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
- Why Is South Korean Medical Tourism so Popular?
- TOP 6 Specialties for Medical Tourism in Korea
- TOP 5 Korean Medical Institutions
- Cost of Healthcare in South Korea for Foreigners
- Patient Testimonials About Medical Tourism in Korea
- What to Know Before You Go to Korea
- How to Organize Korean Medical Tourism with Bookimed
- 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.
- Veneer type: Straumann no prep veneers
- Ji Ho Ahn holds a Ph.D. in prosthodontics from Seoul National University School of Dentistry.
- Yonsei JW Dental Clinic serves around 5,000 patients annually from Europe, the Commonwealth, Asia, the USA, Canada, and Australia.
- Included services: 3D dental scan, consultation with a dentist
- Stay info: Accommodation is not included; 0 days stay in the hotel or patient room required.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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:
- 98% for ventricular septal defect repair;
- 97% for Tetralogy of Fallot surgery.
✦ 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:
- 89.9% for liver transplant recipients (vs. 86% in the US);
- 97.1% for kidney 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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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.
Related Articles
- Ministry of Health and Welfare of South Korea. (2025). Korea Attracts 1.17 Million Foreign Patients in 2024.
- World Population Review. (2025). Best Healthcare in the World 2025.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2024). Global Innovation Index 2024 Results.
- Cancer Research & Treatment. (2025). Cancer Statistics in Korea: Incidence, Mortality, Survival, and Prevalence in 2022.
- Newsweek. (2025). World’s Best Hospitals 2025.
- Newsweek. (2025). World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2025.