Living with hemorrhoids isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be downright exhausting.
I dealt with hemorrhoids for years while living in Japan, but I kept postponing surgery—not because of embarrassment, but for more practical reasons. The cost was high, and most clinics required at least a three-day hospital stay. Through my research, I also got the sense that Korea offered more advanced proctology procedures and a wider range of surgical options. That gave me the confidence to return to my home country, Korea, where I could receive faster, more modern treatment at a lower cost.
This post isn’t just about my personal journey—it’s also a practical guide for foreigners living abroad and considering hemorrhoid surgery in Korea. From choosing a clinic and understanding the costs to recovery tips (and yes, what that first trip to the bathroom really feels like), I’ll walk you through everything—no sugarcoating.
Table of Contents :
- Why I Chose Korea Over Japan for My Surgery
- Before the Surgery: Diagnosis & Choosing a Clinic
- Can Foreigners Get Surgery in Korea?
- Tips for Navigating Korean Hospitals as a Foreigner
- Surgery Day: What Really Happens
- The First Days After: Pain, Poop & Recovery
- Life After Surgery: 4 Years Later
- FAQs for Foreigners Considering Surgery in Korea
- Final Thoughts: Stop Suffering in Silence
Why I Chose Korea Over Japan for My Surgery
Living with hemorrhoids for years while residing in Japan wasn’t easy. I struggled with discomfort, heaviness, and constant worry about flare-ups. The idea of surgery kept coming up, but I hesitated. I wasn’t sure if I should trust the Japanese system with something this personal—or whether I should just go back to Korea.
Eventually, I decided to get the surgery done in Korea. Not because Japan lacks quality healthcare—it doesn’t. But in terms of affordability, modern procedures, and overall patient experience, Korea just made more sense for me.
Being Korean myself, I already knew the strengths of Korea’s medical system. Appointments are fast, clinics are well-equipped, and surgeons are highly experienced. I felt more confident that I’d get the most up-to-date treatment without the language barrier or complex insurance paperwork.
Also, Korean hospitals offer efficient scheduling. From first consultation to surgery, the process took less than two weeks—something that would’ve been much slower and pricier in Japan.
Before the Surgery: Diagnosis & Choosing a Clinic
By the time I decided to get help, I was nearly certain I had Stage 3 or 4 internal hemorrhoids. I had to manually push them back in after using the bathroom. Some days, the discomfort lasted all day, even while walking or sitting.
I did a lot of research online, reading patient stories and comparing clinics. I knew I wanted a clinic that specialized in proctology—not just general surgery—and one that used modern techniques like laser removal.
My top priorities were:
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A specialized hemorrhoid clinic
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Good reviews and patient testimonials
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Latest equipment and less invasive procedures
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A location not too far from my family’s home
Eventually, I found a reputable clinic in Gimpo, where I could get a laser hemorrhoidectomy. The doctor explained that it would involve less bleeding, quicker healing, and milder pain compared to traditional methods. That sounded exactly like what I needed.
Can Foreigners Get Surgery in Korea?
Absolutely—foreigners can get surgery in Korea, even without Korean national health insurance. If you're living in Korea for more than six months and have a valid Alien Registration Card (ARC), you’re eligible to join the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), which covers 70–80% of the procedure cost.
But even if you don’t have insurance—like tourists or short-term residents—you can still receive treatment. You’ll just have to pay the full cost out-of-pocket. Some clinics may charge higher “international rates,” so it's smart to ask for a quote in advance.
In fact, Korean hospitals are increasingly used to treating foreign patients. Some even have English-speaking staff or interpreters available. Larger cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu have many clinics that are foreigner-friendly and accustomed to handling everything discreetly.
A close friend of mine used to work at a proctology clinic in Seoul. She once shared that a very famous Japanese football player quietly came in for hemorrhoid surgery. The hospital ensured total privacy, and the story never made it to the press. That level of confidentiality and professionalism is one of the reasons Korea attracts even international patients.
Learn more about how foreign residents can enroll in Korea’s National Health Insurance here.
Tips for Navigating Korean Hospitals as a Foreigner
Going to a hospital in another country can be intimidating. But Korea’s healthcare system is surprisingly efficient, even for foreigners—once you know a few tricks.
First, appointments: Many local clinics accept walk-ins, but it’s safer to book in advance, especially for surgery consultations. Some clinics allow reservations through KakaoTalk or Naver, and bigger hospitals may have English websites.
Language: While not every doctor speaks fluent English, many clinics in major cities do have English-speaking staff. Search “foreigner-friendly hemorrhoid clinic in Seoul” or check Google reviews for clues. Clinics that frequently treat expats or international patients tend to advertise this clearly.
Payment: Credit cards are widely accepted, and you’ll receive a printed receipt you can submit to travel insurance if needed. If you’re uninsured, ask for a detailed price breakdown beforehand—especially if you’re being quoted “international rates.”
Cultural tips: Korean clinics prioritize privacy, especially in proctology. Separate waiting areas, same-gender staff, and personal consultations are common. As a woman, I never felt uncomfortable—the staff were respectful and professional throughout.
You can find English-speaking clinics in Seoul via the Seoul Global Center’s medical page.
Surgery Day: What Really Happens
About a week after my initial consultation, I came in for surgery. I had already done a colonoscopy and pre-surgery tests (bloodwork, EKG), all of which took under an hour on a previous visit.
On surgery day, I arrived around 9 AM. After paperwork and final instructions, I was prepped for spinal anesthesia. It wasn’t as scary as I expected—staff were calm and kind, and the atmosphere was peaceful, even with light music in the background.
The surgery itself took only about 15 minutes. The doctor used a laser device to remove three or four internal hemorrhoids. There was no general anesthesia, no stitches, and barely any bleeding.
After the procedure, I was helped to a recovery room where I rested for a few hours. I stayed overnight for observation. The nurses were attentive, helping me lie down and begin post-op care. The next morning, I had a light meal and was discharged by noon.
I was sent home with medication, gauze, and instructions to begin sitz baths three times a day. The pain was manageable at first, but I knew the real challenge was coming: the first poop.
The First Days After: Pain, Poop & Recovery
Let me be honest: the first bowel movement after hemorrhoid surgery is no joke. It’s the one thing nobody can really prepare you for—except someone who’s been through it.
On the evening of my discharge, my doctor warned me not to delay pooping. “Eat a full meal, and go as soon as nature calls. Holding it in makes it worse.”
So I ate. A lot. Soft food, lots of fluids, fiber. And on Day 2, it happened.
The pain was… intense. Like trying to pass broken glass through a fire. Even with pain meds still in my system, I broke out in cold sweat and almost fainted. The key, the doctor had said, was not to stop mid-push—just get it over with.
The second time was almost scarier, because now I knew what to expect. But slowly, it got better. Sitz baths helped. Painkillers helped. Moving around gently helped. I started tracking my meals, bowel timing, and water intake.
Within a week, the worst was over. After two weeks, I was nearly back to normal.
Life After Surgery: 4 Years Later
Fast forward four years—and not once have I regretted the decision to get the surgery. I haven’t had a single recurrence, and the daily discomfort that once ruled my life is completely gone.
No more itching, swelling, or anxiety every time I had to sit for long periods. No more bathroom dread. I could travel, exercise, even bike again—without fear.
One of the biggest changes has been my overall quality of life. It’s something you don’t fully recognize until it’s restored. Before the surgery, I often felt discomfort while sitting, especially during long work hours. I found myself avoiding certain activities, like biking or going out for long periods, simply because I didn’t want to deal with the discomfort or risk a flare-up. Now, all of that is behind me.
Honestly, the only thing I’d do differently? I would’ve done it sooner.
FAQs for Foreigners Considering Surgery in Korea
Q: Can I get surgery without Korean health insurance?
A: Yes, but you’ll pay full price. Some clinics offer transparent pricing even for uninsured patients—just be sure to ask upfront.Q: How much does hemorrhoid surgery cost in Korea?
A: With insurance, it can be as low as 300,000 to 500,000 KRW ($250–$400 USD). Without insurance, expect 1.5x to 3x that amount.Q: Will they speak English at the clinic?
A: Some do—especially in big cities or clinics that treat expats. Search online for “foreigner-friendly” clinics or ask locals for recommendations.Q: How long is the recovery time?
A: Mild activity is possible within a few days. Full recovery can take 2–3 weeks, depending on your body and procedure type.Q: Is the procedure private and discreet?
A: Absolutely. Korean clinics are very professional and privacy-focused. You won’t feel exposed or embarrassed.Q: Should I be scared of the pain?
A: The surgery itself isn’t bad. The first few days after—especially the first poop—are rough, but manageable. And 100% worth it.Final Thoughts: Stop Suffering in Silence
Hemorrhoids aren’t glamorous. They’re not fun to talk about, especially in another country, and especially if you're a woman. But they are incredibly common—and treatable.
Looking back, I realize how much time I lost trying to “manage it” on my own. Creams, baths, diets, wishful thinking—none of it worked long-term. Surgery did.
If you’re living abroad and struggling with hemorrhoids, Korea is genuinely one of the best places to get treated. Modern techniques, affordable care, and respect for your privacy make all the difference.
And if a famous international athlete trusted a Korean clinic to handle his hemorrhoids quietly and effectively—so can you.
Don’t suffer in silence. You deserve to feel better.
