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Last updated: 10/3/2025

Surgery in Republic of Korea: Our Best Clinics and Costs 2025

Why do patients choose the Republic of Korea for surgery?

  • Accredited clinics: JCI-certified hospitals provide top-quality care and prioritize patient safety.
  • Latest technologies: The use of techniques such as the TOT procedure for urinary incontinence offers minimally invasive solutions. This approach often results in reduced recovery times.
  • High success rates: Surgical procedures in South Korea have a 95% efficacy rate. This ensures positive outcomes for a wide range of conditions.
  • Expert surgeons: Leading surgeons, certified by international medical boards, bring extensive experience to each case. They have performed thousands of successful surgeries.

Access advanced Surgery solutions in trusted clinics from $5,000.

85 %
patient recommendation
7 K+
patients
820К+ patients have got assistance since 2014
50 countries
1,500 clinics
6K+ reviews
3K+ qualified doctors

How Much Does Surgery Cost in Republic of Korea?

The cost of surgery in South Korea typically ranges from $4,900 to $7,000. Prices vary depending on the type of surgery, the clinic, the surgeon’s experience, and the complexity of the procedure. In the United States, the average cost is $27,500 (per relevant U.S. medical associations). This means surgery in South Korea can be about 78% less expensive than in the U.S.

South Korean clinics usually include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, operating room charges, post-op care, and follow-up visits in the price. In the U.S., listed prices often cover only the surgeon’s fee, with anesthesia, facility, and aftercare billed separately. Always confirm exactly what’s included before booking your procedure.

Republic of KoreaTurkeyAustria
Surgeryfrom  $7,000from  $3,000from  $12,000
Stomach resectionfrom  $14,100from  $16,500from  $22,000
Umbilical hernia repair-from  $1,500from  $3,500
Rectal Prolapse Surgery-from  $3,500from  $10,000
Rectal Bleeding Surgery-from  $1,500from  $5,000
The price research is based on updated and verified costs from the Bookimed partner clinics.

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Our Surgery Packages in Republic of Korea October 2025

Urinary incontinence surgery (TOT procedure)

Seoul Miz Hospital (서울미즈병원)

Republic of Korea, Seoul

Yeoun E Park

36 years of experience
  • Dr. Yeoun E Park is a Chief Medical Officer specializing in laparoscopic and incontinence surgeries.
  • Seoul Miz Hospital(서울미즈병원) has performed over 5,000 incontinence surgeries using the TOT method.
  • Included Services: Coffee zone, 3 meals per day, blood tests, chest X-ray, doctor consultations, wound dressing, ECG, follow-up visits, post-op care, preoperative tests, medications, uroflowmetry, urine tests, ultrasound, vitamin infusions, private rooms, airport transfers.
  • Stay Info: 2 days stay in the hospital included in the price, no hotel stay.
  • Method: TOT procedure for urinary incontinence surgery.

Discover the Best Surgery Clinics in Republic of Korea: 12 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.
VG Plastic Surgery

VG Plastic Surgery

Republic of Korea, Seoul
Clinic is certified :

VG Plastic Surgery is a top-tier medical center specializing in eye surgery, rhinoplasty, facial contouring, facelifts, breast surgery, and body liposuction/lifting. With a team of board-certified specialists and multilingual staff, the clinic provides exceptional care to patients from 47 countries. Features include state-of-the-art operating rooms, advanced safety systems, and luxurious accommodations, ensuring a seamless and high-quality experience.

4.810 reviews
Price on request
Clinic's page
Samsung Medical Center

Samsung Medical Center

Republic of Korea, Seoul
Clinic is certified :

Samsung Medical Center is a prominent multidisciplinary hospital in South Korea that has repetitively received many awards in customer satisfaction and services quality. It has a special status of “Hospital of presidential standards”. A part of Samsung Medical Complex, Comprehensive Cancer Center provides the most thorough treatment for cancer patients using state-of-the-art equipment: Novalis, IGRT (image-guided radiation therapy), Da Vinci surgical system, etc.

4.522 reviews
Price on request
Clinic's page
Gangnam Severance Hospital

Gangnam Severance Hospital

Republic of Korea, Seoul
Clinic is certified :

Gangnam Severance Hospital is a large multidisciplinary medical center in Seoul, South Korea. The hospital specializes in oncology, neurosurgery, neurology, cardiology, and check-up (complex diagnostics).

Gangnam Severance Hospital has received JCI accreditation, a global organization that evaluates the clinics across the globe for safety and high-quality medical services. That means the hospital complies with international healthcare standards.

The hospital is the 1st in South Korea to perform lung transplant.

4.03 reviews
Price on request
Clinic's page
Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH)

Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH)

Republic of Korea, Seoul
Clinic is certified :

Seoul National University Bundang Hospital is one of the most innovative multidisciplinary medical centers in Korea.

It is the 1st digital hospital in the country. The hospital is equipped witg BESTcare system that allows avoiding medical errors, improving treatment safety and effectiveness.

Bundang specializes in general and abdominal surgery, oncology, orthopedics and traumatology. 1,500,000 patients undergo treatment at in hospital every year.

4.86 reviews
diagnostics
Consultation with a surgeon$35 - $42
Clinic's page
Severance Hospital

Severance Hospital

Republic of Korea, Seoul
Clinic is certified :

Severance Hospital in Korea is an international multidisciplinary clinic at Yonsei University, located in Seoul South Korea. Yonsei Severance Hospital's Health System includes: oncology and rehabilitation centers, pediatric and women's clinics, cardiovascular center and Clinic of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology. The Hospital has been certified by JCI (Joint Commission International) and serves 1.6 million outpatients annually.

4.642 reviews
Price on request
Clinic's page
You’ve viewed 5 of 12 clinics

Surgery Overview in Republic of Korea

Takeaways
Related procedures & Costs
How it works
What to expect
Benefits
Payment
patients recommend -
85%
Surgery Time - 3 hours
Stay in the country - 10 days
Rehabilitation - 14 days
Anesthesia - General anesthesia
Requests processed - 7852
Bookimed fees - $0

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Updated: 05/27/2022
Authored by
Anna Leonova
Anna 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.
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Reviewed by Bookimed Medical Advisor
Fahad Mawlood
Medical Editor & Data Scientist
General practitioner. Winner of 4 scientific awards. Served in Western Asia. Former Team Leader of a medical team supporting Arabic-speaking patients. Now responsible for data processing and medical content accuracy.
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This 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 Surgery Techniques: What Suits You Best?

When considering Surgery, it’s important to understand the different techniques and which is best suited for you. Here’s a concise comparison of popular options:

Umbilical Hernia Repair

This surgical procedure corrects an umbilical hernia by closing the defect in the abdominal wall near the navel.

Pros: Minimally invasive with a low complication rate of 2-5%. Shorter hospital stay compared to other hernia surgeries.
Cons: Higher risk of recurrence compared to inguinal hernia repair, with a rate of 10-30% in some cases.
Effectiveness: Success rate of 90-95% in preventing hernia recurrence.
Duration: 1-2 hours.
Recovery: 1-2 weeks.
Best for: Small to medium-sized hernias around the navel, affecting infants or adults.

Inguinal Hernia Surgery

This procedure involves repairing a hernia in the groin area by pushing the protruding tissue back into the abdomen and strengthening the abdominal wall.

Pros: Offers a permanent solution with a low recurrence rate of less than 3%. Minimally invasive options like laparoscopy result in faster recovery.
Cons: Requires general anesthesia, which may pose risks for some patients. Possible complications include infection and nerve damage.
Effectiveness:90-99% success rate in preventing recurrence.
Duration:1-2 hours.
Recovery:1-2 weeks.
Best for: Individuals with a protruding groin bulge and discomfort. Suitable for adults and children.

Hiatal Hernia Repair

This surgical intervention corrects a hiatal hernia by repositioning the stomach and reinforcing the diaphragm.

Pros: Laparoscopic techniques minimize incision size, reducing recovery time and pain compared to open surgery. Success rate is high, with over 90% of patients experiencing symptom relief.
Cons: Risk of recurrence exists, with up to 15% of cases needing revision. Potential for postoperative complications such as difficulty swallowing.
Effectiveness: 90% symptom relief in patients.
Duration: 1-2 hours.
Recovery: 2-3 weeks.
Best for: Patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or large hiatal hernias causing discomfort.

Appendectomy

This surgical procedure involves removing the appendix, typically due to inflammation or infection.

Pros: Often performed laparoscopically, reducing scars and recovery time. Success rates are high with 99% of cases resulting in complete resolution of symptoms.
Cons: Requires general anesthesia, which may lead to anesthesia-related complications in 1-2% of cases. Postoperative infection can occur in rare instances.
Effectiveness: 99% success rate in eliminating appendicitis symptoms.
Duration: 1-2 hours.
Recovery: 1-3 weeks.
Best for: Appendicitis and preventing rupture in patients of any age.

Lipoma Removal

The procedure involves surgically excising benign fatty tumors, known as lipomas, from the body to prevent discomfort or for cosmetic reasons.

Pros: Minimally invasive with local anesthesia, leading to less pain and faster recovery. High success rate of complete lipoma removal with minimal scarring.
Cons: Possible risks include infection and bleeding. Recurrence rate of lipomas can be around 5-10% post-surgery.
Effectiveness: 90% success rate in complete excision without recurrence.
Duration: The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Recovery: Recovery typically lasts 1 to 2 weeks.
Best for: Single or multiple lipomas causing discomfort or cosmetic concerns.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

This procedure involves using an endoscope to diagnose and treat conditions of the bile and pancreatic ducts.

Pros: ERCP allows for both diagnosis and treatment in a single session, reducing the need for additional procedures. It has a high success rate, with 90% of cases successfully treating blockages or stones.
Cons: There is a risk of pancreatitis post-procedure, occurring in about 5-10% of patients. It requires sedation, which may not be suitable for all patients.
Effectiveness: 90% success rate in treating ductal blockages or stones.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Recovery: 1-2 days
Best for: Bile duct stones, strictures, and pancreatic duct issues. Ideal for patients needing both diagnostic and therapeutic intervention.

FAQ about Surgery 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.

What should you know about South Korea before the trip?

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

What is the level of medicine in South Korea?

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.

What hotel services are provided here?

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.

Do I need a visa to South Korea?

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.

What documents are required to apply for a visa to South Korea for treatment?

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:

  • ID card
  • confirmation of online registration and filling out the questionnaire
  • certificate of income and availability of funds
  • insurance policy for a stay in South Korea (original and copy)
  • 2 photos (5x6)
  • visa receipt
  • booking of flight and hotel
  • medical opinion about the need for treatment.

What are the most popular plastic surgery procedures?

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:

  • breast augmentation
  • liposuction
  • rhinoplasty (nose job)
  • eyelid surgery
  • tummy tuck.

Tumor removal, laceration repair, maxillofacial surgery, scar revision, hand surgery are the most common operations in the context of reconstructive surgery.

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