Samsung Medical Center
Prostate cancer treatment cost in Republic of Korea typically includes essential diagnostics like a PET/CT which ranges from $1,000 to $1,500. Primary surgical interventions such as a robotic da Vinci prostatectomy runs from $21,900 to $23,800, while laparoscopic prostatectomy costs $10,600 to $14,200. Total expenses depend on the cancer stage, hospital tier, and chosen technology. Patients often find 30-50% savings compared to the US. Most specialized centers are located in Seoul and Incheon.
Typical Prostate Cancer Treatment Costs in Republic of Korea
Bookimed Expert Insight: Early-stage patients benefit most from robotic surgery at centers like Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. They offer specialized robotic bundles starting around $23,050 including a 7-day stay. Complex cases requiring advanced imaging should prioritize "Big 5" hospitals like Samsung Medical Center. Their multidisciplinary teams utilize Novalis and IGRT technologies for precise radiation targeting. For patients seeking safety-first digital environments, SNUBH uses the BESTcare system to prevent medical errors. International patients frequently choose Korea University Anam Hospital for its 1/10th scar size robotic reconstruction techniques.
| Republic of Korea | Turkey | Austria | |
| Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) | from $5,800 | from $3,580 | from $5,500 |
| Robotic da Vinci prostatectomy | from $21,900 | from $17,000 | from $20,000 |
| Radiotherapy for prostate cancer | from $12,500 | from $4,000 | from $14,000 |
| Proton-beam therapy | from $22,000 | from $70,000 | from $80,000 |
| Prostatectomy | from $16,500 | from $6,340 | from $17,000 |
No hidden fees – just official clinic prices. Pay at the clinic for Prostate cancer treatment 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 Prostate cancer 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 Prostate cancer treatment journey.
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).
Head of Samsung Department of Urology – Dr. Choi leads one of Korea's top urology teams.
Dr. Won Sik Ham focuses on prostate cancer treatment at Severance Hospital, combining urology and surgical oncology expertise.
Specialist in laparoscopic and robotic surgeries – Dr. Rha brings precision to prostate cancer treatment at Severance Hospital.
Written by Anna Leonova
Written by Olena Sikoza
South Korea reports a 96.9% 5-year relative survival rate for prostate cancer, driven by early detection and advanced robotic surgery. Localized cases reach near 100% success, while specialized centers like Seoul National University Hospital maintain the highest cancer treatment statistics in the country.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data suggests a clear correlation between hospital volume and success in Seoul. Samsung Medical Center and Severance Hospital manage millions of patients annually, concentrating surgical expertise. For example, robotic surgery at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital costs approximately $23,000, illustrating the high-value access to top surgeons like Dr. Hong Sung Hoo.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that choosing high-volume hospitals in Seoul is vital for achieving 95% success. They often prefer robotic surgery over radiation to better preserve physical function and potency.
The Republic of Korea offers premier prostate cancer care at elite Seoul-based institutions like Samsung Medical Center and Seoul National University Hospital. These centers feature the Da Vinci robotic system, achieving 96% survival rates while prioritizing the preservation of urinary function and potency through precision surgery.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many patients focus on the Global Top 10 rankings, the real differentiator in Korea is the surgical volume found in Big 5 hospitals. For example, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital offers robotic surgery packages for approximately $23,000 which include a full 7-day hospital stay. This extended inpatient recovery is significantly longer than Western standards and helps ensure immediate post-surgical monitoring.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it's important to choose major university hospitals in Seoul to avoid overtreatment and access 95% success rates. Many emphasize that MRI-guided diagnostics and quick consultations at facilities like Severance Hospital helped them return to work within 2 weeks.
South Korea provides advanced prostate cancer technologies including heavy ion therapy, Gen 5 da Vinci robotic systems, and PSMA-directed radioligand therapy. High-precision options like NanoKnife and High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) enable focal ablation, while AI-enhanced imaging improves diagnostic accuracy for localized tumors.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data suggests Seoul centers prioritize extreme specialization in robotic platforms. While many global hospitals use general robots, Korea University Anam Hospital pioneered Asia's first pre-stage robotic bladder surgery. This expertise allows surgeons like Dr. Hong Sung Hoo at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital to offer packages near $23,000 that include extended 7-day monitoring, ensuring stability before international travel.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that choosing HIFU or NanoKnife often allows a return to work within days. Many emphasize that AI-enhanced imaging helped them avoid unnecessary invasive biopsies by predicting recurrence risks early.
Patients undergoing robotic prostatectomy in South Korea typically stay in the hospital for 1 to 7 days. International travelers should plan for a 10 to 14-day total stay in-country to include pre-operative consultations, catheter management, and final follow-up clearance before flying.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While global standards often keep catheters in for a week, South Korean centers like Severance Hospital frequently utilize early discharge protocols. Data shows packages can range significantly, with some including up to 7 days of general ward care for $23,000. This extended inpatient stay often replaces the need for separate hotel transitions during the most critical first week of recovery.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that the most discomfort comes from catheter management rather than the incisions. They emphasize that while they felt ready to walk by day 2, following strict 6-week no-lifting rules was essential for healing.
Preparation for prostate cancer treatment in South Korea requires organizing original diagnostic CDs, pathology slides, and certified English or Korean translations of all medical reports. Patients must secure a C-3-3 medical visa through a Korean embassy using an official hospital invitation and documented treatment plan.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While robotic surgery packages at centers like Seoul St. Mary's Hospital often include 7 days of hospitalization, patients should prepare for an additional 1–2 weeks in a local hotel. Our data shows hospitals like Severance Hospital and Samsung Medical Center serve millions of patients annually, leading to highly efficient but fast-paced consultations where using the Papago translator app is essential for clear communication.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing familiar comfort foods as hospital diets are often traditional Korean and may cause digestive issues. It is also important to arrange local taxi apps like Kakao, as the subway system is difficult to navigate immediately after surgery.