Samsung Medical Center
Hip replacement in the Republic of Korea typically costs from AUD $15,465 to AUD $29,355. Prices fluctuate based on the surgical approach, the prosthetic material selected, and the hospital's tier. In Australia, the average price for this procedure is AUD $35,083, meaning patients can save approximately 36% by travelling. Standard inclusions usually cover pre-operative tests, the prosthesis, anaesthetic, and initial physical therapy during the hospital stay.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While Seoul is a major hub, hospitals like Kang Dong Hospital in Busan offer competitive orthopedic care. High-volume centres like Samsung Medical Center and Asan Medical Center perform thousands of operations annually. Some facilities use digital systems like BESTcare at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital to improve patient safety. For Australian patients, South Korea's high-tech infrastructure provides surgical precision often exceeding private options at home.
| Republic of Korea | Thailand | Turkey | |
| Hip replacement | from AUD $15,465 | from AUD $10,317 | from AUD $17,899 |
| Total hip replacement | from AUD $28,639 | from AUD $20,047 | from AUD $15,751 |
| MAKOplasty | from AUD $22,911 | from AUD $25,775 | from AUD $9,880 |
| Hip Arthroscopy | from AUD $12,601 | from AUD $7,160 | from AUD $2,148 |
| Total hip replacement for developmental dysplasia of the hip | - | from AUD $17,899 | from AUD $9,775 |
Dr. Jang Hyo Kim is an orthopedic surgeon at Leadheal Hospital in Seoul. He specializes in joint preservation and complex reconstruction. He completed a fellowship in Ilizarov external fixation surgery in Russia. Dr. Kim currently serves as the Joint Center Director at Very Good Hospital. He is an adjunct professor at Kyung Hee University.
Dr. Woo Kyung Kwak is an orthopedic surgeon at Leadheal Hospital in Seoul. He specializes in minimally invasive bunion correction using the MICA technique. Dr. Kwak also performs total knee arthroplasty and arthroscopic joint surgery. He completed the FIFA Diploma in Football Medicine for sports injury management.
Dr. Lee Dongyeop is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in arthroscopy and joint replacement. He performs arthroscopic surgery (joint endoscopy) and total knee replacement. He treats shoulder disorders, sports injuries, and chronic knee conditions.
Credentials: M.D.-Ph.D. combined program, The Catholic University of Korea Graduate School of Medicine. Internship and orthopedic surgery residency, The Catholic University of Korea Catholic Medical Center. Clinical Instructor (fellow), Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea.
Dr. Kwangyeal Lee is an orthopedic surgeon at Nanoori Hospital in Seoul. He specializes in arthroscopic and total replacement surgeries for the knee and shoulder. Dr. Lee is the current President of Gangnam Nanoori Hospital. He treats a wide range of sports injuries and degenerative joint conditions.
When considering Hip replacement, it’s important to understand the different techniques and which is best suited for you. Here’s a concise comparison of popular options:
A minimally invasive orthopedic surgery used to diagnose and treat problems within the hip joint.
A minimally invasive orthopedic surgery technique using robotic assistance to ensure precision in partial knee or hip joint replacement.
Republic of Korea maintains high success rates for hip replacement. The 5-year implant survival rate reaches 90%–100%. Quality of care is driven by robotic-assisted systems and muscle-sparing techniques at JCI-accredited facilities. Surgeons often specialise in complex femoral head necrosis and advanced arthritis cases.
Bookimed Expert Insight: South Korea’s secret to high success lies in hospital volume and homegrown tech. Leading centres like Ewha Womans University Medical Center developed their own cementless Proxima joints. They have deep vertical expertise and perform thousands of hip procedures each year. This combination results in exceptionally low revision rates for international patients.
Patient Consensus: Patients report high satisfaction with the friendly staff and top-notch equipment in Seoul. Many were impressed by the comfortable rooms and the highly qualified specialist teams.
Republic of Korea offers innovative hip replacement techniques including robotic-assisted surgery, minimally invasive approaches, and computer-navigated systems. Leading centres like Severance Hospital and Wellton Hospital specialise in these methods. These methods improve implant precision, reduce muscle trauma, and speed up recovery for international patients.
Bookimed Expert Insight: South Korea leads in joint innovation. This is illustrated by Ewha Womans University Medical Center developing their own cementless Proxima implants. Standard total hip replacement ranges from $20,000 to $37,500. However, choosing a specialised centre often provides access to these proprietary Korean technologies not available elsewhere.
Patient Consensus: Patients in Seoul highlight the highly qualified and friendly hospital staff. They describe the medical equipment and treatment methods as top-notch. Patients find their recovery comfortable during their stay.
Hip replacement patients should plan to stay 14–21 days in the Republic of Korea. This window covers the initial four-day hospital stay, suture removal at 10 days, and crucial early physiotherapy. This ensures a safe long-haul flight back to Australia.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Many Seoul centres like Wellton Hospital use muscle-preserving techniques to speed up discharge. However, Australian patients should not fly before day 14. Bookimed data shows that staying local for the full two-week suture period significantly reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis. This is crucial for the 10-hour flight home.
Patient Consensus: Staff in Seoul are highly qualified and helpful during the 3–5 day hospital stay. Patients should expect to use a walker for several weeks and plan for professional rehabilitation once back in Australia.
Samsung Medical Center and Asan Medical Center are leading choices for hip replacement in South Korea. They offer robotic-assisted surgery and minimally invasive techniques. Highly specialised centres like Wellton Hospital and Ewha Womans University Medical Center provide expert joint care. They have high-volume surgical experience and offer cementless implants.
Bookimed Expert Insight: University hospitals offer massive scale. However, specialised centres like Wellton Hospital permit family members to watch live operation feeds. This transparency is unique to South Korea. It reflects the high confidence surgeons have in their minimally invasive protocols.
Patient Consensus: Patients often praise the highly qualified staff and top-notch medical equipment in South Korean hospitals. Rooms are frequently described as very comfortable. The overall treatment methods are considered modern and professional.
Hip replacement surgery in the Republic of Korea typically covers the surgical procedure, hospital stays, and pre-operative screenings. Packages often bundle anaesthetist fees, prosthesis costs, and initial physiotherapy. Leading centres in Seoul integrate digital imaging and robotic-assisted technology like MAKOplasty for precise implant placement.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many Seoul clinics offer all-inclusive bundles, the real value lies in the implant technology. Ewha Womans University Medical Center developed the cementless Proxima hip joint, which can speed up bone integration. Choosing a clinic that manufactures or specialises in specific implant types often results in more tailored long-term results.
Patient Consensus: Staff at Korean hospitals are highly qualified and friendly. Patients find the medical equipment and comfortable recovery rooms top-notch. Many recommend confirming if VIP transfers from Incheon Airport are included. Confirming if physiotherapy and wound care are bundled helps avoid extra costs in Republic of Korea.