Proton Therapy in South Korea: Centers, Costs, and What the Evidence Shows
Korea has two operational proton therapy centers — the National Cancer Center (since 2007) and Samsung Medical Center (since 2016). A third is under development. For international patients, the relevant questions are whether proton therapy is clinically appropriate for the specific cancer, which center has the relevant expertise, and what the full course actually costs.
Quick Answer
Proton therapy in Korea costs roughly $33,000–$51,000 for a full course, based on a 2026 source [citation:13]. This is significantly less than the US ($150,000–$250,000) [citation:19]. Korea has only two active centers — NCC and Samsung — with a third (Seoul St. Mary's) planned. Proton therapy is not appropriate for every cancer; it is most often considered when precision matters due to tumor location near critical structures, or for pediatric patients.
What Proton Therapy Is — and What It Is Not
Proton therapy is a form of radiation treatment that uses proton beams instead of X-rays. Unlike conventional radiation, protons release most of their energy at a precise depth — the tumor — while sparing surrounding healthy tissue [citation:2][citation:11]. This matters most when a tumor is near critical structures (brainstem, optic nerve, spinal cord) or when the patient is a child and reducing long-term radiation exposure is a priority.
Proton therapy is not a universal "better" treatment. For many cancers, conventional radiation (IMRT, VMAT) produces comparable outcomes. A 2026 US study of 440 patients found proton therapy was non-inferior to X-ray therapy for disease progression and death, with some advantages in severe toxicity and quality of life [citation:2]. The clinical question is whether the specific tumor location and patient profile make precision clinically meaningful — not whether proton therapy is "newer."
Operational Proton Therapy Centers in Korea
| Center | Operational Since | Notes | International Patient Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Cancer Center (NCC) | 2007 | Korea's first proton center; government-run; ~20% of NCC radiation patients receive proton therapy [citation:2] | International Healthcare Team; English-language records required [citation:3][citation:11] |
| Samsung Medical Center | 2016 | ~800 patients/year capacity [citation:16]; ~12% of SMC radiation patients receive proton therapy [citation:2] | International Healthcare Center; English, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Mongolian, Vietnamese [citation:4] |
A third center is under development at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, which signed a contract with IBA (Belgium) for a Proteus Plus system. The hospital plans to introduce adaptive proton therapy and dynamic arc — technologies not yet available in Korea [citation:10]. Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center has also announced plans for a proton center, with first patient treatments expected by end-2029 [citation:18]. Neither is operational yet.
Cost of Proton Therapy in Korea
| Source | Reported Range | Context | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChinaMedAccess | ₩45M–₩70M (~$33,000–$51,000) | Full course; 2–6 week wait | 2026-04 [citation:13] |
| My1Health (Samsung-specific) | ~$20,000–$35,000 | Approximate international patient range at Samsung | 2025–2026 [citation:19] |
| A-Medical (Samsung-specific) | $30,000–$50,000 | Covers planning, delivery, outcome tracking | 2025-12 [citation:17] |
For context: proton therapy in the US typically ranges from $150,000 to $250,000 for a full course [citation:19]. Korea's documented range is roughly one-fifth to one-third of that.
When Proton Therapy Is Usually Considered
Proton therapy is most often evaluated for:
- Pediatric cancers — reducing radiation exposure to developing tissues is a long-term priority [citation:2]
- Brain and CNS tumors — when the tumor is near the brainstem, optic nerve, or other critical structures [citation:1]
- Head and neck cancers — complex anatomy near critical nerves and glands
- Lung cancer — research suggests proton therapy may reduce lymphocyte depletion compared with conventional radiation [citation:2]
- Prostate cancer — Samsung has published outcomes data; proton therapy is one of several radiation options
- Liver cancer — NCC has particular expertise in liver and hepatobiliary cancers [citation:11]
This list is not a recommendation. Whether proton therapy is appropriate depends on the specific tumor type, stage, location, prior treatments, and the treating radiation oncologist's assessment.
How International Patients Request Proton Therapy
Both NCC and Samsung require medical records for review before providing a treatment estimate or scheduling. The process generally follows this pattern:
- Submit records — diagnosis, pathology reports, imaging (MRI/CT/PET), prior treatment history. Records must be in English [citation:3].
- Center review — the radiation oncology team assesses whether proton therapy is clinically indicated and whether the patient meets eligibility criteria.
- Estimate — if accepted, the center provides a treatment-specific cost estimate. This may take several days to weeks depending on record completeness.
- Visa and logistics — if proceeding, the patient arranges a medical visa (C-3-3 or G-1-10) and travel.
Do not travel to Korea for proton therapy without a written acceptance and estimate first. Proton therapy requires treatment planning based on the patient's imaging, and not every patient who requests it will be a candidate.
Related Pages
Frequently Asked Questions
How many proton therapy centers are there in South Korea?
Two operational centers: the National Cancer Center (since 2007) and Samsung Medical Center (since 2016) [citation:2][citation:6]. Seoul St. Mary's Hospital is building a third center, and Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center has announced plans for one by 2029 [citation:10][citation:18].
How much does proton therapy cost in Korea?
Published estimates range from roughly $20,000 to $51,000 depending on the source and center. ChinaMedAccess reports $33,000–$51,000 for a full course (2026) [citation:13]. Samsung-specific estimates range from ~$20,000–$35,000 (My1Health) to $30,000–$50,000 (A-Medical) [citation:19][citation:17]. These are estimates, not quotations. Request a written estimate from the hospital.
Is proton therapy better than conventional radiation?
Not universally. A 2026 US study of 440 patients found proton therapy was non-inferior to X-ray therapy for disease progression and death, with advantages in severe toxicity and quality of life [citation:2]. Proton therapy is most clearly advantageous when tumor location makes precision clinically important (e.g., near the brainstem or optic nerve) or for pediatric patients. For many cancers, conventional radiation produces comparable outcomes.
Can international patients receive proton therapy at Samsung Medical Center?
Yes. Samsung Medical Center has an International Healthcare Center with support in English, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Mongolian, and Vietnamese [citation:4]. Medical records must be submitted for review before an appointment or estimate is provided.
What is the waiting time for proton therapy in Korea?
ChinaMedAccess reports a 2–6 week wait for proton therapy in Korea [citation:13]. Actual waiting time depends on the center, the patient's diagnosis, and whether records are complete. The review and scheduling process may take additional time beyond the treatment wait itself.
Is Proton Therapy the Right Question?
Proton therapy is a tool, not a diagnosis. The first question is whether the specific tumor and clinical situation make precision radiation clinically meaningful. Start there.