JK Plastic Surgery Center
Heart surgery in South Korea typically costs between $27,700 and $44,800. Final prices depend on the specific surgical technique, the hospital's tier, and the patient's overall health condition. Patients traveling from the United States can expect 50-90% savings compared to domestic costs for similar cardiovascular procedures.
Typical Heart Surgery Costs in South Korea
Most advanced cardiac centers are located in Seoul, Busan, and Incheon. While Seoul houses many top-tier specialized facilities, medical costs in other major cities can be slightly more competitive. Consult with a specialist to get accurate pricing for your specific cardiac case.
| Republic of Korea | Turkey | Austria | |
| Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) | from $28,500 | from $20,340 | from $40,000 |
| Replacement of the aortic valve | from $28,500 | from $20,340 | from $35,000 |
| Radiofrequency ablation with 3D mapping | from $12,500 | from $6,000 | from $13,000 |
| Radiofrequency ablation | from $12,500 | from $6,300 | from $15,000 |
| Plastic surgery for cardiac valve | from $28,500 | from $8,000 | from $35,000 |
No hidden fees – just official clinic prices. Pay at the clinic for Heart Surgery treatment upon arrival and use a flexible installment plan if needed.
Bookimed is committed to your safety. We only work with medical institutions that maintain high international standards in Heart Surgery treatment and have the necessary licenses to serve international patients worldwide.
Bookimed offers free expert assistance. A personal medical coordinator supports you before, during, and after your treatment, solving any issues. You're never alone on your Heart Surgery treatment journey.
Over 44 years of experience in cardiology, Dr. Ahn Tae Hoon leads the Cardiovascular Center at Na-Eun Hospital with expertise in coronary artery and heart valve conditions.
Dr. Kim Duk Kyung is a cardiologist at Samsung Medical Center, specializing in heart surgery.
Dr. Kim specializes in stem cell therapy for heart disease – a cutting-edge approach at Samsung Medical Center.
Professor Sung-Ho Kim, MD, MS, PhD, is a pediatric cardiologist and congenital heart disease specialist with more than 40 years of experience. He trained at Hanyang University College of Medicine (MD) and Hanyang University Graduate School (MS, PhD). He helped advance catheter-based treatment of ASD, VSD, tetralogy of Fallot, and other defects. This work reduced the need for open-heart surgery. He has performed more than 1,200 pediatric and congenital cardiac interventions.
He has led academic and clinical programs. He contributes to research and training. He also participates in professional cardiology societies and presents at international conferences.
Heart surgery in South Korea yields survival rates between 96.2% and 99%. Leading centers report 98% success for coronary artery bypass. Mortality for aortic valve replacement is under 1% at top facilities. These outcomes exceed many Western standards due to advanced robotic systems and high surgical volumes.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that high-volume centers performing over 224 annual cases reduce mortality risks by 75%. Asan Medical Center alone performs 45% of South Korean heart transplants. Choosing these high-capacity institutions in Seoul ensures access to surgeons with the most intensive procedural experience.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that infection rates are remarkably low, often under 1%. They emphasize the importance of confirming English-speaking staff availability to manage post-operative care effectively.
South Korean heart surgery centers maintain elite experience levels, performing thousands of complex procedures annually. Leading facilities like Asan Medical Center handle 45% of Korea's heart transplants with a 90% success rate. Surgeons often hold fellowships from prestigious Western institutions like the Mayo Clinic.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a concentration of surgical volume in Seoul's 'Big 5' hospitals. Clinics like Asan Medical Center or Samsung Medical Center report significantly higher patient volumes than regional centers. This massive scale allows surgeons to specialize deeply in narrow sub-fields like pediatric cardiac interventions or valve plastic surgery.
Patient Consensus: Patients find that surgical standards match those of top US hospitals. They note that surgical teams are highly skilled, though hospital discharge often happens faster than in Western countries.
Minimally invasive heart surgery is widely available in Republic of Korea. Specialists use da Vinci robotic systems and mini-thoracotomy techniques. These methods allow access through small incisions between ribs. Most patients experience 90% less pain. They often return to work within 2 weeks.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Volume is the most reliable indicator of safety in Korean cardiac care. Asan Medical Center performs nearly 45% of all heart transplants in South Korea. This high volume allows their teams to maintain a 90% success rate in complex organ transplants and robotic-assisted procedures that lower patient recovery times.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that robotic bypass surgery significantly reduces scarring and permits a rapid return to daily activities. However, it is important to confirm if your specific case qualifies, as complex multi-vessel conditions may still require traditional methods.
International patients typically stay in Republic of Korea for 21 to 28 days after heart surgery. This timeframe includes 5 to 12 days of inpatient hospitalization. Surgeons require an additional 14 days of local monitoring after discharge to ensure stability before long-haul flights.
Bookimed Expert Insight: High-volume centers like Asan Medical Center, which performs 45% of Korea's heart transplants, offer specialized recovery protocols. Their massive inpatient capacity of 2,705 beds allows for structured monitoring that smaller facilities may lack. Choosing a center with ISO and KOIHA accreditations safely fast-tracks the transition from ICU to specialized recovery wards.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is vital to book flexible return flights because recovery can extend to 5 weeks if minor issues like arrhythmias occur. Many recommend staying in recovery hotels in Seoul to stay close to the surgical team for daily progress checks.
Seoul and Incheon are the primary South Korean hubs for international cardiac surgery. Facilities like Asan Medical Center and Severance Hospital offer advanced procedures including heart transplants and robotic-assisted surgery. These centers hold JCI and KOIHA accreditations, maintaining high success rates for complex cases.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a strong correlation between clinical volume and specialized outcomes in Seoul. Asan Medical Center manages over 65,000 operations annually, which supports their nearly 90% success rate for complex organ transplants. Choosing high-volume centers in Seoul typically grants access to more experienced surgical teams and refined post-operative care protocols.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that while language barriers can exist elsewhere, major Seoul hospitals provide English-speaking staff and dedicated coordinators. Many highlight that robotic-assisted procedures lead to faster recovery times compared to traditional surgery options back home.
Heart surgery in South Korea often results in minimal scarring due to advanced minimally invasive techniques. Surgeons use robotic systems and thoracoscopic approaches to replace large incisions with small ports. Most scars from these procedures fade significantly within 1 to 2 years after the operation.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from leading Seoul clinics shows a strong shift toward high-volume digital integration. Centers like Samsung Medical Center and Severance Hospital perform thousands of robotic and AI-guided procedures annually. This high volume allows surgeons to master port placement that hides scars within natural skin folds or undergarment lines.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that following a strict 12-month sunblock and silicone sheet routine makes most incisions nearly disappear. Many feel the small marks from robotic ports are far less noticeable than they expected before surgery.