Affordable Hip Replacement in South Korea: Top Surgeons and Clinics
Discover cost-effective hip replacement in South Korea with no wait times. Benefit from advanced robotic technology and top orthopedic surgeons at leading hospitals. Find orthopedic surgeons and hospitals.
How Much Does a Hip Replacement Cost in South Korea?
Hip replacement in South Korea starts at around USD $20,000, which includes surgery fees, hospital stays, and more. At the same time, the cost in the U.S. is approximately USD $40,364[1].
South Korea | The U.S. | Japan |
$20,160 | $40,364 | $23,180[2] |
Inclusions
The total cost of hip replacement in South Korea typically includes:
- Surgery Fee
- Consultations with primary specialists
- Preoperative tests like blood tests, X-rays, and urine tests
- Anesthesia administration (general, regional, or a combination of both)
- Hospital Stay (4-7 days)
- Postoperative Care (wound care, physical therapy)
- Medications as recommended by the surgeon
For an additional cost, you also get concierge services like:
- Airport pickup and drop-off to Incheon, where our top clinics are located.
- Hotel Reservation at Hotel JIN or OAKWOOD Hotel (located 5 and 30 minutes from the clinic)
- Language translation support
- Emergency hotline services for assistance
- Purchase of a USIM card
Save 65% on Hip Replacement in South Korea compared to USA
How to Pay for Hip Replacement in South Korea
Affordable hip replacement in South Korea offers flexible payment options. Check below for available methods:
Almost 76.9 thousand[3] Americans annually travel to South Korea for medical procedures.
Patient Reviews
Our patients share their experience of being treated with utmost care in the leading facilities; read below:
Matthew Williams, USHip Replacement, Incheon
Induck BeakOrtho surgery, Incheon
강성만 (강호)Hip replacement, Incheon
Corona quarantine preparations are thorough, friendly, and everything is convenient.
Lila LeHip Replacement, Incheon
I felt that most of the medical staff were friendly. Unlike other university hospitals, they are very warm and kind, which makes me trust them even more. We salute the medical staff working hard in the current situation.
Reassuring reviews? Get expert hip care in Incheon
Why Choose Hip Replacement in South Korea?
Trained surgeons with over two decades of experience.
Robot-assisted surgeries and expertise.
In South Korea, you can get surgery faster than in the US[4].
24/7 services, translation, and transport facilities.
Procedures at half the price compared to the US.
Modern sterilization methods maintain cleanliness levels.
Did you know?
Most modern hip implants can last up to 25 years in 58% patients[4].
Top Hospital for Hip Replacement Surgery in South Korea
Our partner clinics offer a minimally invasive hip replacement in South Korea that provides robot-assisted orthopedic surgery.
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
Did you know?
The COREN Hip System, made in Korea in the early 2000s, was studied for 10 years. Results showed it had a 97.7% success rate in hip replacements, helping patients feel much better overall.[5]
Top Hip Replacement Surgeon in Korea
Dr. Doh-Hyun Moon
Board-certified orthopaedic specialist, Dr. Moon is a hip joint and pelvis expert.
Dr. Moon has held key positions at Gachon University Gil Medical Center. He has contributed significantly to the field through his clinical work and research publications.
Education
- Soonshunhyang University College of Medicine, Ph.D.
- Korea University College of Medicine, M.D.
Get a free consultation from Dr. Moon
All About Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement or hip arthroplasty surgery is designed to relieve pain and restore function in patients with severe hip damage.
The most common types include:
- Total Hip Replacement (THA): Replaces both parts of the hip joint—the socket (acetabulum) and the ball at the top of the thigh bone (femoral head).
- Partial Hip Replacement:Â Only replaces the ball part of the hip joint, not the socket.
- Hip Resurfacing Arthroplasty (HRA):Â Smooths and reshapes parts of the hip bone, which can help people who have problems from previous surgeries.
Getting Hip Replacement in South Korea: Process for International Patients
Initial Contact
Reach our MTC advisors for inquiries about hip replacement in South Korea.
Choosing Hip Treatment
Our advisors help you choose the right program, assessments, and procedures.
Diagnostic Imaging
Your surgeon checks your X-rays and hip scans to evaluate the condition for surgery.
Travel to South Korea
Grab your visa and passport and start your medical tourism journey.
Treatment Plan Discussion
Your surgeon outlines the surgical procedure and expected recovery process.
Surgery Day
Hip Replacement Surgery takes only about 1 - 2 hours.
Japanese, Chinese, and U.S. patients are Korea's largest medical foreign patients[6]. Followed by other countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Mongolia, and Brunei.
How Is the Hip Replacement Surgery Performed
The procedure typically involves:
Get smart surgery for your hip in South Korea
Timeline of Your Surgery
Hip Replacement recovery timeline involves three stages, which are explained below:
- Surgery Duration: The surgery typically takes 1–2 hours, but including pre-operative waiting and post-operative recovery time, the total process may take around 3–4 hours.
- Hospital Stay: Hospital stay is usually about 4 - 7 days, depending on the patient’s condition.
- Full Recovery: Early ambulation (walking and movement) is encouraged soon after surgery. However, complete recovery is made in 6 - 12 weeks.
The 90% rule advises against bending your leg over 90 degrees for 6-12 weeks post-surgery.
Is Hip Replacement Surgery in South Korea Safe?
Yes, hip replacement surgery in South Korea is safe. In a study by Science Direct, it was found that South Korea boasts a success rate of over 90%[7], reflecting its safety and effectiveness.
In South Korea, hip replacement surgery now uses advanced robotic tools and set rehab plans, which have been shown to help patients heal well. Robots in rehab after hip surgery can help with pain relief, faster walking, and better movement.
Did you know?
The Trunk Control Rehabilitation Robot Training (TCRRT) helps patients with steady, repeated exercises to improve balance, leg strength, and walking skills after surgery.
Medical Tourism in South Korea
South Korea is a top medical tourism destination. In 2021, South Korea ranked 1st[8] out of 89 countries on the CEOWORLD magazine Health Care Index, scoring 78.72 out of 100, showing its high standards and technology-driven medical services.
The Health Care Index measures factors like infrastructure, skilled professionals, affordable care, medicine quality, and government support. Therefore, you can feel assured that your treatment and care are of utmost priority in South Korea.
To know more, read our complete guide on Medical Tourism in South Korea.Â
How to Reach Incheon?
Best Time to Visit Incheon, South Korea
The best time to visit South Korea as a tourist is late spring (May to June) and early fall (September to October). However, when traveling for medical purposes, you can choose to travel during the off-season, i.e. winter months of December to March, thanks to:
- Availability of accommodation
- Lesser crowd
- Lower airfares
There are also many safe winter activities to make your stay memorable, such as ice skating on supervised rinks, sledding on designated hills, winter hiking with the proper gear, building snowmen, and enjoying cozy indoor games or crafts.
South Korea welcomes millions of tourists from all over the globe, but make sure you keep all these documents with you before traveling:
- Visa Application Form (electronic form on the Visa Portal)
- A valid passport
- Digital photographs
- Credit card
- Required documents for status of stay
You can apply for South Korean by clicking here!
Flight Information
Here’s a table summarizing flight information from major countries:
From | Duration |
New York (JFK) | 14 hrs |
Melbourne (MEL) | 13 hrs |
Tokyo (HND) | 2 hrs |
Jakarta (CGK) | 7 hrs |
Plan Your Journey to regain Hip Mobility
Conclusion
Hip replacement in South Korea combines quality care with affordability. For those considering this procedure abroad, it represents an excellent option.
FAQs
When should I travel to South Korea for medical purposes?
It is best to visit South Korea in the winter months of December to March. Why? Because these months are the off-season for tourism, offering lesser crowds and cheaper airfares and accommodation.
Can I engage in non-medical activities during my stay in South Korea?
After hip replacement in South Korea, you can enjoy gentle activities like thermal baths, nature walks, cultural workshops, and wellness programs for a relaxing winter recovery. Consult your doctor about permitted activities to ensure a well-rounded experience.