Open Heart Surgery in Republic of Korea — Get 3 Top Clinic Matches with Costs
Medically reviewed by
Fahad Mawlood
How Much Does Open heart surgery Cost in Republic of Korea?
Open heart surgery in the Republic of Korea typically costs from $28,000 to $42,000. Final prices depend on the specific cardiac condition, hospital tier, and chosen surgical technique. Patients from the United States save around 73% compared to domestic costs, where the average price is $127,500. Quotes generally include the procedure, anesthesia, and a hospital stay of 5 to 10 days.
- Atrial septal defect surgery: $12,000 to $18,500 for repairing structural heart holes.
- Hospital location: Facilities in Seoul often charge 15-20% more than regional hubs like Incheon or Busan.
- Advanced techniques: Robotic-assisted or off-pump surgery typically adds 20-30% to the base surgical cost.
- Pre-operative diagnostics: Tests such as coronary angiography are usually billed separately from the main surgical package.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Choosing a high-volume center like Asan Medical Center offers exceptional value. This hospital performs 45% of all heart transplants in South Korea. It maintains a 90% success rate while serving over 2,500 inpatients daily. Top-tier Seoul hospitals like Severance and SNUH are JCI-accredited. They provide a level of care that attracts the South Korean President and international patients alike.
| Republic of Korea | Turkey | Austria | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open heart surgery | ≈ $28,000 | from $13,500 | ≈ $38,000 |
| Ventricular Septal Defect Surgery | ≈ $14,000 | ≈ $8,000 | ≈ $24,000 |
| Tetralogy of Fallot Surgery | ≈ $22,000 | from $16,600 | ≈ $38,000 |
| Interventricular septal defect surgery | ≈ $16,000 | from $10,500 | ≈ $28,000 |
| Congenital heart surgery | ≈ $28,000 | ≈ $14,000 | ≈ $38,000 |
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Discover the Best Open heart surgery Clinics in Republic of Korea: 7 Verified Options and Prices
Ewha Womans University Medical Center
Paik Nam-sun
Chaum Medical Center
Open heart surgery Overview in Republic of Korea
Day 1 - Arrival
- Arrive in the country for surgery.
- Transfer from airport to hotel.
Day 2 - Pre-Operation
- Consult with a cardiologist.
- Undergo necessary medical tests.
- Meet with an anesthesiologist.
Day 3 - Open Heart Surgery
- Arrive at the clinic for surgery.
- Undergo surgery, which may last 3-6 hours.
- General anesthesia will be provided.
Day 4 to Day 14 - Post-Operation
- Stay in the clinic for monitoring.
- Receive post-operative care and pain management.
- Transfer from clinic to hotel after discharge.
Week 2 to Week 6 - Rehabilitation
- Begin physical therapy for recovery.
- Gradually increase physical activity levels.
Week 6 onwards
- Gradual return to work and normal activities.
- Final results of surgery will be visible.
Please note that recovery times can vary from patient to patient. Always follow your doctor"s advice for the best results.
- Bookimed deposit: $200 or €200.
- Clinic deposit: Pay a set percentage in advance.
Our Doctors
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Sungho Kim
1,200+ pediatric and congenital cardiac interventions performed — Professor Kim is a leading expert in catheter-based treatments for complex heart conditions.
- 40 years specializing in pediatric cardiology and congenital heart disease
- Proficient in ASD, VSD, and tetralogy of Fallot interventions
- Hanyang University-trained with Master's and PhD in the field
- Dedicated to long-term follow-up care from childhood to adulthood
- Active member of multiple professional cardiology societies
Kim Ki Bong
Professor Kim Ki-bong specializes in CABG, valve surgery, atrial fibrillation, and heart transplantation. He is Director of the Cardiac Surgery and Cardiovascular Centers at Myongji Hospital. He pioneered advanced coronary bypass in Korea. He has extensive OPCAB experience and works on the TECAB team using the da Vinci Xi.
In 2025, his team performed Korea’s first totally endoscopic CABG without cardiopulmonary bypass. In August 2026, they achieved the nation’s first multivessel TECAB.
He is former Chair of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery at Seoul National University College of Medicine. He is also former Chief of the same department at Seoul National University Hospital. He serves on the Editorial Board of The Annals of Thoracic Surgery. He is a member of AATS, STS, and EACTS. He is a past President of the Korean Societies of Coronary Artery Surgery, Surgical Treatment of Arrhythmias, and Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. His research includes 130+ international and 140+ Korean papers. He has given 80+ international and 80+ Korean lectures. He earned his MD, Master’s, and PhD at Seoul National University.
Yang Jae Yeol
Dr. Jeyul Yang, MD, is a Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery and Director of Planning at Myongji Hospital, an educational partner of Hanyang University. His clinical focus includes brain tumors, pediatric neurosurgery (congenital malformations, tumors, disorders, and plagiocephaly), epilepsy surgery, cerebral hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, and neurosurgical trauma.
Credentials: MD, Dong-A University. Master’s in Medicine and completed doctoral coursework, Seoul National University. Training includes an internship and a fellowship at Seoul National University Hospital. He completed his residency at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital and a fellowship at the National Cancer Center.
Accreditations/Achievements: Member of KNS, KSNO, and ISPN. Korean Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery member and Director of Educational Support. Awards include the Woong-Hun Academic Award (2022), Ahae Outstanding Research Award (2019), and JSPN–KSPN Excellent Presentation Award (2018). Selected publications include caudal duplication syndrome (2021), secondary neurulation (JKNS 2021), occult tethered cord syndrome (2021), and disulfiram plus cisplatin in AT/RT (2020).
Paik 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.
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Our Open heart surgery Techniques: What Suits You Best?
When considering Open heart surgery, it’s important to understand the different techniques and which is best suited for you. Here’s a concise comparison of popular options:
Atrial Septal Defect Surgery
This procedure involves repairing a hole in the atrial septum to improve heart function and prevent complications.
Tetralogy of Fallot Surgery
This procedure corrects heart defects present from birth, improving oxygen flow and overall cardiac function.
Ventricular Septal Defect Surgery
This cardiac operation involves repairing a hole in the septum between the heart's ventricles to improve blood flow and heart function.
FAQ about Open heart surgery in Republic of Korea
What is the success rate for major heart procedures like heart transplants or bypass surgery in Korea?
South Korea maintains exceptional success rates for major heart procedures, with a 95% national survival rate for the critical 30-day window following heart transplants. Top-tier Seoul facilities frequently exceed international survival benchmarks for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery using advanced off-pump techniques.
- Heart transplant survival: One-year survival reaches 88% to 95%, significantly higher than the 81% global average.
- Long-term outcomes: Five-year heart transplant survival rates range from 78% to 86% in specialized centers.
- Bypass surgery safety: High-volume hospitals achieve 90-day CABG survival rates exceeding 95% to 97% consistently.
- Surgical technique: Surgeons perform up to 75% of bypass procedures off-pump to reduce systemic complications.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Clinical volume is the most reliable predictor of success in Korea. Seoul National University Bundang Hospital alone handles 2,400 open heart surgeries annually. Data shows that hospitals performing at least 65 bypass cases per year deliver significantly lower mortality rates than lower-volume facilities.
Patient Consensus: Patients value the strong transplant infrastructure and the availability of experienced cardiothoracic teams. Experience shows that long-term success depends heavily on strict adherence to post-operative immunosuppression and management of comorbidities like diabetes.
How long do international patients need to stay in South Korea during the treatment process?
International patients undergoing open heart surgery in South Korea generally stay for 3 to 4 weeks. This period covers preoperative screenings, the surgical procedure, and 10 to 14 days of intensive post-operative recovery. Major medical centers often manage the entire duration within their specialized inpatient facilities.
- Hospital stay: Major surgeries require extended inpatient admission for stabilization and monitoring.
- Recovery timeline: Minimum 10 to 14 days are needed before travel clearance.
- Follow-up care: Monitoring and stitch removal occur between 7 and 14 days post-op.
- Specialized centers: Seoul National University Bundang Hospital performs 2,400 open heart surgeries annually.
Bookimed Expert Insight: South Korea's top cardiac centers like Asan Medical Center and Seoul National University Hospital function as all-in-one recovery hubs. While standard stays are 3-4 weeks, these facilities often provide 24/7 interpreter services and dedicated international desks. This infrastructure allows patients to remain inpatient for the entire recovery period, eliminating the need for external hotel arrangements during early healing.
Patient Consensus: Plan for at least 14 days in Korea and prioritize recovery needs over flight schedules. Most patients find that large hospitals handle everything in-house, but recommend arranging assistance for basic movement during the first few days.
Can international patients submit their medical records for a remote second opinion before traveling?
International patients can submit medical records for remote review at major South Korean centers like Asan Medical Center or Severance Hospital. These JCI-accredited facilities use secure digital portals for imaging and lab reports to provide preliminary treatment plans and surgical quotes before travel.
- Digital submission: Patients upload MRI, CT, and echocardiogram files through encrypted hospital portals.
- Language requirement: Most Korean institutions require clinical notes and pathology reports translated into English.
- Telehealth access: Centers like Chaum Medical Center offer direct online doctor consultations for remote patients.
- Surgical planning: Reviewing records helps surgeons at SNUBH plan complex open heart procedures early.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Korea's specialized heart centers handle massive volumes, with SNUBH performing 2,400 open heart surgeries annually. Data shows high-volume centers provide faster remote triage because their dedicated international teams are optimized for rapid record assessment. You should identify a specific international coordinator early to ensure your files reach the surgical team directly rather than the general administration.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize gathering all imaging CDs and operative notes before traveling home. Many note that while remote reviews provide essential price quotes and triage, definitive medical opinions often require a final in-person evaluation in Seoul.