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Republic of Korea, Seoul
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Last updated: 11/12/2026
Knee replacement in Republic of Korea — get 3 personalized clinic matches
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How Much Does Knee replacement Cost in Republic of Korea?
Knee replacement in the Republic of Korea typically costs from $13,000 to $19,000. Final pricing depends on the hospital tier, chosen implant materials, and the use of robotic-assisted navigation systems. In the US, similar procedures cost around $45,000 on average. Patients in Korea save approximately 64%. Most international packages include pre-operative diagnostics, the prosthesis, and a hospital stay in Seoul, Busan, or Incheon.
- Unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement: $15,000 to $15,500 for localized joint repair.
- Knee arthroscopy: $10,000 to $15,000 for minimally invasive diagnostic or corrective cleaning.
- Robotic-assisted surgery: Typically adds 15-20% to the base cost for increased precision.
- Bilateral replacement: Often priced 60-80% higher than a single knee when performed simultaneously.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Korea offers exceptional value in highly digitalized facilities like Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. While base prices are competitive, the real value lies in the extended recovery periods. Many Korean centers include 7 to 14 days of inpatient care. This level of post-operative monitoring is significantly longer than US standards. Hospitals like Gachon University Gil Medical Center often bundle these stays into their global patient pricing.
| Republic of Korea | Turkey | Austria | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knee replacement | from $13,000 | from $3,500 | ≈ $14,500 |
| Unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement | from $15,000 | from $9,000 | ≈ $11,500 |
| Total knee replacement (arthroplasty) revision | ≈ $11,000 | from $6,700 | ≈ $17,500 |
| Total knee replacement (TKR) with OMNI | ≈ $12,500 | from $11,000 | ≈ $15,500 |
| Total Knee Replacement (Arthroplasty) | from $12,700 | from $9,300 | ≈ $16,500 |
Data verified by Bookimed as of November 2026, based on patient requests and official quotes from 261 clinics worldwide. Median costs are based on real invoices (2025–2026) and updated monthly. Actual prices may vary.
Discover the Best Knee replacement Clinics in Republic of Korea: 13 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.
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Knee replacement in Republic of Korea: Your Travel Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Republic of Korea
- Upon arrival, you should ensure you have all necessary documents, including medical records and identification, for a smooth check-in process at your accommodation.
- Rest and acclimate to the local time zone to prepare for the upcoming medical procedures.
- Contact your clinic coordinator to confirm your appointment schedule and any pre-operative instructions.
Day 2: Pre-operative Consultation and Tests
- You need to visit the clinic for a pre-operative consultation with your assigned specialist. Discuss your specific diagnosis, such as osteoarthritis in both knees.
- Undergo necessary pre-operative tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to assess the condition of your knees and plan the total knee replacement procedure.
- Discuss the type of knee replacement procedure planned, such as total knee replacement, and any specific brands or devices that may be used.
- Ensure you understand the expected duration of hospitalization, typically 10-14 days, and the overall stay in the Republic of Korea, approximately 3 weeks.
Day 3: Pre-operative Preparation
- Follow any dietary or medication restrictions as advised by your medical team to prepare for surgery.
- Arrange for a companion or assistant to stay with you during your hospital stay if required. They may be allowed to stay in the same room.
- Confirm the date and time of your surgery with the clinic.
Day 4: Surgery Day
- Arrive at the hospital on time for your scheduled total knee replacement surgery.
- The procedure will be performed under general anesthesia. The surgical team will replace the damaged knee joint with a prosthetic implant.
- After surgery, you will be moved to a recovery room for monitoring until you regain consciousness.
Days 5-11: Post-operative Hospital Stay
- You will stay in the hospital for post-operative care, which typically lasts about 7-14 days depending on your recovery progress.
- Participate in physical therapy sessions to begin regaining mobility and strength in your new knee joint.
- Follow all medical advice, including pain management, to ensure a smooth recovery.
Days 12-21: Recovery and Rehabilitation
- Continue with outpatient physical therapy sessions to enhance your mobility and adapt to the new knee joint.
- Attend follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your recovery and address any concerns.
- Adhere to any lifestyle recommendations provided by your medical team, such as avoiding high-impact activities.
Day 22: Preparation for Departure
- Schedule a final check-up with your surgeon to ensure you are fit to travel.
- Gather all medical documents and post-operative care instructions to take home.
- Confirm your travel arrangements and ensure you have assistance for your journey back home if needed.
Day 23: Departure from Republic of Korea
- Ensure you have all necessary medications and care instructions for continued recovery at home.
- Contact the clinic if you have any last-minute questions or require additional information before departure.
- Travel home, taking care to follow any advice regarding mobility and comfort during the journey.
Post-Return Home: Ongoing Recovery
- Continue with prescribed physical therapy and follow-up appointments as advised by your local healthcare provider.
- Maintain communication with the clinic in Korea if you have any questions or require further information regarding your knee
Our Trusted Doctors
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verified
Jung Sang Jin
9 years of experience
Dr. Jung Sang Jin is a Clinical Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Myongji Hospital, an educational partner of Hanyang University. He specializes in joint replacement, knee conditions, lower-extremity trauma, diabetic foot, arthritis, and osteoporosis.
He earned his MD and MSc from Konyang University. He completed his internship and orthopedic residency at Konyang University Hospital. He then finished a hip and knee arthroplasty clinical fellowship at Samsung Medical Center. He also completed AO Recon advanced arthroplasty training in Davos. In addition, he finished the AO Trauma Masters and AO Recon Hip and Knee courses. He is a member of the Korean Orthopaedic Association, Korean Knee Society, Korean Fracture Society, Korean Society of Sports Medicine, Korean Hip Society, and AO Trauma and AO Recon. He has published on hip replacement outcomes. He received a KOA poster award in 2023.
verified
Lee Dongyeop
23 years of experience
Dr. Lee Dongyeop is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in arthroscopy and joint replacement. He performs arthroscopic surgery (joint endoscopy) and total knee replacement. He treats shoulder disorders, sports injuries, and chronic knee conditions.
Credentials: M.D.-Ph.D. combined program, The Catholic University of Korea Graduate School of Medicine. Internship and orthopedic surgery residency, The Catholic University of Korea Catholic Medical Center. Clinical Instructor (fellow), Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea.
verified
Yang Yeongjun
28 years of experience
Dr. Yang Yeongjun is an orthopedic surgeon focused on joint care and arthroscopy. He treats knee and shoulder disorders and performs arthroscopic surgery and joint replacement (arthroplasty). He also manages trauma and sports conditions, including sports injuries, foot and ankle problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, and fractures.
He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Catholic Medical Center. He then completed a fellowship at Catholic Medical Center St. Paul’s Hospital. He is a full member of the Korean Arthroscopy Society, the Korean Knee Society, and the Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society.
verified
Kim Jin Gu
35 years of experience
Dr. Kim Jin Gu is a Korean orthopedic surgeon who specializes in knee surgery and sports medicine. He is the Medical Director and the Sports Medicine Center Director at Myongji Hospital. His main areas are ACL reconstruction, meniscus surgery and transplantation, knee arthroscopy, and knee replacement. He offers pre‑treatment online consultations for international patients.
In 2022 he surpassed 3,000 ACL reconstructions over more than 25 years of practice. He trained at the University of Pittsburgh. He introduced advanced ACL techniques. His team uses the CUVIS Joint robot for precise knee replacement. He serves as Vice President of the Korean Society of Sports Medicine. He is a council member of the Korean Knee Society and the Korean Arthroscopy Society. He serves on the editorial boards of the American Journal of Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy and Orthopedic Sports Medicine. His awards include Best Paper and Most Cited (Korean Knee Society), Best Paper (Korean Arthroscopy Society), and Best Doctor (Korean Athletic Trainers Association). He earned his MD from Seoul National University. He completed his MS and PhD at Inje University. He is the lead author of Knee Arthroscopy—Up‑to‑Date Guide (Springer).
Reviews about Bookimed: Discover Patients' Insights
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Dec 13, 2022
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Updated: 11/12/2026
Authored by
Anna LeonovaAnna 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.
Reviewed by Bookimed Medical Advisor
Kayhan Turan
Orthopedic surgeon
Dr. Kayhan Turan is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in robotic-assisted joint replacement and sports medicine. He performed Turkey's first robotic knee and hip replacements and has completed over 3,500 robotic surgeries.
Kayhan Turan LinkedinThis 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.
Our Knee replacement Techniques: What Suits You Best?
When considering Knee replacement, it’s important to understand the different techniques and which is best suited for you. Here’s a concise comparison of popular options:
Knee Arthroscopy
A minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems in the knee joint by inserting a small camera and instruments through tiny incisions.
Pros: Offers quicker recovery times than open surgery, with fewer complications. Studies show up to 80% success in treating meniscal tears.
Cons: Limited to minor repairs and may not address severe arthritis. There's a 10-20% chance of needing further surgery.
Effectiveness: Effective in 70-90% of cases for relieving pain and improving function.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Recovery: 1-6 weeks
Best for: Meniscal tears, loose fragments, and mild to moderate cartilage damage.
Prices: Cost of Knee Arthroscopy in Republic of Korea from $10,000
Unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement
This procedure involves replacing only one compartment of the knee joint, preserving more of the patient's natural bone and ligaments.
Pros: Retains more natural knee function with 85% of patients reporting a more natural feel compared to total knee replacement. Smaller incision results in quicker recovery.
Cons: Not suitable for patients with severe arthritis affecting multiple compartments. Revision rate is higher, with about 10% needing further surgery within 10 years.
Effectiveness: 10-year survival rate is approximately 85%.
Duration: 1-2 hours.
Recovery: 3-6 months.
Best for: Patients with arthritis confined to a single knee compartment. Ideal for those under 60 years old.
Prices: Cost of Unicompartmental (partial) knee replacement in Republic of Korea from $15,000
Knee MAKOplasty
Knee MAKOplasty is a minimally invasive knee surgery using robotic assistance to ensure precise implant placement.
Pros: Provides more precision than traditional knee surgery, with a 90% success rate in pain reduction. Minimally invasive, leading to smaller incisions and less scarring.
Cons: Requires specialized equipment and training, which may not be available in all facilities. Longer learning curve for surgeons compared to traditional methods.
Effectiveness: 98% accuracy in implant positioning, enhancing joint function and longevity.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Recovery: 4-6 weeks
Best for: Patients with osteoarthritis affecting one or two knee compartments. Suitable for individuals seeking faster recovery.
FAQ about Knee replacement 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.
How long is the hospital stay and recovery?
Knee replacement in the Republic of Korea typically involves a 3 to 5 day hospital stay. Patients generally return to light work within 4 to 6 weeks. While full recovery for normal activity takes 3 to 12 months, most climb stairs by the second month.
- Hospital stay: Inpatients remain for 3 to 5 days under advanced rehabilitation protocols.
- Light activity: Patients often resume sedentary work or light movements in 4 to 6 weeks.
- Stair climbing: Most individuals achieve full stair climbing ability by the second month.
- Full recovery: Complete healing and return to vigorous activities requires 3 to 12 months.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from top facilities like Seoul National University Hospital and Severance Hospital shows a trend toward ultra-fast mobilization. While the surgical stay is short, patients should budget for 1 to 2 weeks of local lodging. This allows for the intensive physical therapy that South Korean surgeons prioritize immediately after discharge.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize building leg strength before surgery to keep up with the rigorous daily physical therapy. Many recommend using hotel recovery packages to bridge the gap between hospital discharge and flying home.
Which are the top hospitals for knee replacement in South Korea?
The top hospitals for knee replacement in South Korea include JCI-accredited institutions like Asan Medical Center, Severance Hospital, and Seoul National University Hospital. These centers maintain a 95% efficacy rate and utilize robotic-assisted systems and digital safety protocols to ensure precision and patient safety.
- Asan Medical Center: Ranked 1st in Korea for orthopedics and performs over 65,000 yearly operations.
- Severance Hospital: Employs JCI-accredited standards and serves 1.6 million outpatients annually for complex care.
- SNU Bundang Hospital: A digital pioneer performing 3,000 orthopedic surgeries yearly with advanced safety systems.
- Nanoori Hospital: A Ministry of Health certified specialty center focusing on joint and spinal repair.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While the `Big 5` hospitals in Seoul offer immense technological resources, specialized centers like Nanoori Hospital often provide faster intake. Data shows these specialized hubs manage 58,000 patients annually and can complete surgical evaluations within hours of arrival. This efficiency is ideal for international patients with limited travel windows.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that while surgery costs 30–50% less than in the US, hiring a medical translator is essential for navigating top Seoul hospitals. High case volumes and fellowship-trained surgeons provide clinical results that align with global standards.
What technologies are used in Korean orthopedic centers?
Korean orthopedic centers utilize advanced robotic systems like Mako and ROSA alongside AI-driven preoperative planning to achieve sub-millimeter surgical precision. These facilities integrate 3D-printed surgical guides and computer-assisted navigation systems, such as OrthoPilot, to minimize bone loss and improve long-term implant alignment for international patients.
- Robotic assistance: Systems like Mako SmartRobotics and NAVIO enable highly precise bone resection.
- Digital navigation: OrthoPilot and Brainlab technology reduce alignment errors by roughly 50%.
- Custom implants: 3D-printed patient-specific instrumentation ensures a perfect fit for unique anatomy.
- AI planning: Software from Materialise and Corin optimizes ligament balancing and placement.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While major centers like Seoul National University Bundang Hospital lead in digital integration, the real advantage is volume-driven expertise. Seoul National University Bundang Hospital alone manages 1.5 million patients annually. This massive data pool allows their AI systems to predict outcomes with higher accuracy than smaller regional clinics. When selecting a facility, prioritize those performing over 100 robotic cases yearly to ensure the surgical team has mastered these complex digital interfaces.
Patient Consensus: Patients frequently highlight that robotic procedures are often bundled into international packages at no extra cost. They note that integrated post-op cryotherapy significantly helps with early pain management and swelling.
How long will the artificial knee last?
A modern knee replacement in the Republic of Korea typically lasts 15 to 25 years. Clinical data indicates 93% of implants function well after 15 years, while approximately 82% remain successful at the 25-year mark. Advanced robotic-assisted techniques and premium materials like oxinium further enhance long-term durability.
- Implant materials: Clinics use high-end Zimmer Biomet, ceramic, or oxinium implants for 25+ year longevity.
- Surgical precision: Robotic-assisted surgery (Mako) may extend implant life by 2–5 years through better alignment.
- Component maintenance: Polyethylene liners wearing out around 15 years can often be replaced separately.
- Maintenance protocol: Annual X-rays are recommended to detect early wear and double the implant lifespan.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many focus on the metal parts, the plastic liner usually wears out first. Data from top Korean centers like Ewha or Severance shows that using robotic assistance significantly reduces the mechanical stress that causes this wear. Choosing a clinic with digital BESTcare systems or JCI accreditation ensures these precision technologies are standard, not optional extras.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that while implants are durable, younger or more active individuals should expect some wear around 15 years. Maintaining a healthy weight and switching to low-impact sports like swimming are the most cited tips for reaching the 20-year milestone.