Lung Cancer Treatment: How Long Should You Stay in Korea? (2026 Guide)

How long you need to stay in Korea for lung cancer treatment depends on the treatment method, but general targets are around 2 weeks for surgery, about 10 days for stereotactic radiotherapy, 2–3 weeks for the first cycle of drug therapy, and 4–6 weeks for particle therapy.

Key Summary

• The length of stay in Korea for lung cancer treatment varies by treatment method. General targets are around 2 weeks for surgery, about 10 days for stereotactic radiotherapy, 2–3 weeks for the first cycle of drug therapy (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy), and 4–6 weeks for particle therapy.
• Korea's 5-year relative survival rate for lung cancer from 2019–2023 was 42.5%. This is a nationwide statistic, not the figure for any specific hospital (National Cancer Registration Statistics 2019–2023).
• For cases treated with oral targeted therapy, such as stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer, it's relatively straightforward to receive a prescription along with a supply of medication to continue treatment after returning home.
• Remote review (pre-arrival review) results are issued within 5 business days of all records being submitted, and the review fee of KRW 1,000,000 is deducted from treatment costs once treatment is contracted.
• If treatment is expected to extend beyond 90 days, it's advisable to prepare in advance for switching to a long-term treatment visa (G-1-10).

How long do I need to stay in Korea for lung cancer surgery?

• For stages where surgery is possible, such as stage 1–2, the target stay is around 2 weeks.
• Checking stage and surgical eligibility during the remote review stage allows necessary tests to be completed within about three days of arrival, with surgery scheduled soon after. Thoracoscopic or robotic lobectomy with removal of surrounding lymph nodes is the standard treatment for early-stage lung cancer. After surgery, patients are discharged following chest tube removal and a period of pain management and breathing adaptation. The exact dates and length of hospital stay are determined based on test results, hospital scheduling, and the individual's lung function status.

How does the stay differ for radiotherapy-only or drug therapy-only treatment?

• Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), used for early-stage lung cancer when surgery isn't feasible, targets about 10 days, while drug therapy targets 2–3 weeks for the first cycle.
• SBRT can be completed within a few days, making for a relatively short stay. For stage 4 cases where systemic therapy is central, treatment typically starts with oral targeted therapy if markers such as EGFR or ALK are present; if no such markers are found, treatment begins with immune checkpoint inhibitors or chemotherapy combinations based on PD-L1 expression and tissue type. When starting treatment with oral medication, patients often monitor for side effects during the first cycle in Korea, then receive a prescription along with a supply of medication to continue treatment after returning home. However, since medication import regulations and quantity limits vary by country, coordinators confirm these details before departure. For lung tumors being considered for particle therapy (proton or heavy ion), the target is 4–6 weeks.

What is the process for determining the length of stay?

• Step 1: Submit records — Upload chest CT, PET-CT, brain MRI, biopsy and pathology reports, and genetic marker test results such as EGFR and ALK.
• Step 2: Remote review (pre-arrival review) — Within 5 business days of all records being submitted, receive a written opinion covering staging, surgical eligibility, recommended treatment, and estimated length of stay.
• Step 3: Visa application — Apply for C-3-3 for treatment within 90 days, or G-1-10 for treatment exceeding 90 days or for accompanying family members. Processing times vary by country and consular office.
• Step 4: Arrival and testing — Complete any additional necessary tests within about three days of arrival and finalize the surgery or treatment schedule.
• Step 5: Treatment and return home — After completing the target period for the given treatment type, receive a handover document detailing the next test schedule and medications, to be passed on to local medical staff.

FAQ — What if treatment takes longer than expected?

Extend your accommodation, and if the stay is likely to exceed 90 days, prepare to change your status of stay to the G-1-10 long-term treatment visa at the immigration office after arrival. Since chemotherapy added after surgery, or longer treatments like particle therapy, can easily push the stay beyond 90 days, it's safer to consider a long-term visa from the outset if such a possibility is foreseen.

FAQ — Can I take oral targeted therapy medication home with me?

In many cases, yes — patients can take a supply of medication along with their prescription. However, since import regulations and quantity limits vary by country, coordinators verify these details before departure, and also check whether the same medication is available locally. For treatments using oral medication, local continuity of care tends to be easier to arrange compared to injectable drugs.

Sources and Notes

• This article was written based on notes on lung cancer, frequently asked questions, medical visas, and targeted therapy (National Cancer Registration Statistics 2019–2023 and National Cancer Center Korea, NCCN patient guidelines, and visa guidance from HiKorea and the Ministry of Health and Welfare).
• This content is intended for general medical information purposes only. Diagnosis, treatment methods, and outcomes may vary depending on individual circumstances. Accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with medical professionals.