Kang Dong Hospital
Scoliosis treatment cost in Republic of Korea generally includes a spine X-ray ranging from $100 to $200 and primary surgical treatment of scoliosis which costs $13,400 to $48,000. Total expenses depend on the curve severity, clinic tier, and chosen surgical method. Patients typically achieve 40-75% savings compared to the United States. Top medical destinations for this treatment include Seoul, Busan, and Incheon.
Typical Scoliosis Treatment Costs in Republic of Korea
Bookimed Expert Insight: For adolescent patients, minimally invasive options like the ApiFix system offered at Ewha Womans University Medical Center provide excellent value. Complex adult cases requiring multidisciplinary care are best managed at Asan Medical Center. This facility handles over 1.8 million patients annually with a 90% organ transplant success rate. For budget-conscious surgical needs, Kang Dong Hospital in Busan offers specialized orthopedic expertise starting at approximately $23,400.
| Republic of Korea | Turkey | Austria | |
| Surgical treatment of scoliosis | from $13,390 | from $19,910 | from $45,000 |
| Conservative treatment of scoliosis | from $3,800 | from $1,500 | from $3,500 |
| ApiFix system implantation | from $21,000 | from $13,000 | from $25,000 |
| Scoliosis surgery | - | from $25,000 | - |
| Open Midline Decompression with Ligament Reconstruction | - | from $8,500 | - |
Dr. Jang Hyo Kim is an orthopedic surgeon focused on joint preservation and complex reconstruction. He specializes in arthroscopy of the shoulder, knee, ankle, elbow, and wrist. He performs joint replacement of the shoulder, knee, ankle, elbow, and hip. His spine work includes cervical and lumbar instrumentation and fusion. He also performs discectomy, laminectomy, neuroplasty, and vertebroplasty. His practice includes fracture care and muscle and ligament repair.
He is an Adjunct Professor at Kyung Hee University. He serves as Director of the Joint Center at Very Good Hospital. He previously served as chief or director at Yeonggwang General, Songjeong Sarang, Sewoori–Daejeon, Seoul Welfare, and The Barun hospitals. He was an advisory member of the Gwangju–Jeonnam Workers’ Compensation Board. He is a full member of the Korean Orthopaedic Association (KOA) and the Korean Societies of Arthroscopy, Knee, Sports Medicine, Hip, Pain, and Obesity. He holds TPI therapy certification. He completed an Ilizarov fellowship in Kurgan, Russia. He also completed training in shoulder arthroscopy.
Dr. Kang Shin Hyuk specializes in minimally invasive spinal surgery with of experience, focusing on complex spinal conditions including scoliosis.
The doctor is a highly experienced Hematologist-Oncologist with over 26 years of expertise in the field. Specializing in the treatment of colon cancer, hematological oncology, myelomas, and lymphoma, the doctor is proficient in advanced procedures such as Bone Marrow Transplantation, including Alternate Donor and Mismatched Transplants.
With a strong academic background, the doctor holds an M.D. from Yonsei University College of Medicine and a Ph.D. from Sungkyunkwan University College of Medicine. The doctor is also a member of multiple professional societies and has contributed to the field through numerous paper publications.
Scoliosis can be treated without surgery in the Republic of Korea through specialized conservative protocols. Clinics in Seoul and Busan utilize 3D custom bracing and the Schroth method for patients with spinal curves under 40 degrees, achieving success in stabilizing progression and reducing pain.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from top-tier Korean facilities reveals a strong institutional preference for functional recovery over immediate surgery. For example, Wiltse Memorial Hospital manages 50,000 patients annually with a heavy focus on non-operative spine and joint preservation. This volume suggests that Korean specialists often exhaust specialized manual therapies and advanced bracing before recommending invasive spinal fusion.
Patient Consensus: Parents note that combining custom TLSO braces with Schroth sessions 3–5 times weekly effectively halted curve progression in their children. Patients emphasize that for adults, the focus shifts toward pain-focused rehab and maintenance rather than total curve reversal.
Most Korean spinal surgeons at major university hospitals and specialized centers speak fluent English. Many specialists completed fellowships at prestigious institutions like MD Anderson Cancer Center or Mayo Clinic. Dedicated international healthcare centers at facilities like Severance Hospital facilitate seamless communication for scoliosis patients through English-speaking doctors and coordinators.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows a strong correlation between a clinic's global ranking and English proficiency. Top-tier centers like Severance Hospital, which serves over 1.6 million outpatients annually, prioritize English-speaking specialists to manage their high international volume. Surgeons like Dr. Kang Shin Hyuk at Kang Dong Hospital often have extensive academic backgrounds from US institutions, making them more comfortable discussing complex scoliosis cases in English than general practitioners.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that while lead surgeons often speak like native speakers, residents or nursing staff might occasionally require translation apps or hospital interpreters. Many suggest confirming English proficiency directly with the international department before booking a consultation to ensure a smooth experience.
To prepare for a scoliosis consultation in South Korea, you must provide digital copies of recent full-length spinal X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans on a USB drive. Clinics also require professionally translated medical summaries, current Risser scores, and a detailed chronological history of previous treatments or bracing.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many think digital uploads are enough, top facilities like Seoul National University Bundang Hospital prioritize data integrity via their BESTcare system. Our data shows that bringing physical, high-resolution X-ray prints alongside digital files often speeds up the initial neurosurgeon consultation. This dual-format approach prevents technical delays in high-volume centers that serve over 1,000,000 patients annually.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is vital to get fresh X-rays if yours are older than one year, as Korean doctors often insist on current scans for accurate curve measurement. They also emphasize using professional translators rather than apps to ensure medical terms are exactly right.