The cost of shoulder replacement in South Korea typically ranges from $9,900 to $11,900. Pricing depends on the hospital, the surgeon’s experience, implant brand (such as Zimmer Biomet or Stryker), and whether the procedure is total or partial. In the United States, the average price is $35,000 (per AAOS). This means shoulder replacement in South Korea is about 69% less than in the U.S.
South Korean hospitals usually include pre-op tests, general anesthesia, branded prosthetic implants, 4–7 days of hospitalization, medications, and initial physiotherapy. In the U.S., costs for implants, anesthesia, and rehab are often billed separately from the hospital and surgeon fees. Always confirm which services are included in your quoted price.
Why do patients choose the Republic of Korea for shoulder replacement?
Access advanced Shoulder replacement solutions in trusted clinics .
| Republic of Korea | Turkey | Austria | |
| Shoulder replacement | from $9,900 | from $12,000 | from $18,000 |
| Rotator cuff repair surgery | from $11,000 | from $4,000 | from $11,000 |
| Conservative treatment for habitual dislocation of the shoulder | - | from $900 | from $2,000 |
| Bankart repair | - | from $5,330 | from $10,000 |
Reviewed by Bookimed Medical Advisor
Fahad MawloodDay 1: Arrival and Pre-Operation
Day 2: Shoulder Replacement
Day 3-7: Post-Operation and Hospital Stay
Week 1-6: Rehabilitation
Week 6-12: Return to Normal Activities
Please note: Every patient"s recovery timeline may vary based on individual health conditions and progress.
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.