Subtotal thyroidectomy in the Republic of Korea typically costs from $5,500 to $8,200. Final prices depend on the surgical approach, clinic tier, and whether the facility is in Seoul or regional hubs like Goyang. Compared to the United States average of $24,500, patients find significant savings of approximately 72%. Most Korean medical packages include diagnostics, anesthesia, surgical fees, pathology, and a hospital stay of two to four days.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Choosing JCI-accredited centers like Severance Hospital or Ewha Womans University Medical Center ensures high-tier safety. These institutions often lead in robotic surgery, which can reduce visible scarring. While premier Seoul clinics charge more, regional centers like Myongji Hospital offer similar technology just 30 minutes away. This geographical shift can save patients up to 20% on the total bill.
| Republic of Korea | Turkey | Austria | |
| Subtotal thyroidectomy | ≈ $5,500 | from $3,000 | ≈ $9,000 |
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Please note that each patient"s recovery timeline may vary based on individual health conditions and the complexity of the surgery.
Dr. Im Chol Van is an expert in urology and geriatric medicine at Soon Chun Hyang University Hospital, known for his quality patient care.
Dr. Jun Won Kim specializes in oncology with a focus on thyroid-related treatments at Severance Hospital.
Dr. Park Cheong Soo specializes in oncology at Severance Hospital, a leading institution for thyroid treatments.
Dr. Chang Hang Seok is an oncologist specializing in thyroid-related procedures at Severance Hospital.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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 |
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.