How prostate cancer is treated in Korea

Outcomes, confirmed by national statistics

For people diagnosed with prostate cancer in Korea between 2019 and 2023, the 5-year relative survival rate is 96.9% — 37.7 percentage points higher than in 1993–1995. These figures come from the national cancer registry, not from one hospital. The US SEER figure is 98.2% (diagnosed 2016–2022).

Prostate cancer is diagnosed with a PSA blood test, MRI, and biopsy, and the Gleason score, PSA, and stage together place it in a low-, intermediate-, or high-risk group. The risk group determines the treatment.

For patients coming from abroad, this means that whether you have MRI and biopsy results (with a Gleason score) is central to the review.

The treatment path depends on risk group

For the low-risk group, active surveillance — monitoring with PSA and MRI rather than treating immediately — is a standard option. Intermediate- and high-risk groups are treated with robotic prostatectomy or radiation therapy; robotic surgery works in the narrow space of the pelvis and preserves the nerves, which helps with recovery of urinary control and erectile function. The hospital stay is 5–7 days.

Radiation options include intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and carbon-ion therapy, which became available in Korea in 2023. Carbon-ion therapy is completed in about 12 sessions, and the high-risk group receives hormone therapy alongside it.

If there is metastasis, hormone therapy is the core of treatment, with newer antiandrogens, chemotherapy, and PSMA-targeted therapy added. Which path fits is decided by risk group, age, and other medical conditions.

What international patients actually pay

Based on published hospital prices, robotic prostatectomy runs roughly USD 15,000–25,000. Carbon-ion therapy is not covered by insurance and, according to press reports, is in the range of KRW 60,000,000–75,000,000, confirmed by hospital quotation; IMRT and SBRT depend on the number of sessions.

The estimate lists tests, surgery or radiation, hospital stay, medication, interpretation, and accommodation as separate line items. If you proceed to treatment after a pre-arrival review, the review fee is credited against your medical bill.

What is possible in your case

Can you be monitored? Is robotic surgery or radiation the better fit? Does carbon-ion therapy apply? Is hormone therapy needed? The written opinion answers in that order.

Send us your PSA results, prostate MRI, biopsy results (with the Gleason score), a bone scan or PET if you have one, and your diagnosis. Urologists and radiation oncologists will review them and give you a written opinion within 5 business days.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, surgery or carbon-ion therapy?

It is not a question of which is better, but which fits. The decision rests on your age, risk group, and how you weigh urinary control and sexual function, and we set out both options side by side in the written opinion.

How long does urinary incontinence last?

After robotic surgery, most men recover within a few months. It varies with whether the nerves were preserved and with age, and we explain pelvic floor exercises in advance.

Isn't active surveillance risky?

It is a standard option in the low-risk group, and PSA, MRI, and biopsy at set intervals catch any change. We provide a plan you can continue with your doctors at home.

How long a stay should I plan for?

About two weeks for robotic surgery, 3–4 weeks for carbon-ion therapy, and ten days for SBRT.

Can I continue hormone therapy at home?

Yes. We hand over the injection intervals and medication as a prescribing plan.