Korea is home to some of the best hospitals in the world.
Its top medical centers are known for advanced technology, skilled doctors, and world-class care.
This list is based on Newsweek’s “World’s Best Hospitals 2026,” a trusted global ranking.
In this post, we count down Korea’s Top 5 hospitals — from No. 5 to No. 1 — with their world rank and special fields.
Note: Newsweek gives both a national rank (within Korea) and a global rank (on its worldwide list). Rankings can change every year — always check the latest information and consult a doctor for medical decisions.
No. 5 — Seoul National University Bundang Hospital
- Korea rank: No. 5 | World rank: around No. 54 worldwide
- Location: Seongnam (Gyeonggi-do)
- Special fields: Brain & nerve (neurosurgery), cancer surgery (laparoscopic), heart surgery
Seoul National University Bundang Hospital opened in 2003 as part of the Seoul National University system.
It is famous as a fully digital “smart hospital,” and it is especially strong in brain and nerve (neurosurgery), minimally invasive (laparoscopic) cancer surgery, and heart surgery. It runs specialized centers for cancer, the brain and nerves, the heart and blood vessels, the spine, and more.
SNU Bundang Hospital in Google Maps
No. 4 — Seoul National University Hospital
- Korea rank: No. 4 | World rank: around No. 41 worldwide
- Location: Seoul (Jongno-gu)
- Special fields: Rare & complex diseases, pediatric (children’s) care, cancer
Seoul National University Hospital is the main hospital of Korea’s top national university and one of the most respected in the country.
It is a leader in treating rare and complex diseases that other hospitals find difficult, and it runs a well-known children’s hospital for pediatric care. It is also a national leader in cancer treatment and medical research.
Seoul National University Hospital in Google Maps
No. 3 — Severance Hospital (Yonsei University)
- Korea rank: No. 3 | World rank: around No. 39 worldwide
- Location: Seoul (Seodaemun-gu)
- Special fields: Robotic surgery (especially thyroid), cardiovascular care, cancer
Severance Hospital, part of Yonsei University, has deep roots as one of Korea’s first modern Western hospitals.
It is a pioneer of robotic surgery in Korea and is especially known for robotic thyroid surgery.
It also runs a dedicated cardiovascular hospital and a cancer hospital, making heart and cancer care two of its biggest strengths.
Severance Hospital in Google Maps
No. 2 — Asan Medical Center
- Korea rank: No. 2 | World rank: around No. 28 worldwide
- Location: Seoul (Songpa-gu)
- Special fields: Liver & organ transplantation, cardiology & heart surgery, cancer
Asan Medical Center held Korea’s No. 1 position for seven years in a row before 2026.
It is world-famous for liver transplantation, where it developed several world-first techniques and performs one of the highest volumes of living-donor liver transplants anywhere. It is also a leader in heart disease and heart surgery, and in cancer treatment.
Asan Medical Center in Google Maps
No. 1 — Samsung Medical Center
- Korea rank: No. 1 | World rank: around No. 26 worldwide (highest in Korea in 2026)
- Location: Seoul (Gangnam-gu)
- Special fields: Stomach (gastric) cancer, proton therapy for cancer, organ transplantation
Samsung Medical Center opened in 1994 and rose to become Korea’s No. 1 hospital in 2026.
Its gastric (stomach) cancer center is well known for personalized treatment using genetic analysis, and the hospital offers advanced proton therapy to treat tumors with less damage to healthy tissue.
It is also strong in organ transplantation and robotic surgery, with a focus on comfortable, patient-centered care.
Samsung Medical Center in Google Maps
