plastic surgery, dentistry, and hair transplants.

✔️ Request a detailed quote. The quote should include consultation, treatment, anesthesia, hospital stay, and medications.

✔️ Check package inclusions. Ask whether the offer includes airport pickup, hotel stay, translator services, and post-op checkups.
✔️ Assess communication & transparency. Choose a clinic that responds quickly, explains procedures clearly, and is open about risks, downtime, and results.

Is it safe to travel to Korea alone for treatment?

Yes. Korea is one of the safest countries in the world. Plus, Bookimed patients receive 24/7 support and help with transport, check-ins, and medical visits. 

Can I combine medical treatment with tourism?

Absolutely. Patients can schedule time to recover while visiting places like Bukchon Hanok Village or Jeju Island, especially after minor procedures or checkups.

Do I need to bring medical records?

Yes. Bring medical records (Bookimed will translate them for free), test results, and a list of medications you’re taking.

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