About a year ago, my father was diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer. As you can imagine, our family was overwhelmed with questions, emotions, and above all—decisions. Living between the U.S. and Korea, we had access to options in both countries, but we were drawn to exploring treatment in Seoul due to Korea’s growing reputation in medical excellence and affordability.
After a ton of research, personal recommendations, and late-night deep dives into forums like this one, we found Gangnam St. Mary’s Urology Clinic in Seoul. And to be completely honest—it was one of the best decisions we made during that difficult time.
The Clinic: First Impressions
From the first contact, the clinic was responsive, multilingual (big win if you’re an international patient), and incredibly accommodating. We were assigned to Dr. Sung (his profile here), who is not only a respected urologist but someone with years of specialized experience in prostate health and cancer treatment.
The clinic itself? Immaculate, modern, equipped with cutting-edge tech—like something straight out of a sci-fi medical series. It’s located right in the heart of Gangnam, which makes it super accessible and surrounded by amenities if you’re staying for a while.
Treatment Options They Offer
What impressed me most about St. Mary’s was the variety and customization of prostate cancer treatments available. Here’s a breakdown of what we explored:
- Active Surveillance (Watchful Waiting)
Perfect for slow-growing cancers or early-stage cases, which was initially considered for my dad. Regular PSA testing, MRIs, and check-ups are part of this approach.
- Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy
This is where Korea shines. St. Mary’s offers da Vinci robotic surgery, which is less invasive, involves faster recovery, and reduced risks of complications. Dr. Sung has extensive experience with this—my dad ultimately went with this option.
- Radiation Therapy (External Beam & Brachytherapy)
High-precision radiation options are available, often combined with hormonal therapy. Though we didn’t opt for radiation, we were presented with the full scope, including how it compared to options abroad.
- Hormone Therapy
Often used for advanced-stage prostate cancer. The clinic uses the latest protocols, including LHRH agonists and anti-androgens, to manage progression.
- Cryotherapy & HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound)
Minimally invasive and relatively new in Asia, but the clinic is well-versed. Great for patients not suited for surgery.
How It Compares to the U.S. & Other Countries
We had consultations in the U.S. as well, and honestly, while the treatment plans were similar, here’s what set St. Mary’s apart:
- Cost Efficiency: The same robotic surgery in the U.S. would have cost nearly 3x more—even with insurance.
- Technology Access: The tech was equally advanced, if not more current.
- Patient Care: Korean hospitality is real. From translators to follow-up calls and personalized care, the experience was seamless.
- Recovery Experience: Post-op recovery was incredibly smooth. My dad stayed in a nearby recovery suite for a few days and had check-ins with Dr. Sung multiple times during the week.
Final Thoughts
If you or a loved one is considering prostate cancer treatment in Korea, Gangnam St. Mary’s Urology Clinic should be at the top of your list. The combination of advanced technology, experienced professionals like Dr. Sung, and warm, attentive care made an incredibly stressful time feel manageable and hopeful.
You can explore more about the clinic here and check out Dr. Sung’s credentials here.