To homepage
820К+ patients have got assistance since 2014
50 countries
1,500 clinics
6K+ reviews
3K+ qualified doctors

What's the Cost of Atherosclerosis Diagnosis and Treatment in Republic of Korea?

The price is provided on request
Republic of KoreaTurkeyAustria
Therapeutic Apheresis-from $1,350-
LDL Apheresis-from $1,650-
Data verified by Bookimed as of July 2026, based on patient requests and official quotes from 136 clinics worldwide. Median costs are based on real invoices (2025–2026) and updated monthly. Actual prices may vary.

Your Benefits and Guarantees with Bookimed

Transparent Prices & Flexible Installments

No hidden fees – just official clinic prices. Pay at the clinic for Atherosclerosis treatment and use a flexible installment plan if needed.

Verified Clinics & Doctors Only

Bookimed is committed to your safety. We only work with medical institutions that maintain high international standards in Atherosclerosis treatment and have the necessary licenses to serve international patients worldwide.

Free 24/7 Assistance

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 Atherosclerosis treatment journey.

Why we?

Your personal Bookimed medical coordinator

  • Supports you at every stage
  • Helps choose the right clinic and doctor
  • Ensures quick and convenient access to information

Best Atherosclerosis Treatment Centers in Republic of Korea: 9 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.
Ewha Womans University Medical Center
Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH)

Get a Medical Assessment for Atherosclerosis in Republic of Korea: Consult with Experienced Doctors Now

View all Doctors
verified

Byung Hee Oh

41 years of experience

Dr. Byung Hee Oh is a cardiologist at Incheon Sejong Hospital. He previously served as President of the Korean Society of Cardiology. Dr. Oh specializes in heart failure, coronary artery disease, and complex arrhythmias. He held leadership roles at Seoul National University Hospital. Dr. Oh has authored hundreds of peer-reviewed publications. He treats patients at Sejong Hospital, which sees over 400,000 annual visits.

  • Former Head of the Division of Cardiology at Seoul National University.
  • Performs radiofrequency ablation and carotid stenting.
  • Received national honors for medical excellence and leadership.
  • Focuses on preventive cardiology and hypertension management.
verified

Oh Dongju

50 years of experience

Dr. Oh Dongju, MD, PhD, is a cardiologist. He specializes in hypertension, hyperlipidemia, angina, myocardial infarction, valvular disease, dilated cardiomyopathy, and myocarditis. His work also covers atherosclerosis and arterial occlusive disease. He is skilled in echocardiography and cardiovascular imaging.

He completed a cardiology fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine. He also served as a Clinical Instructor at the Cornell University Weill Department of Medicine. He has held many leadership roles. He served as President, KSIC; Director of Publications, General Affairs, and Public Relations, KSC; Chairman, KACG; Board Member, Asan Heart Foundation; Vice President, KHA; Chairman, Division of Cardiology, KAIM; Vice President, NAMOK/KAMS; Governor, ACC Korea Chapter; and Member, the National Bioethics Committee.

verified

Min Jeong Kim

18 years of experience

Dr. Min Jeong Kim is an interventional cardiologist at Incheon Sejong Hospital. She earned both her MD and PhD from Seoul National University College of Medicine. She specializes in heart failure, hypertension, and coronary artery disease treatment. Dr. Kim works at a KOIHA-accredited hospital that treats over 402,000 patients every year.

  • Performs coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary interventions.
  • Expert in diagnostic echocardiography and comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment.
  • Trained in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease at major Korean medical centers.
  • Treats complex conditions including arrhythmias and atherosclerosis.
verified

Paik Nam-sun

47 years of experience

Dr. Paik Nam-sun is a surgical oncologist at Ewha Womans University Medical Center in Seoul. He is recognized as one of the world's top 100 gastric and breast cancer surgeons. He performed the first breast-conserving surgery in South Korea. Dr. Paik also invented a proprietary stomach cancer technique to reduce reflux disease risk.

  • Director of the Cancer Center for Women at Ewha Womans University Medical Center.
  • Former President of Konkuk University Hospital.
  • Served as the Director of the Korea Cancer Center Hospital.
  • Former President of the Korean Society of Cancer Prevention.

Share this content

Video Stories from Bookimed Patients

Dayana
I combined my vacation in Antalya with a check-up.
Procedure: Female check-up
Igor
It was great! Transfers, accommodation, treatment—all included.
Procedure: Dental Implant
Marina
Bookimed did everything for me. I didn't have to worry about anything.
Procedure: Female check-up
Updated: 06/30/2026
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.
Fahad Mawlood
Medical Editor & Data Scientist
General practitioner. Winner of 4 scientific awards. Served in Western Asia. Former Team Leader of a medical team supporting Arabic-speaking patients. Now responsible for data processing and medical content accuracy.
Fahad Mawlood Linkedin
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.

Expert Overview about Atherosclerosis Treatment 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.

What are the top hospitals in South Korea for atherosclerosis treatment?

Top medical centers in South Korea for atherosclerosis include Asan Medical Center, Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH), and Severance Hospital. These institutions hold Newsweek World's Best Hospitals rankings and JCI accreditation. They utilize advanced interventional cardiology and imaging to manage coronary and peripheral artery disease effectively.

  • Asan Medical Center: Korea's largest facility performing 45% of country's heart transplants.
  • Severance Hospital: Features a dedicated cardiovascular center with Joint Commission International accreditation.
  • SNU Bundang Hospital: Operates as the first fully digital hospital for precise vascular monitoring.
  • Gangnam Severance Hospital: Specialized in cardiology and complex diagnostics for vascular diseases.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Patient data shows that choosing a hospital like Asan Medical Center or SNUH provides access to unmatched surgical volume, including over 65,000 yearly operations. These high-capacity tertiary centers are essential for atherosclerosis because they house integrated departments for cardiology and vascular surgery under one roof. This internal collaboration typically speeds up the transition from diagnostic imaging to interventional stenting.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that while major Seoul hospitals have long wait times, the deep specialist expertise and advanced imaging equipment make the tradeoff worthwhile. Many emphasize the necessity of choosing centers with dedicated international departments to manage language support during complex vascular consultations.

Which modern procedures are used to treat blocked arteries in Korea?

South Korea treats blocked arteries using minimally invasive procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and advanced atherectomy. Specialized centers employ orbital atherectomy and intravascular lithotripsy to clear calcified plaque. These methods improve vessel flexibility and ensure proper expansion of next-generation drug-eluting stents.

  • Percutaneous coronary intervention: Stenting is used most frequently for opening narrowed coronary vessels.
  • Orbital atherectomy: Diamond-coated crowns sand away hard calcium in complex, narrow artery lesions.
  • Intravascular lithotripsy: Sonic waves break severe calcification before surgeons place permanent drug-eluting stents.
  • Therapeutic apheresis: Modern clinics offer LDL apheresis to mechanically remove cholesterol from the blood.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Asan Medical Center performs 45% of heart transplants in South Korea and manages massive patient volumes. This high density of complex cases across Seoul clinics drives faster diagnostic angiography workups. Specialists like Dr. Oh Dong Joo often hold top roles in international cardiology societies.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that doctors prioritize rapid angiography to decide between immediate stenting or bypass surgery. While stents offer faster recovery, long-term medication remains necessary to maintain clear vessels after the procedure.

How quickly can a foreign patient receive treatment after arrival?

Foreign patients in South Korea typically receive specialist consultations within 24 to 48 hours of arrival. Therapeutic procedures like LDL apheresis often begin within 1 to 3 days. Advanced medical centers coordinate diagnostic scans and cardiologist reviews immediately to streamline the specialized treatment process.

  • Consultation speed: Specialists usually see pre-coordinated patients within 24–48 hours of landing.
  • Diagnostic timeline: Hospitals schedule essential scans and blood work immediately upon patient arrival.
  • Clinic certifications: Facilities like Severance Hospital maintain Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation standards.
  • Advanced cardiac care: Centers like Asan Medical Center perform 45% of Korea's heart transplants.

Bookimed Expert Insight: South Korea's digital hospital infrastructure significantly accelerates treatment timelines for international patients. Seoul National University Bundang Hospital was the nation's first fully digital hospital. This integration allows specialists to review high-resolution imaging and lab results in real-time. Clinicians can finalize atherosclerosis treatment plans hours after testing rather than days.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that having pre-translated medical summaries and prior scans ready is vital. While consultations happen quickly, administrative steps like payment approval often determine how fast procedures begin.

What high-resolution diagnostics are available to confirm atherosclerosis?

High-resolution diagnostics in South Korea prioritize direct plaque visualization and risk scoring safely. Leading techniques include coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and coronary artery calcium scoring. These tools identify narrowing and plaque composition. Korean centers like Severance Hospital utilize advanced digital imaging for precise diagnosis.

  • Coronary CT angiography: Provides noninvasive 3D images to visualize lumen narrowing and plaque.
  • Calcium scoring: Measures calcified plaque volume to assess long-term cardiovascular risk accurately.
  • Invasive coronary angiography: Offers definitive vessel mapping for patients with severe clinical symptoms.
  • Carotid ultrasound: Detects plaque buildup in neck arteries to evaluate stroke risk noninvasively.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from major Seoul centers like Asan Medical Center shows a heavy shift toward digitalization. These hospitals treat over 10,000 outpatients daily. This high volume allows doctors like Dr. Oh Dong Joo to refine diagnostic accuracy across thousands of scans. They often prefer CCTA over simple stress tests to catch non-obstructive plaque early.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that a normal stress test might not tell the whole story. They often feel more confident after getting a CCTA or calcium score for a clearer picture.

How is the language barrier managed for international patients?

South Korean hospitals manage language barriers using dedicated international patient centers and professional medical interpreters. These departments coordinate communication between patients and clinical staff. Facilities such as Asan Medical Center and Severance Hospital often provide English-speaking coordinators for logistics, paperwork, and consultations.

  • Professional interpreters: Hospitals employ certified specialists fluent in English, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic.
  • Digital health records: Digital systems like BESTcare ensure patient preferences and history remain accessible.
  • International departments: Specialized centers at JCI-accredited hospitals handle all primary communications and scheduling.
  • Medical documentation: Facilities often provide discharge notes and medication instructions in written English.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that communication quality is highest at hospitals with dedicated international centers. While elite specialists like Dr. Oh Dong Joo often possess strong English skills from international training, support staff at smaller clinics may not. Choosing centers with high international patient volumes, such as Seoul National University Hospital, ensures more consistent translation support for complex atherosclerosis discussions.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that while surgeons often speak clear English, clerical and nursing staff may rely on translation apps for simple tasks. Many recommend starting all communications through the international office to avoid misunderstandings during billing or consent sessions.

What are the latest lipid-lowering strategies used in Korea?

Korea utilizes intensive lipid-lowering strategies focused on early combination therapy and aggressive LDL-C targets. Clinical protocols prioritize reaching LDL-C goals below 55 mg/dL for high-risk patients. Treatments incorporate high-intensity statins, ezetimibe, and advanced PCSK9 inhibitors to reduce cardiovascular risk after major cardiac events.

  • Target escalation: Doctors follow a treat-to-target model from statins to combination therapies.
  • Combination protocols: Ezetimibe is added if targets are missed within 6 weeks.
  • Advanced biologics: PCSK9 inhibitors and Inclisiran target patients with severe statin intolerance.
  • Specialized procedures: Facilities like Asan Medical Center offer therapeutic apheresis for extreme lipid cases.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Korean cardiology centers like Asan Medical Center manage high patient volumes, performing nearly half of the country's heart transplants. This intensive clinical experience drives a preference for low-dose combination therapies over maximum-dose statins. Data shows this approach minimizes liver enzyme concerns while meeting the strict LDL-C goals now standard in Seoul.

Patient Consensus: Patients note it is vital to document any muscle pain or liver symptoms clearly. This documentation helps specialists approve newer, covered treatments like PCSK9 inhibitors faster.

Which are the top hospitals for atherosclerosis treatment in South Korea?

Top South Korean hospitals for atherosclerosis treatment include Asan Medical Center, Seoul National University Hospital, and Severance Hospital. These centres lead in interventional cardiology and complex stenting. They hold KOIHA and JCI accreditations. This means safety standards meet international expectations for Australian patients.

  • Asan Medical Center: South Korea's largest hospital handles 65,000+ yearly surgeries.
  • SNU Bundang Hospital: A digital leader performing 2,400 open heart surgeries annually.
  • Severance Hospital: JCI-accredited facility partnering with US-based Johns Hopkins University.
  • Naeun Hospital: Features cardiovascular specialists trained at Emory and Cornell Universities.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Major Seoul centres attract the highest volume. However, clinics like Naeun Hospital in Incheon provide an advantage for international arrivals. Leading specialists there, such as Dr Oh Dongju, bring US-based training from Ivy League institutions. This means familiar treatment protocols are available just one hour from the airport.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that major South Korean university hospitals operate as tier 3 centres. Using the international patient desks is essential for English support and navigating appointments efficiently.

What surgical and minimally invasive treatments are available for atherosclerosis in South Korea?

South Korea bietet fortschrittliche Behandlungen für Atherosklerose an, von minimalinvasiven Stents bis hin zu roboterassistierten Bypass-Operationen. Spezialisierte Zentren wie das Asan Medical Center und das Severance Hospital nutzen modernste Verfahren wie Lithotripsie und Angioplastie. Diese Eingriffe stellen den Blutfluss in verengten Arterien effizient wieder her.

  • Angioplastie und Stents: Kathetergeführte Ballons erweitern Arterien und setzen medikamentenbeschichtete Stents ein.
  • Koronare Bypass-Operation: Chirurgen nutzen körpereigene Gefässe, um blockierte Herzarterien sicher zu umgehen.
  • Roboterassistierte Chirurgie: Das Da Vinci System ermöglicht hochpräzise Bypass-Eingriffe durch kleinste Schnitte.
  • Intravaskuläre Lithotripsie: Schallwellen zertrümmern stark verkalkte Plaque direkt in der Arterienwand.
  • Rotationsatherektomie: Diamantbeschichtete Bohrer entfernen komplexe Kalkablagerungen vor der Stent-Implantation.

Bookimed Expert Insight: Die Wahl der Klinik in Seoul beeinflusst oft den Zugang zu spezialisierter Technik. Das Asan Medical Center führt jährlich über 65.000 Operationen durch, während das Gangnam Severance Hospital auf ca. 800 Stent-Implantationen spezialisiert ist. Patienten sollten gezielt nach der Fallzahl des jeweiligen Kardiologie-Teams für ihren spezifischen Eingriff fragen.

Patient Consensus: Patienten empfinden die Pflegequalität in grossen Zentren wie dem Asan Hospital als überlegen und betonen, dass eine aggressive medikamentöse Therapie oft vor invasiven Eingriffen steht. Gründliche Voruntersuchungen wie Koronar-CTAs und Kalzium-Scoring sind entscheidend, um die Notwendigkeit einer Angiografie in Korea festzustellen.

What diagnostic tests are conducted for atherosclerosis in South Korea?

South Korean clinics diagnose atherosclerosis using high-resolution imaging to detect plaque and vascular narrowing. Specialists at centres like Seoul National University Bundang Hospital use multi-slice CT and coronary angiography. These tests identify calcified plaque and arterial thickness to assess cardiovascular risk levels precisely.

  • Imaging: Multi-slice CT scans and 3.0T MRI provide detailed 3D arterial views.
  • Cardiac evaluations: Coronary angiography at Gangnam Severance Hospital maps vessel blockages definitively.
  • Ultrasound screening: Diagnostic echocardiography assesses heart structure and identifies early plaque formation.
  • Risk stratification: Laboratory blood tests screen lipid profiles and inflammatory markers like CRP.

Bookimed Expert Insight: While basic screenings are common, South Korea's digital hospital leadership improves diagnostic accuracy. Seoul National University Bundang Hospital uses the BESTcare safety system to integrate imaging data. This lets doctors like Dr Byung Hee Oh coordinate complex cardiovascular risk assessments. It is faster than traditional paper-based clinics.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that basic lipid panels are available at local clinics, but calcium CT scans require larger hospitals. They find CT angiography essential for detecting soft plaques. Routine screenings in South Korean facilities often miss these plaques.

What medications are typically prescribed to manage atherosclerosis in South Korea?

Cardiologists in South Korea typically prescribe statins as the primary treatment for atherosclerosis. Doctors often combine these with ezetimibe to meet strict cholesterol targets. Korean guidelines also include anti-platelet agents like aspirin or clopidogrel and PCSK9 inhibitors for high-risk patients.

  • Statin therapy: Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin serve as mandatory first-line treatments for lipid control.
  • Combination therapy: Ezetimibe is frequently added to statins to lower LDL-C below 70 mg/dL.
  • Anti-platelet agents: Aspirin, clopidogrel, or ticagrelor help prevent blood clots and heart attacks.
  • Escalation options: PCSK9 inhibitors are used when standard oral medications do not reach targets.
  • Blood pressure meds: Calcium channel blockers and diuretics manage hypertension, a major risk factor.

Bookimed Expert Insight: South Korea's cardiology landscape is dominated by high-volume academic centres. Seoul National University Hospital and Asan Medical Center manage millions of patients annually. This massive scale lets doctors like Dr Oh Dong Joo gain extensive experience in complex cases. He has authored over 240 scientific papers. This data-driven approach means patients get medication plans based on the latest clinical evidence.

Patient Consensus: Patients note that Korean pharmacies do not recognise overseas prescriptions. Patients should bring original medicine bottles and recent blood results. This helps local specialists re-prescribe the correct generic medications during the consultation.

Do Korean hospitals offer stem cell treatments for atherosclerosis?

Korean hospitals offer stem cell treatments for atherosclerosis through specialised regenerative medicine programmes. Approved centres use autologous stem cells or stromal vascular fraction (SVF) to reduce arterial inflammation. These clinics must hold government designation from the Ministry of Health and Welfare to perform advanced regenerative therapies.

  • Regulated access: Legislation permits advanced regenerative medical technologies at government-approved facilities for chronic diseases.
  • Clinical leaders: Seoul National University Hospital and Severance Hospital specialise in cardiology and regulated stem cell research.
  • Government designation: Naeun Hospital holds specific Ministry of Health and Welfare approval for advanced regenerative medicine.
  • Atherosclerosis expertise: Specialists like Dr Oh Dongju at Naeun Hospital focus on arterial occlusive disease and atherosclerosis.

Bookimed Expert Insight: While many centres focus on orthopaedic stem cells, Naeun Hospital stands out for its official government designation in advanced regenerative medicine. This accreditation is rarer than standard hospital rankings. It confirms the facility meets strict national standards for handling stem cell and gene therapies specifically for chronic conditions.

Patient Consensus: Patients in the Republic of Korea note that while regenerative medicine is common for joints, legitimate vascular stem cell work is strictly regulated. They suggest confirming if a procedure is part of an approved hospital clinical programme rather than a general wellness injection.

Get a free consultation

Select the best way to contact you