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What's the cost for Oncology procedures in Republic of Korea?

Oncology treatment in South Korea typically costs from $17,300 to $42,500. Total expenses depend on the cancer stage, chosen therapy protocol, and the length of hospitalization required for recovery. Patients seeking care here can expect 30-50% savings compared to the United States for advanced medical services.

Typical Oncology Costs in South Korea

  • Consultation with an oncologist: $27 – $100
  • PET-CT: $1,000 – $1,500
  • MRI of one area: $300 – $1,000
  • Bone marrow transplantation: $55,000 – $118,000
  • Chemotherapy: $2,800 – $8,500
  • Radiotherapy: $12,500 – $26,000
  • Brain tumor removal: $15,400 – $29,700
  • Mastectomy: $12,500 – $24,500
  • Thyroidectomy: Price on request
  • Nephrectomy: $9,000 – $14,500

Most specialized oncology centers are located in Seoul, Incheon, and Daegu. While Seoul hosts the largest university hospitals, clinics in Gyeonggi-do or Incheon may offer more competitive pricing for similar treatment plans. Consult with a specialist to get accurate pricing for your specific diagnosis.

Republic of KoreaTurkeyAustria
Thyroid resection from $5,000from $3,500from $10,000
Stomach cancer surgeryfrom $18,500from $22,320from $30,000
Removal of spinal cord tumorfrom $20,500from $9,650from $50,000
Removal of liver cancerfrom $11,550from $10,800from $40,000
Removal of colon cancerfrom $15,200from $14,400from $20,000
Data verified by Bookimed as of May 2026, based on patient requests and official quotes from 25 clinics worldwide. Median costs are based on real invoices (2025–2026) and updated monthly. Actual prices may vary.

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Best Oncology Clinics in Republic of Korea: 25 Verified Options and Prices

The Bookimed clinic ranking is based on data science algorithms, providing a trusted, transparent, and objective comparison. It takes into account patient demand, review scores (both positive and negative), the frequency of updates to treatment options and prices, response speed, and clinic certifications.
Samsung Medical Center
JK Plastic Surgery Center
Ewha Womans University Medical Center
Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH)
You’ve viewed 5 of 25 clinics

Top Oncology centers in Republic of Korea

  • Na-Eun Hospital (South Korea) , Republic of Korea
  • Samsung Medical Center, Republic of Korea
  • JK Plastic Surgery Center, Republic of Korea
  • Ewha Womans University Medical Center, Republic of Korea
  • Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH), Republic of Korea

Our Trusted Doctors

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verified

Lee Ji Hyun

47 years of experience

Head of Breast & Thyroid Surgery at Na-Eun Hospital – Dr. Lee focuses exclusively on breast and thyroid conditions, including cancer and benign diseases.

  • Specializes in Mammotome procedures and ultrasound-guided surgeries
  • Trained at Yonsei University Severance Hospital – one of South Korea's top medical institutions
  • Former Director of Breast Center at Samsung Cheil Hospital
  • Performs both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
verified

Son Dong Wan

30 years of experience

Dr. Son Dong Wan, MD, PhD, is the Chief of Urology at Naeun Hospital. He specializes in urologic oncology, urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and laser prostate surgery. He performs robotic and laparoscopic surgery for cancers of the prostate, bladder, ureter, and kidney. He also treats ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction.

He earned his PhD from Pusan National University. He completed his internship and residency at Pusan National University Hospital. He is a former Chief at Wallace Memorial Baptist Hospital. He served as a Professor at the Catholic University College of Medicine. He was a Clinical Fellow at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. He was a Visiting Professor at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). He completed training in urinary incontinence surgery at the University of Liège.

Awards include the Excellent Paper Award (2007) and the Academic Achievement Award (2014) from the Korean Continence Society. He also received the Best Poster Award from the European Association of Urology (2013).

verified

Kim Tae Joong

Specializes in gynecologic oncology at Samsung Medical Center, a leading institution in cancer care.

  • Expert in Da Vinci Robotic System procedures
  • Focuses on cervical and breast cancer treatments
  • Provides personalized chemotherapy plans
  • Skilled in precision hysterectomy and trachelectomy
verified

Choi Han Yong

Head of Urology at Samsung Medical Center – Dr. Choi leads one of Korea's top urology teams with a focus on precision cancer surgery.

  • Specializes in robotic-assisted prostatectomies and complex urologic oncology
  • of experience in urological cancer treatments
  • Leads a dedicated team for prostate, bladder, and kidney cancers
  • Works at a JCI-accredited medical center with advanced technology

Video Stories from Bookimed Patients

Randolph
Stay strong, stay informed, and never underestimate the power of cutting-edge treatments and a solid support system.
Procedure: Radioembolization for liver cancer
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It’s a tough path — but we’re not walking it alone. And that means everything. Thanks to Bookimed again.
Procedure: Lutetium-177 therapy

Reviews about Bookimed: Discover Patients' Insights

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София • Breast cancer
Kazakhstan
Oct 7, 2019
Verified review.
"I am very happy for getting to know BOOKIMED, professionals really work there, and most importantly, they are not indifferent people
I have breast cancer and I went through chemotherapy in Moscow. Six sessions have passed. It was very difficult to tolerate these procedures. A doctor in Kazakhstan said that this is enough, it is necessary to switch to tableted chemistry. And Moscow offered to continue doing chemotherapy. Opinions are divided. It was necessary to find a third party. I accidentally found your site on the Internet. Ekaterina Koliko wrote very quickly. The benevolence of Katyusha was immediately arranged towards her. She asked me what I would like to go to. I said that I want to go to the Severance clinic in Korea. Katyusha approved my choice. I sent all the necessary documents and Katyusha quickly redirected everything to the clinic. They began to wait for the invitation. For some reason (and for what I already knew in the clinic), there was no invitation. I am very grateful to Katyusha that she was in touch all the time, supported me, gave me hope. We arrived in Seoul in the morning, we were met by a transfer, brought to the hotel. After lunch, they were already in the clinic, I began to take tests. Constantly with me was one of the translators. Girls translators are great fellows, these are Lida, Olesya, Sofia, Tatyana, Alena. Any question could be addressed, they always prompted. They are professionals. Always with a smile, polite, with enormous patience, and most importantly, they understand that they work with a special audience, with people who did not come to rest. Someone to find out the diagnosis, and someone to do the operation. Thank you so much to the girls. The clinic was impressive. Doctors are professionals. The equipment is super. I got the opinion of a third party, it coincided with the opinion of a doctor from Kazakhstan. I was prescribed a prescription, I bought medicines at the pharmacy and started drinking on arrival home. I also want to write about Darina, who was engaged in transfer (the transfer to the clinic was very convenient and met and carried out), the selection of the hotel was also always in touch, and if I had any questions, she quickly answered them. I want to say that I am very happy for getting to know BOOKIMED, professionals really work there, and most importantly, they are not indifferent people. I am grateful to the Almighty and all who were near me. And the words of the doctor gave me inspiration and inspired great hope, for the sake of these words it was worth a long way to go. Once again, many thanks to all.
YANA Tkachenko • Mohs microsurgery
Russian Federation
Sep 27, 2019
Verified review.
My recommendations to friends, acquaintances only this Clinic! The prices are reasonable
Good day! I would like to share my impressions of being in the clinic. Thanks to the coordinators, the staff of the international clinic center, all wishes were taken into account. Special thanks to the attending physician, the procedure was perfect, the staff is very attentive, courteous. They are located in a 5-bed room, but at the same time there is no discomfort, food can be chosen taking into account personal taste preferences (Korean, European cuisine) and at the same time satisfying and varied. I can say one thing, there is no limit to my gratitude, my recommendations to friends, acquaintances only this Clinic! The prices are reasonable.
About Bookimed service
Very satisfied! Special thanks to Anna Chernova
Anonymous • Melanoma
Russian Federation
Jan 9, 2020
Verified review.
"The results were unbelievably positive!"
The staff is nice, but everything is on stream, as it does not take my problem seriously, as much as I would like! After my husband insistently said that it would be necessary to do so, so this, then after that we were heard.
About Bookimed service
Yes
ZHuldiz • Adenocarcinoma
Kazakhstan
Apr 4, 2024
Verified review.
A secondary opinion was needed from Prof
A secondary opinion was needed from Prof.
That everything was on time and affordable
Anonymous • Chemotherapy
Kazakhstan
Aug 12, 2019
Verified review.
I am very pleased with the results
It was good, hospital was big but we could find help there and everything was okey

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Updated: 04/04/2024
Authored by
Anna Leonova
Anna Leonova
Head of Content Marketing Team
A certified medical writer with 10+ years of experience, developed Bookimed’s trusted content, backed by a Master’s in Philology and medical expert interviews worldwide.
Yesim Yildirim
Clinical oncologist
20 years of experience Medical oncologist, ESMO certified
This page may feature information relating to various medical conditions, treatments, and healthcare services available in different countries. Please be advised that the content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or guidance. Please consult with your doctor or a qualified medical professional before starting or changing medical treatment.

FAQ about Oncology in Republic of Korea

These FAQs come from real patients seeking medical assistance through Bookimed. Answers are given by experienced medical coordinators and trusted clinic representatives.

Radiation therapy in South Korea is safe due to high-precision technologies and rigorous international quality standards. Facilities like Severance Hospital hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation to ensure patient safety. Advanced methods like Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) target tumors with millimeter accuracy.

  • Advanced technology: Clinics use IMRT and proton therapy to minimize side effects on healthy tissues.
  • Expert leadership: Specialists like Dr. Lim Do Hoon lead departments at JCI-accredited academic centers.
  • Error prevention: Systems like BESTcare at SNUBH use digital automation to prevent medical errors.
  • International standards: Top hospitals hold Newsweek rankings and ISO certifications for clinical excellence.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that the safest outcomes often come from hospitals with dedicated Cancer Centers, like Samsung Medical Center. These centers handle over 2,000,000 patients annually. This high volume allows doctors to specialize in rare sub-types. It also ensures the technical team has unmatched experience with complex radiation equipment.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that the high-tech equipment makes procedures easier to tolerate than expected. While language can be a concern, professional medical translators are available to explain every step of the treatment plan.

Biopsy results in South Korean oncology centers typically return within 3 to 7 days. Full molecular-pathology reports generally require 7 to 14 days for completion. These rapid timelines allow most patients to begin targeted treatment or immunotherapy within 1 to 3 weeks of their initial diagnostic procedure.

  • Standard pathology: Core needle biopsy results are often available within 3 to 5 days.
  • Molecular testing: Basic immunohistochemistry (IHC) reports typically take 5 to 7 days to complete.
  • Genomic sequencing: Comprehensive molecular profiling usually requires 10 to 14 days for final results.
  • Urgent cases: Preliminary reports for aggressive malignancies can occasionally be issued within 48 hours.

Bookimed Expert Insight: High-volume centers like Samsung Medical Center or Severance Hospital process millions of patients annually. This massive scale creates a factory-like efficiency in their pathology labs that smaller clinics cannot match. For international patients, this means diagnostic wait times are often 50% shorter than in Western countries, directly accelerating the start of specialized chemotherapy or robotic surgery.

Patient Consensus: Patients often note that labs in Seoul process tests much faster than they experienced back home. It is helpful to bring digital copies of previous slides to avoid repeating basic biopsies and save several days during the initial workup.

Major South Korean cancer centers hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation and KOIHA certification. Samsung Medical Center, Severance Hospital, and Asan Medical Center lead this group. These facilities maintain high safety standards. They integrate robotic surgery and proton beam therapy for complex oncology cases.

  • Samsung Medical Center: JCI-accredited facility performing 45,800 annual operations with a Comprehensive Cancer Center.
  • Severance Hospital: JCI-accredited Yonsei University affiliate treating 1.6 million outpatients annually for oncology.
  • Asan Medical Center: JCI-certified multidisciplinary hub achieving a 90% organ transplant success rate.
  • SNU Bundang Hospital: GHA-accredited digital hospital using the BESTcare system to prevent medical errors.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Patient volume is a reliable quality signal in Seoul. Clinics like Severance and Samsung handle over 2 million patients yearly. Our data shows these high volumes allow hospitals to invest in rare tech like Novalis and Da Vinci systems. This infrastructure often results in more precise surgical outcomes for international patients.

Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the value of having English-speaking translators present during every test. They note that while larger hospitals are very busy, the professional staff and advanced equipment provide significant reassurance during treatment.

Major oncologic surgery in the Republic of Korea typically requires a hospital stay of 7 days for procedures like robotic prostatectomy or nephrectomy. Some uncomplicated cases allow discharge within 3–5 days. High-volume centers like Severance Hospital and Asan Medical Center prioritize efficient recovery through minimally invasive techniques.

  • Hospital stay: Standard stays for robotic or abdominal cancer surgeries typically last 7 days.
  • Support services: International centers provide professional medical translators and dedicated coordinators for foreign patients.
  • Wards: Shared wards are standard, but private rooms are available to improve recovery quality.
  • Follow-up: Patients often transition to nearby hotels for outpatient monitoring after early clinical discharge.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from leading Seoul hospitals shows a high concentration of specialized robotic systems, with Severance Hospital alone serving 1.6 million outpatients annually. This massive volume allows Korean surgeons to refine rapid-recovery protocols. Patients should note that while clinical care is world-class, basic personal tasks often require a family member or a hired caregiver, as nursing focuses strictly on medical needs.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that the speed of discharge can feel surprising, so it is vital to book a nearby hotel for post-operative recovery. While international departments are helpful, day-to-day communication with ward nurses is easier if you use a translation app for basic requests.

Non-Korean patients can access clinical trials and advanced immunotherapy in the Republic of Korea. Major academic centers like Severance Hospital and Samsung Medical Center actively recruit international participants for Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials. Access requires matching specific medical criteria and often involves self-funding for experimental protocols.

  • Available therapies: Options include Keytruda (Pembrolizumab), NK cell therapies, and CAR-T cell treatments.
  • Leading institutions: Severance Hospital and Asan Medical Center manage high volumes of international oncology cases.
  • Clinical trials: International patients participate in trials for rare cancers and PD-1 inhibitor combinations.
  • Expert oversight: Dr. Cho Byung Chul at Severance Hospital specializes in trials for new clinical drugs.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that large digital hospitals like Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH) use advanced EHR systems to match patients to trials faster. While some trials are free, international patients often enter through paid 'compassionate use' programs. These programs offer faster access to experimental treatments like TIL therapy compared to Western waitlists.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that hiring bilingual assistance is vital for passing medical screenings. Many emphasize that while trials are available, you should prepare for self-pay and request specific visa support letters from the hospital.

Oncology centers in the Republic of Korea provide systematic side-effect monitoring through dedicated mobile applications and 24/7 hotlines. Patients receive comprehensive take-home medication kits. These include antiemetics and painkillers. Specialist nurses often conduct follow-up calls during the first week to track symptoms like nausea or fatigue.

  • Digital monitoring: Hospitals use apps and KakaoTalk for daily symptom tracking and nurse consultations.
  • Medication kits: Take-home supplies typically include antiemetics like ondansetron and tailored oral chemotherapy.
  • Professional support: International patient centers at Severance Hospital provide translated medication lists and instructions.
  • Pharmacy services: Many oncology departments offer home delivery for medications to simplify post-discharge care.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from major Seoul centers like Samsung Medical Center shows a trend toward integrated digital health. These 'smart' hospitals use the BESTcare system to sync your home monitoring data directly with hospital electronic records. This prevents medical errors and allows doctors to adjust your take-home prescriptions in real-time based on reported symptoms.

Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to clarify which medications are for daily use versus 'as needed' items. Many appreciate the dedicated translators who explain complex dosage schedules before they leave the clinic.

Medical tourists in Republic of Korea usually receive a C-3-10 or G-1-10 visa for up to 90 days. Extensions for oncology treatments can reach 6 months with hospital documentation. Caregivers must prove immediate family ties. They often receive shorter 90-day stays requiring rotation or renewal.

  • Stay duration: Standard medical visas allow 90 days. Extensions up to 180 days are possible.
  • Caregiver limits: Companions typically get 90-day tourist visas. They may need to exit and re-enter.
  • Documentation needs: Hospitals provide invitation letters. These support visa extensions for intensive oncology protocols.
  • Relationship proof: Caregivers must provide official family certificates. Immigration strictly verifies these for long-term stays.

Bookimed Expert Insight: While patients often get 6-month leeway for cancer care, caregivers face stricter 90-day limits. Large centers like Severance Hospital or Samsung Medical Center provide the necessary invitation letters, but they cannot guarantee caregiver visa extensions. We recommend planning a rotation of family members for treatments exceeding 3 months to avoid logistical gaps.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that while the medical visa process is smooth, caregivers often struggle with shorter stay limits. One patient mentioned that having a translator from the international department helps navigate these immigration visits without stress.

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