Gastric Balloon in Republic of Korea — Get 3 Top Clinic Matches with Costs
Gastric balloon in the Republic of Korea costs $2,800 to $5,000, about 52% less than the US average of $8,200 (Bookimed data, November 2026). Bookimed lists 6 gastric balloon clinics in the Republic of Korea, mostly in Seoul, Daegu, and Daejeon.
Medically reviewed by
Fahad Mawlood
How Much Does Gastric balloon Cost in Republic of Korea?
The cost of a gastric balloon in the Republic of Korea ranges from $2,800 to $5,000. The total price depends on the clinic tier, city location, and hospital duration. Patients save around 52% compared to the US, where this procedure costs $8,200 on average. The price typically includes the balloon device, insertion procedure, and sedation.
- Regional price differences: Major hubs include Seoul, Goyang, Daegu, and Daejeon.
- Medical hub premiums: Clinics in Seoul often charge more than facilities in regional cities.
- Specialized facilities: University-affiliated centers typically command higher prices than private specialized clinics.
- Language services: International centers providing 24/7 dedicated interpreter services may affect total costs.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Choosing clinics outside Seoul can lead to significant savings. Sun Medical Center in Daejeon offers procedures starting around $2,800. This is considerably lower than the $10,100 starting price at Seoul-based Severance Hospital. Both facilities maintain high standards with English-speaking staff. Patients can access JCI-accredited care at Ewha Womans University Medical Center for approximately $13,600. High-volume centers like Asan Medical Center perform 55,000+ surgeries yearly with competitive pricing starting around $5,000.
| Republic of Korea | Turkey | The USA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gastric balloon | from $2,800 | from $1,200 | ≈ $6,500 |
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Discover the Best Gastric balloon Clinics in Republic of Korea: 11 Verified Options and Prices
Ewha Womans University Medical Center
Paik Nam-sun
Daegu Catholic University Medical Center
Sun Medical Center
Dongguk University Ilsan Medical Center
Gastric balloon Overview in Republic of Korea
- Gastric bypass - from $9,000This operation helps lose weight by altering your stomach and small intestine"s processing of the food you eat.
- Gastric balloon - from $2,800This therapy involves placing a balloon in your stomach, aiding weight loss by limiting food intake and reducing hunger.
Day 1 - Arrival
- Arrive in the country.
- Receive a VIP transfer to the clinic.
- Check-in at the hotel.
- Rest for the day.
Day 2 - Pre-Operation
- Meeting with the bariatric surgeon.
- Undergo necessary medical tests.
- Receive pre-operative instructions.
Day 3 - Operation Day
- Admission to the clinic.
- Undergo gastric balloon procedure under sedation.
- Procedure lasts 20-30 minutes.
- Discharge from the clinic in the evening.
Day 4 - Post-Operation
- Rest at the hotel.
- Follow the prescribed diet plan.
- Take pain and nausea medication if needed.
Day 5 - Departure
- Check out from the hotel.
- VIP transfer to the airport.
- Depart from the country.
Week 1 - Rehabilitation
- Follow a liquid diet.
- Gradually introduce solid foods.
- Avoid strenuous activities.
Week 2 and onwards
- Return to work and normal activities.
- Follow up consultations with the surgeon.
- See the final result after six months.
Please note: This plan may vary depending on individual health conditions and the recommendations of the surgeon.
What patients like:
- Cost. The Gastric balloon cost in Republic of Korea ranges from $2,800 to $5,000. This price is quite competitive compared to the average cost in other countries, which is usually higher.
- Doctor’s professionalism.. Patients appreciate the high level of doctors' professionalism in Korea. Most doctors are members of recognized medical organizations and have performed numerous Gastric balloon procedures.
- Service level. The service level is highly praised by patients. The medical staff is described as attentive, caring, and responsive, making the whole process smooth.
- Gastric balloon efficacy. Patients are generally satisfied with the outcomes of the Gastric balloon procedure. The use of modern techniques contributes to its high efficacy.
- Logistics. Logistics, including transfer services and quick registration, are well-organized, adding to the positive experience of patients.
What patients don't like:
- Waiting time. Some patients have mentioned a longer than expected waiting time for the procedure, which can cause discomfort.
- Post-procedure support. Although the immediate post-procedure care is good, patients feel that the follow-up support could be improved.
- Language barrier. Non-Korean speaking patients have reported some difficulties due to language barriers, although most clinics do offer translation services.
- Bookimed deposit: $200 or €200.
- Clinic deposit: Pay a set percentage in advance.
Our Doctors
View all DoctorsPaik Nam-sun
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.
Lee, Han-Byoel
The doctor is an expert in oncoplastic surgery and breast cancer, with extensive experience from prestigious institutions. The doctor holds an M.D. degree from Seoul National University College of Medicine and an M.S. degree in Surgery from the same institution. Additionally, the doctor earned a B.S. in biological sciences from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and a Ph.D. in Surgery from Seoul National University Graduate School.
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Fast Facts about Gastric balloon
Gastric Balloon
A gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight loss option involving inserting a balloon into the stomach to reduce food intake.
FAQ about Gastric balloon in Republic of Korea
What is a gastric balloon, and how does it work?
A gastric balloon is a temporary, non-surgical medical device placed in the stomach to trigger weight loss by limiting food capacity. Usually made of silicone and filled with saline or air, it occupies space to induce early fullness and slow digestion for patients with a BMI between 30 and 40.
- Insertion method: Doctors use a 20-minute endoscopic procedure or a swallowable capsule under mild sedation.
- Weight loss mechanism: The device fills 400-700ml of stomach volume to physically restrict food intake.
- Treatment duration: Most balloons stay for 6 months before endoscopic deflation and removal through the mouth.
- Clinical results: Patients typically lose 10% to 15% of total body weight during the treatment period.
Bookimed Expert Insight: South Korean clinics often combine the swallowable Elipse balloon with medical weight loss therapies like semaglutide. Leading facilities in Seoul, such as Severance Hospital and SNUH, utilize digitalized monitoring systems to track patient progress. This dual-action approach helps manage the high hunger levels often reported after the balloon is removed.
Patient Consensus: Many patients describe a challenging first 72 hours with intense nausea. However, those who pair the device with strict coaching report losing up to 25kg within the 6-month period.
Who is an ideal candidate?
An ideal candidate for a gastric balloon in South Korea typically has a Body Mass Index between 27 and 35. This non-surgical procedure suits individuals who have not achieved weight loss through diet alone and are committed to significant long-term lifestyle changes and medical supervision.
- Body Mass Index: Most effective for patients within the 27 to 35 BMI range.
- Medical history: Candidates must have no history of eating disorders or severe GE reflux disease.
- Lifestyle commitment: Success requires sticking to a 1,200-calorie diet and regular exercise post-placement.
- Health preparation: Patients should quit smoking at least 1 month before the procedure is performed.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While South Korea is famous for high-tech centers like Asan Medical Center, gastric balloon success here often depends on gender-specific tolerance. Data suggests men frequently see better results as they often manage post-procedure nausea and strict protein regimens more easily than other patient groups.
Patient Consensus: Many patients report losing up to 25kg within 6 months. They emphasize that the balloon is a tool for discipline rather than a quick fix for weight loss.
What are the common side effects?
Common side effects of a gastric balloon in South Korea include temporary nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramping during the first 3 to 7 days. Most patients experience significant bloating or pressure as the stomach adjusts to the device. These symptoms typically resolve within 1 week under medical supervision.
- Gastrointestinal adjustment: Nearly universal nausea and vomiting peak during the first 48 hours after placement.
- Abdominal discomfort: Patients often report feelings of intense bloating, pressure, or mild cramping.
- Acid reflux: Reduced stomach capacity frequently causes heartburn, often managed with proactive medication.
- Dietary intolerance: Prematurely returning to solid foods can trigger significant discomfort or sudden regurgitation.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from top-tier Seoul centers like Severance Hospital show that adjustment periods are shorter when patients strictly follow a 2-week liquid-to-soft food transition. Clinics with JCI accreditation often provide preventative anti-nausea protocols that significantly improve early patient comfort compared to standard care.
Patient Consensus: Many patients describe the first few days as physically demanding but emphasize that constant hydration and anti-nausea meds are essential. Most felt a psychological shift was needed to handle the intense, early sensation of fullness.