Samsung Medical Center
Targeted therapy in the Republic of Korea typically costs from $5,500 to $11,500. Final expenses depend on the drug type, mutation profile, and the specific hospital tier. In the US, patients pay $40,000 on average for similar oncology treatments. Patients choosing South Korea can save approximately 79%. These costs usually cover the medication, expert consultations, and essential diagnostic monitoring.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Choosing a facility like Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH) offers unique value through its status as the first fully digital hospital in Korea. This digital integration helps reduce medical errors. For those seeking presidential-level care, Samsung Medical Center and Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) are the gold standard. These centers are frequently credited by Newsweek as World's Best Hospitals. Many top-tier Korean centers like Severance Hospital and Korea University Anam Hospital hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, ensuring Western safety standards at significant savings.
Why do patients choose the Republic of Korea for targeted therapy?
Access advanced Targeted therapy solutions in trusted clinics .
| Republic of Korea | Turkey | Austria | |
| Targeted therapy | from $5,500 | from $1,000 | from $12,000 |
| Lutetium-177 therapy | from $13,500 | from $8,800 | from $35,000 |
| Oncothermia | - | from $450 | - |
| Actinium-225 Therapy | - | from $22,955 | from $55,000 |
No hidden fees – just official clinic prices. Pay at the clinic for Targeted therapy upon arrival and use a flexible installment plan if needed.
Bookimed is committed to your safety. We only work with medical institutions that maintain high international standards in Targeted therapy and have the necessary licenses to serve international patients worldwide.
Bookimed offers free expert assistance. A personal medical coordinator supports you before, during, and after your treatment, solving any issues. You're never alone on your Targeted therapy journey.
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Pre-Operation Stage
Day 3: Targeted Therapy
Day 4: Post-Operation Stage
Week 1-2: Rehabilitation
Please note that each patient"s case is individual and can vary.
What patients like:
What patients don't like:
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.
Dr. Hyung Seok Park is a breast cancer specialist at Severance Hospital in Seoul. He formerly served as a consultant professor at Anderson University in the United States. Dr. Park specializes in breast cancer surgery and pharmaceutical treatments. He combines surgical expertise with research into hormonal and chemotherapy drugs.
Dr. Keun Chil Park leads the Division of Hematology-Oncology at Samsung Medical Center in Seoul. He specializes in treating lung, esophageal, and head and neck cancers. Dr. Park earned his medical degree from Seoul National University College of Medicine.
The doctor is an expert in oncoplastic surgery and breast cancer, with extensive experience from prestigious institutions. The doctor holds an M.D. degree from Seoul National University College of Medicine and an M.S. degree in Surgery from the same institution. Additionally, the doctor earned a B.S. in biological sciences from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) and a Ph.D. in Surgery from Seoul National University Graduate School.
Written by Anna Shchur
When considering Targeted therapy, it’s important to understand the different techniques and which is best suited for you. Here’s a concise comparison of popular options:
Lutetium-177 therapy is a targeted radiotherapy utilizing the Lutetium-177 radioisotope to treat certain cancers effectively.
South Korea offers extensive targeted therapy for common cancers like lung, breast, and colorectal but does not cover every type. Availability depends on specific genetic mutations identified through NGS testing. Major institutions like Samsung Medical Center and Severance Hospital provide advanced drugs for cases with approved biomarkers.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While targeted therapy costs start at $5,500, real-world value comes from South Korea’s rapid drug approval cycle. Samsung Medical Center and Seoul National University Hospital often provide access to new therapies years before other regions. This makes Korea a strategic choice for patients seeking the latest FDA-approved molecules that are not yet regional standards.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize getting NGS biomarker testing early at major hospitals to unlock treatment options. Many travelers note that while drugs for common mutations are accessible, off-label treatments for rare cases remain expensive without local insurance.
South Korea's top hospitals for targeted therapy include Samsung Medical Center, Severance Hospital, and Seoul National University Hospital. These institutions distinguish themselves through high-volume genomic analysis, Next-Generation Sequencing, and multidisciplinary teams that match specific genetic mutations to precise drug regimens for complex cancers.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Samsung Medical Center and Seoul National University Hospital serve a combined 3.6 million patients annually. This massive volume allows their specialists to encounter rare genetic mutations more frequently than most Western centers. This deep data pool directly improves the accuracy of their Next-Generation Sequencing panels for therapy matching.
Patient Consensus: Patients value the speed of genomic mapping, which often takes only days. Many suggest requesting Next-Generation Sequencing upfront to ensure the most effective therapy match immediately.
South Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) covers many targeted therapies, typically reducing patient costs to 5% of the total medical bill for reimbursed treatments. Coverage depends on specific drug approval for the patient's cancer type and stage as determined by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA).
Bookimed Expert Insight: While NHI offers significant savings, university hospitals like Severance Hospital or Samsung Medical Center often have higher approval odds for complex cases. These top-tier facilities participate in international clinical trials, providing access to cutting-edge therapies before they reach the official reimbursement list.
Patient Consensus: Patients report that while coverage is generous compared to US costs, the bureaucracy can cause delays. Many recommend bringing detailed genetic reports to speed up the authorization process at major Seoul hospitals.
South Korea accelerates access to targeted drugs through the GIFT (Global Innovative Products on Fast Track) system and the 2025 approval reforms. These pathways prioritize severe or rare diseases. They aim to reduce regulatory review timelines from 420 days to approximately 295 days.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Samsung Medical Center and Severance Hospital often provide the fastest access through named patient programs. These programs allow patients to receive new drugs 3–6 months before official reimbursement. In some cases, these medications are available at 20–50% of the standard US price.
Patient Consensus: Patients report that the prior approval system through major Seoul hospitals can secure insurance coverage for advanced lung cancer drugs like Tagrisso within just a few days.
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) supervises targeted therapy in the Republic of Korea under the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act. This framework distinguishes between small-molecule drugs and advanced biological products. Specialized systems like the GIFT program and ARMAB Act accelerate access to innovative cancer treatments.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Clinical data from top-tier institutions like Samsung Medical Center and Seoul National University Hospital shows a unique regulatory advantage. These major academic centers often navigate the MFDS approval process for targeted therapies 6 to 12 months faster than the FDA. This speed allows patients to access newer Japanese or European therapies before they reach the US market.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that MFDS approval does not guarantee insurance coverage. Many coordinate with hospital networks to manage out-of-pocket costs for non-reimbursed agents through pharmaceutical assistance programs.
Common side effects of targeted therapy in South Korea include acne-like skin rashes, persistent fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues. Diarrhoea is one such issue. Specialist oncology teams at JCI-accredited Seoul centres closely monitor these reactions. This helps prevent treatment interruptions. Patients may also experience high blood pressure or joint aches.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Leading Seoul hospitals offer same-day consultations and tests for new cancer cases. Korea University Anam Hospital is one such centre. This speed is vital for managing side effects. Fast access allows oncologists to adjust dosages immediately. This can happen if adverse reactions appear, such as hepatotoxicity or pneumonitis.
Patient Consensus: South Korean clinics provide detailed protocols for managing side effects. These include severe fatigue and musculoskeletal pain. Patients suggest arranging a support system early. Exhaustion can be more intense than expected during the long treatment period.
In South Korean clinics, targeted therapy focuses on specific molecular markers that drive cancer growth. Chemotherapy, however, is systemic and affects all rapidly dividing cells. Clinicians at JCI-accredited centres like Severance Hospital use genetic profiling. They then customise molecular plans that spare healthy tissue.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Major Seoul centres like Korea University Anam Hospital offer same-day consultations. They also provide tests for new cancer patients. This speed is vital for targeted therapy. Molecular results dictate whether a patient starts specific inhibitors or requires traditional chemotherapy first.
Patient Consensus: Patients find that South Korean specialists prioritise genetic profiling. Doctors then decide if targeted therapy works for the patient's specific cancer biology. Clinical standards in Seoul hospitals are highly regarded. Many patients highlight the availability of modern drugs alongside traditional treatments.
International patients can access targeted therapy in South Korea at major oncology centres. Facilities such as Severance Hospital and Samsung Medical Center provide precision medicine. This includes specialised treatments like Lutetium-177 therapy for resistant tumours. Most top-tier centres hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Basic targeted therapy costs from $5,500 to $11,500. However, many patients overlook speed of access. Data suggests clinics like Korea University Anam Hospital offer same-day consultations for new cancer patients. This is a massive advantage when avoiding the months-long waiting lists common in Australian public systems.
Patient Consensus: South Korea offers incredible medical technology comparable to top global centres. Patients suggest using medical platforms to secure appointments quickly. Starting treatment within a month significantly improves outcomes.
South Korea houses several of the world's top-ranked oncology centres. These include Samsung Medical Center and Asan Medical Center in Seoul. These facilities specialise in molecular profiling and targeted therapies for complex cancers. They often hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation or equivalent quality standards.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that Seoul National University Hospital outperforms international benchmarks. It has an 86.5% anus preservation rate in colon cancer cases. These centres use digital systems like BESTcare. They typically achieve higher precision in targeted drug delivery than traditional hospital settings.
Patient Consensus: Seoul is home to three of the world's top ten cancer hospitals. Patients suggest booking months in advance. Tertiary university-affiliated hospitals have high demand from international visitors.
Molecular testing serves as the essential diagnostic gateway for precision oncology in South Korea. Specialists use Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to identify actionable genetic alterations. These results help match advanced solid tumours with specific targeted drugs. This data-driven approach allows clinics in Seoul to personalise treatment regimens for better patient outcomes.
Bookimed Expert Insight: South Korea leads in precision oncology efficiency, with clinics like Korea University Anam Hospital offering same-day consultations and tests. This speed is critical because molecular testing results typically dictate the entire therapeutic pathway. Targeted therapy costs between $5,500 and $11,500. Still, the rapid diagnostic turnaround significantly reduces travel time for international patients.
Patient Consensus: Molecular diagnostics are now the primary tool for selecting drugs in South Korea, especially for stomach cancer. Patients find that a comprehensive genomic profile before treatment is vital. It ensures they receive the most effective precision drug.
South Korea treats various cancers with targeted therapy. This includes HER2-positive breast and gastric cancers, lung cancer, and blood cancers. Leading Seoul hospitals use antibody-drug conjugates and domestically developed CAR-T treatments. These therapies target specific genetic mutations like EGFR, ALK, and ROS1 to stop cancer growth.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Most clinics focus on drug-based targeted therapy. However, South Korean centres like Seoul National University Bundang Hospital lead in surgical targeting. They perform 90% of stomach cancer surgeries laparoscopically. This precision approach often results in a 91.9% survival rate for breast cancer patients.
Patient Consensus: South Korean oncologists use genetic profiling to match treatments to specific tumour mutations. Patients find the experience highly efficient. This stems from integrating targeted drugs with robotic surgery and 24/7 interpreter services.