NAEUN HOSPITAL
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatment cost in South Korea typically depends on the chosen surgical technology and the clinic tier. A transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) ranges from AUD $220, while procedures like holmium laser enucleation of the prostate run from AUD $7,200. Patients generally save 50–70% compared to costs in Australia or the United States. Key centres for these treatments are located in Seoul and Incheon.
Typical Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Treatment Costs in South Korea
Bookimed Expert Insight: For complex cases, leading state facilities like Seoul National University Hospital offer the country’s highest cancer-treatment statistics. Patients requiring advanced precision surgery should consider Severance Hospital, where specialists like Dr. Koon Ho Rha use robotic-assisted techniques. This hospital holds JCI accreditation, which means it meets rigorous international safety standards. For those arriving via Incheon, Gachon University Gil Medical Center provides convenient access just one hour from the airport.
| Republic of Korea | Thailand | Turkey | |
| Vaporization (with GreenLight Laser) | ≈ AUD $5,500 | ≈ AUD $6,000 | from AUD $4,300 |
| Transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT) | ≈ AUD $3,700 | ≈ AUD $4,000 | from AUD $17,200 |
| Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP) | ≈ AUD $4,600 | ≈ AUD $3,700 | from AUD $2,900 |
| Transurethral Water Vapour Ablation | from AUD $21,400 | ≈ AUD $5,000 | from AUD $14,800 |
| Robotic da Vinci prostatectomy | from AUD $25,800 | from AUD $35,900 | from AUD $16,500 |
Dr. Son Dong-wan specializes in urologic oncology, urinary incontinence, and sexual dysfunction. He performs laser prostate surgery. He provides robotic and laparoscopic treatment for cancers of the prostate, bladder, ureter, and kidney. He also treats ureteropelvic junction obstruction.
His minimally invasive practice includes laparoscopic nephrectomy and prostatectomy. He performs cystoscopic TURBT and TURP. He offers ureteroscopic laser stone removal and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. He treats BPH, prostatitis, urinary stones, testicular cancer, stress urinary incontinence (SUI), overactive bladder (OAB), and male infertility.
Dr. Lee Chunyong is a urologist with a PhD in Medicine from Hanyang University College of Medicine. His clinical focus includes kidney and urinary stones (ESWL), prostate diseases (BPH, prostate cancer, prostatitis), sexual dysfunction, vasectomy, cystitis, urinary incontinence, and voiding dysfunction.
He has served as Director of Hanyang University Hospital. He was Chairman and Chief Professor of the Department of Urology at Hanyang University College of Medicine. He served as President and later Honorary President of the Korean Endourological Society. He was also a Board Member of the Société Internationale d'Urologie.
His international roles include Visiting Fellow at UCLA and Visiting Professor at the University of Tübingen. He was featured twice on EBS “Best Doctors,” covering prostatic diseases and kidney and urinary stones.
Dr. Jang Hyun Kyung is a board-certified urologist. She completed her residency and clinical fellowship at Gachon University Gil Medical Center. She later served as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Urology at Korea University Ansan Hospital and at International St. Mary’s Hospital.
Her clinical interests include BPH, urolithiasis, urinary incontinence and voiding dysfunction, and urinary tract infections. She also focuses on male urology, pediatric urology, and urologic ultrasound.
Professional memberships: Full member of the Korean Urological Association, the Korean Continence Society, the Korean Society of Pediatric Urology, the Korean Association of Urogenital Tract Infection and Inflammation, and the Korean Society of Urological Ultrasound. Current affiliation: Urologist, Gibbeum Hospital.
Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) is the surgical gold standard for benign prostatic hyperplasia in South Korea. This procedure effectively treats all prostate sizes. It has largely replaced traditional open surgery. Major centres in Seoul specialise in this technique due to its efficiency and safety.
Bookimed Expert Insight: South Korea functions as a high-volume hub. Clinics like Severance Hospital serve 4,000,000 outpatients annually. This massive scale allows specialists to refine HoLEP and robotic techniques. Experienced doctors like Dr Lee Chun Yong trained in the USA and Germany. They combine this volume with international clinical standards.
Patient Consensus: Patients note the excellent service at Korean hospitals. They often recommend the experience to friends abroad. Researching surgeons with high case volumes for specific prostate sizes is a priority for those travelling from Australia.
The Republic of Korea offers several minimally invasive treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Centres in Seoul provide Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) and robotic-assisted surgery. These procedures use small incisions or natural openings. This reduces bleeding and shortens hospital stays to 1–2 days.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Many countries offer basic BPH care, but South Korean hospitals serve massive patient volumes. Seoul National University Hospital alone treats over 10,000 patients daily. This high volume means surgeons often have deeper experience with complex cases. This often leads to smoother recoveries for patients with very large prostates.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Korean medical service is excellent and often recommend the experience. They find that focusing on recovery time and the duration of catheterisation is more important than just the surgery name itself.
Robotic systems in South Korea improve BPH outcomes through Robot-Assisted Simple Prostatectomy. This method provides 3D vision and precise suturing in confined spaces. Patients benefit from lower complication rates, reduced blood loss, and faster recovery than open surgery.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many centres focus on the machine, South Korea's advantage lies in surgical volume. Severance Hospital alone manages over 4,000,000 patients annually. Specialists like Dr Koon Ho Rha at Severance Hospital specialise in robotic and minimally invasive urology. High case volumes help surgeons develop the dexterity needed to handle complex BPH cases.
Patient Consensus: Patients note smaller incisions and less pain alongside shorter hospital stays. Many say surgeon experience with the robot is more important than the technology itself. This expertise helps patients avoid temporary urinary issues in South Korea.
Laser-based BPH treatment in the Republic of Korea is generally safe for patients on blood thinners. Techniques like HoLEP and GreenLight laser seal blood vessels during the procedure. This reduces bleeding risks compared to traditional surgery. Surgeons often perform these without stopping anticoagulants entirely.
Bookimed Expert Insight: South Korea's urology landscape is dominated by massive academic centres like Severance Hospital. The facility treats 4,000,000 patients annually. This volume means urologists, including Dr Won Sik Ham, manage complex anticoagulation cases daily. Patients taking newer agents like Eliquis or Xarelto may find flexible protocols at these facilities.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasise that Korean surgeons require a specific written plan for managing blood thinners. It is vital to bring a full medication list to every Seoul consultation. You should also provide clear clinical reasons for your anticoagulation.
Most patients recover from minimally invasive BPH procedures in the Republic of Korea within 5 to 7 days. JCI-accredited hospitals in Seoul typically require 1 to 3 nights of inpatient observation. Surgeons recommend waiting 10 days before flying home to Australia to ensure stability.
Bookimed Expert Insight: South Korea uses advanced digital health systems like BESTcare at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. These systems track recovery milestones in real-time. This precision helps specialists like Dr Koon Ho Rha at Severance Hospital achieve success in complex robotic cases. Patients benefit from lower error rates and more predictable discharge timelines.
Patient Consensus: Patients in Korea find the first few days with a catheter most challenging. They note that while light activity resumes quickly, urinary irritation can last several weeks. Many suggest staying near the clinic for a few extra days to manage post-operative follow-up safely.
Urologists in South Korea recommend surgery for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia when medication fails. Key indicators include acute urinary retention or recurring infections. Specialists also advise surgery if patients develop bladder stones or kidney damage. Chronic blood in the urine is another factor. Persistent symptoms despite drug therapy often lead to surgical intervention.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While traditional TURP remains the gold standard, leading Seoul centres like Severance Hospital now focus on robotic da Vinci prostatectomy. High-volume hospitals handle over 65,000 operations annually. This immense surgical load allows Korean specialists to maintain high success rates for complex, minimally invasive procedures. Doctors like Dr Lee Chun Yong at Na-Eun Hospital hold international academic roles in the US and Germany. This helps ensure care aligns with global standards.
Patient Consensus: Patients in the Republic of Korea report that urologists follow a careful stepwise approach. They usually start with medication before considering surgery. Patients often mention that early surgery helps avoid complications like kidney issues or recurring infections.
BPH treatment in the Republic of Korea addresses storage and voiding symptoms that disrupt daily life. Specialists treat nocturia, urgency, and weak urine flow using specialised therapies. JCI-accredited clinics in Seoul provide laser enucleation and robotic surgeries to restore normal bladder function and comfort.
Bookimed Expert Insight: South Korea leads in robotic urology, with Severance Hospital performing 65,000+ operations annually. Specialists like Dr Lee Chun Yong at Na-Eun Hospital bring over 40 years of experience to complex voiding disorders. This high volume allows surgeons to refine techniques like Da Vinci robotic prostatectomy for precise symptom relief.
Patient Consensus: Patients in Korea note significant relief from nocturia and bladder pressure. They report that treatments lead to a much stronger urine stream and fewer urgent trips to the toilet.