The cost of lung cancer surgery in South Korea typically ranges from $17,900 to $28,800. Prices can vary depending on the type of surgery (lobectomy, pneumonectomy, or segmentectomy), hospital reputation, surgeon experience, and whether advanced techniques like VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) are used. In the U.S., the average cost is $77,500 (per AHRQ data). This means lung cancer surgery in South Korea is about 70% less expensive than in the U.S.
Korean hospitals usually include pre-operative tests, anesthesia, the surgical procedure, hospitalization (5–10 days), and routine post-op care in the price. In the U.S., the listed price often excludes anesthesia, ICU stay, advanced imaging, and follow-ups, which are billed separately. Always confirm exactly what’s covered at your chosen hospital.
Why do patients choose the Republic of Korea for lung cancer surgery?
Access advanced Lung cancer surgery solutions in trusted clinics .
| Republic of Korea | Turkey | Austria | |
| Lung cancer surgery | from $17,900 | from $17,000 | from $42,000 |
| Lobectomy | from $15,603 | from $7,150 | from $30,000 |
| Wedge Resection | - | from $8,870 | - |
| Target therapy for lung cancer | from $3,100 | from $5,000 | - |
| Synchronous resection of the liver/lung with metastases | - | from $4,620 | - |
Reviewed by Bookimed Medical Advisor
Fahad MawloodDay 1 - Arrival
Day 2 - Pre-Operation
Day 3 - Surgery
Day 4 - Post-Operation
Day 5 - Hospital Stay
Week 1-2 - Rehabilitation
Week 3-6 - Rehabilitation
Please note, recovery times and procedures may vary depending on individual health conditions and the specifics of the surgery.
When considering Lung cancer surgery, it’s important to understand the different techniques and which is best suited for you. Here’s a concise comparison of popular options:
Lobectomy is a surgical procedure that removes one lobe of the lung to treat lung cancer or other lung diseases.
A surgical procedure that removes a small, wedge-shaped part of the lung containing a tumor or abnormal tissue.
A pulmonary surgery that involves removing a specific segment of the lung affected by disease, often used to treat localized lung cancer.
Currency | South Korean Won (you also can pay for services in dollars) |
Best period for the trip | April, May & June or September, October & November. |
Language | Korean (most of medical staff speaks English fluently) |
Visa | none required for stays under 90 days or less |
Time difference with Europe | 9 hours |
Time difference with the USA | 9 hours |
Capital | Seoul |
Medical tourism center | Seoul |
Popular resorts | Gangwon-do, Gyeongju, Boseong, Jeju |
Healthcare is the key development sector of the Korean government. The Korean authorities are convinced that care for the citizens' health should be an absolute priority of state policy and spend about 1 billion a year for medical tourists attraction.
According to Mark Britnell, hospitals dominate the health system. 94% of hospitals are privately owned.
In South Korea, hotels of different price ranges and service levels are presented. Most tourists choose 4 and 5 star hotels with all-inclusive meals. Such hotels have everything for a comfortable stay: varied food, a large well-groomed territory, animation for children and adults. Some hotels have their own water park, which guests can use for free. Budget travelers can afford to book an economical 3-star hotel with half board or no meals at all.
Today, South Korea has visa-free agreements with 112 states. None visa is required for stays under 90 days or less. To stay longer in this country, you need a visa. What states need a visa for treatment in South Korea and what countries can cross the border free and easy read here.
Visas for travel to South Korea require a number of documents. The necessary papers can be submitted 90 days before the planned departure. Lists of documents includes:
According to ASPS statistics, 17.7 mln cosmetic surgeries and 5.8 mln reconstructive procedures have been performed in 2018. Among cosmetic procedures the most popular are:
Tumor removal, laceration repair, maxillofacial surgery, scar revision, hand surgery are the most common operations in the context of reconstructive surgery.