Knee Replacement in South Korea: A Guide to Cost & Hospitals
Struggling with knee pain every day? Our guide on knee replacement in South Korea could be your relief path.
Cost of Knee Replacement in South Korea
The cost of knee replacement surgery in South Korea ranges from USD 10,000 - USD 18,000. This includes tests, stay in hospital, surgery, and more.
Actual cost and length of stay can vary depending on each patient’s condition.
The cost of total knee replacement in the US can go up to USD 35,000,[1] which means you can save 71% in South Korea.
| Procedure | South Korea |
| Total Knee Replacement | $10k - $18k |
| Partial Knee Replacement | $7k - $15k |
| Bilateral Knee Replacement | $15k - $25k |
*Prices are subject to change
Get all-inclusive package for knee surgery in Incheon!
What Is Included in the Cost Package?
- Surgery fees
- Medications
Our partner hospital offers concierge services for an extra amount:
- Airport Transfers
- Hotel Reservation
- Hotel JIN (5 min walk from the hospital)
- Hotel OAKWOOD (30 min drive from the hospital)
- Translation services
- 24/7 hotline services
- You can buy a USIM card(local card in Korea)
Know how to avail these extra services in detail!
FAQ: What Are the Payment Options for Knee Replacement in South Korea?
South Korea offers flexible payment options for you. Check below:
- Cash: Payments can be made in South Korean currency (KRW).
- Credit/Debit Cards: Accepted with a transaction fee of 2-4%.
- Bank Transfer: Wire transfers are available with a fee of $15-$30.
If you still have doubts about payment methods, submit your query to us.
Top Surgeons for Knee Replacement Surgery in South Korea
Dr. Jae-Ang Sim( GIL Medical Center )
Harvard-trained specialist Dr. Sim excels in trauma (fracture, osteomyelitis), knee, and other joint replacement surgery.
He is associated with the Ministry of Health & Welfare as part of his professional achievements.
Education
- Harvard Medical School
- Gachon Medical University, MPH
Memberships
- Korean Orthopedic Society
- Korean Knee Society (2019)
- Korean Society of Joint Spine (2016 )
Dr. Byung-Hoon Lee( GIL Medical Center )
Board certified, Dr. Lee specializes in cartilage regeneration, sports medicine, knee fracture, cartilage damage, and more.
He has also contributed as Head of Orthopedics of Knee Replacement Surgery at Gangwondo Samcheok Medical Center.
Education
- Hanyang University College of Medicine
Consult our top knee surgeons in Incheon!
Best Hospital for Knee Replacement in South Korea
Incheon's largest multispecialty hospital is South Korea's leading scientific research center.
It offers the country's first medical aviation service, an advanced cancer center, and a regional trauma center.
- 55+ Years of Experience
- JCI Accredited
- MOHW Accredited
- Milestone of Completing 2,000 Robot-Assisted Surgeries.
- Patient-Centered Healthcare
- Disease-Specific Research Center
Get an appointment at GIL Medical Center, Incheon!
Knee Replacement in Incheon, Korea: Patient Reviews
Discover the successful treatment journeys of these patients through their reviews.
Lee Gwang-bunKnee Replacement, Incheon
I received a medical report and examination for dry eye syndrome.
The professor, the nurse, and everyone else during the test were friendly and explained things well, so I really enjoyed it.
Seonyoung KimKnee Replacement, Korea
It's spacious and the hospital staff, nurses, and doctors are friendly and nice.
Matthew Williams, USOrthopedic surgery in Incheon
Very helpful staff. They found someone who spoke English to help me out.
Induck BeakOrtho surgery, Incheon
Loved the reviews? Experience it yourself next!
Is It Safe To Get Knee Replacement in South Korea?
Knee replacement in South Korea is a safe and dependable option. Here's why:
South Korea is known for prioritizing patients' privacy and respecting individual preferences.
Additionally, our clinic is internationally recognized by the JCI and the MOHW, adhering to strict healthcare regulations, hence reducing surgical errors.
Joint Commission International
Korean Ministry of Health & Welfare
Korea is known for being a safe and welcoming country for international visitors.
The Incheon Tourism Organization and Korea Tourism Organization work together to ensure that services are effectively given to international tourists, providing an enriching travel experience.
Korea Tourism Organization
For more information and a comparative perspective on knee replacement, you can also explore Knee Replacement Surgery in India and Knee Replacement Surgery in Istanbul, Turkey.
Smart Care in Korea
With an initiative of ‘Medical Korea’[5] under the slogan “Smart Care,” the Korean governments and government-affiliated institution KHIDI endeavor to enhance the health care services for foreign medical tourists.
Procedure of Knee Replacement Surgery
Step-by-Step Procedure of Knee Replacement Surgery
What is the Recovery Timeline After Knee Surgery?
- Initial Recovery(1-2 days): You will start walking with support.
- Regain Mobility(6-8 weeks): You will resume daily activities.
- Full Recovery(6-12 months): You will recover and return to full function.
Get top-quality post-operative care in Korea!
Why Choose Knee Replacement in South Korea?
NCBI says, the competitiveness of Korean medical care can be summarized as efficiency and systematization[2].
High medical technologies such as Navio and Halcyon are used for Robotic Assisted Orthopedic Surgery and Advanced Radiation therapy respectively.
Total Knee Replacement Surgery
South Korea offers you fast appointment scheduling with minimal delays.
On the other hand, the median waiting time for knee replacement surgery in the US and Canada was three and eight weeks[3]respectively, even after it had been planned.
Patients Waiting for Their Medical Appointment
South Korea is a competitive medical tourism country with cost-effective results of surgery and treatment.
In comparison to the United States ($35,000), the cost of a total knee replacement in South Korea is nearly 71% cheaper at $10,000.
Affordable Medical Treatment in South Korea
The country provides a rich cultural experience with vibrant cities, scenic landscapes, access to its world-famous skincare secrets, and diverse shopping options.
Tourists in South Korea Wearing Hanbok
South Korea offers advanced treatments for various medical concerns. Don't miss our guide on Affordable Hip Replacement in South Korea for more details on orthopedic treatment.
Get your knee surgery with Korea's medical expertise!
South Korea Medical Tourism
Over the years, South Korea has been a popular destination for medical tourists[6] with latest medical technologies and overall travel experience. The medical tourism industry is one of South Korea’s future flagship industries.
Statistics of Foreign Patients
The data presented by our partner hospital indicates the percentage of international patients who trusted the hospital for their medical trips.
(English speaking patients: US, UK, Australia)
- Russia: 25%
- Kazakhstan: 25%
- English Speaking Patients: 25%
- China: 20%
- Mongolia: 5%
That's not all! Visit Medical Tourism in South Korea to know more about it.
Korea's Medical Tourism Goal
The Korean government regards medical tourism as a major national industry with the goal of attracting 0.7 million[9] foreign patients by 2027.
Where is Incheon?
Incheon, located on South Korea’s northwest coast, is a dynamic city blending modernity with tradition. It is known for its international airport and vibrant ports.
Our partner hospital is the largest upper-level general hospital in Incheon City, and is located at the closest distance (35 km, takes 30 minutes) from the airport.
How to Reach Incheon?
Incheon International Airport (ICN) is the most popular airport for reaching South Korea. A 30-minute drive over the Incheondaegyo Expressway brings you directly to our facilities within Incheon City.
Incheon is about 30 km from Seoul, making it an easy and convenient trip.
What Is the Best Time To Visit Incheon for Knee Replacement?
Medical tourists might benefit from the winter months of December to February. While the cherry blossom season (March-April) is popular for tourism, the winter period can be more convenient for medical travelers.
This is because winter season is the offseason where there is more availability of accommodations, fewer crowds, and lower airfares.
Winters in South Korea
FAQ: What Should I Pack When Traveling to South Korea for My Knee Replacement Surgery?
To get their knee replacement surgery in South Korea, a patient would have to pack the following:
- Prescription
- Medicines
- Medical supplies
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Supplies to prevent illness or injury
- First-aid kit
- Documents
To know about each of these supplies in detail, talk to us.
Did you know?
Korea first permitted foreign patients in 2009, and since then, around 3.8 million international medical tourists have come to Korea.[10]
Flight Information
Below are the major cities from which patients travel to Incheon, along with the flights duration.
| City, Country | Duration |
| Los Angeles(US) | 13 hrs 20 min |
| Shanghai (China) | 2 hrs |
| Tokyo (Japan) | 2 hrs 50 min |
| Moscow (Russia) | 10 hrs 45 min(1 stop) |
| Almaty(Kazakhstan) | 5 hrs 40 min |
| Ulaanbaatar(Mongolia) | 3 hrs 10 min |
*Flight durations are subject to change
Plan your medical trip to Incheon, Korea today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it cheaper to get knee replacement surgery in South Korea?
Knee replacement surgery in South Korea is up to 70-80% cheaper than in the US or Europe, with shorter waiting times.
Email us now for more information on your savings!
2. How long do I have to stay in Korea after knee replacement surgery?
After knee surgery in Korea, patients typically need to stay for about 2-4 weeks. This length may vary depending on individual recovery rates.
Request free quote to get personalized assistance in planning your medical trip to South Korea.
Conclusion
Knee replacement in South Korea is a great choice, offering cost-effective treatment that utilizes latest digital technology, all without the hassle of long wait times.
Start your knee replacement journey with us!
References
- Statista: Average cost of a knee replacement in Colombia, Mexico, and the United States in 2021
- NCBI: South Korea’s Medical Tourism Competitiveness and Future Strategy: A Review
- NCBI: Waiting times for knee-replacement surgery in the United States and Ontario
- Statista: Medical tourism in South Korea - statistics & facts
