When it comes to healthcare, South Korea has once again proven its excellence on the global stage. In the latest 'World's Best Hospitals 2025' ranking by Newsweek and Statista, 16 Korean hospitals have been recognized among the top 250 globally, with six making it into the prestigious top 100.

Seoul Asan Hospital Leads the Way
For the seventh consecutive year, Seoul Asan Medical Center has secured its position as South Korea’s best hospital. Ranking 25th worldwide, Seoul Asan remains a leader in patient care, medical research, and innovation. Despite slipping three spots from last year’s 22nd place, the hospital continues to set the standard for medical excellence in Korea.
Following closely, Samsung Medical Center moved up to 30th place, improving by four spots from the previous year. Other top-ranked hospitals include Seoul National University Hospital (42nd place) and Severance Hospital (46th place), both maintaining strong global reputations.
A Notable Rise for Bundang Seoul National University Hospital and Gangnam Severance
One of the biggest highlights of this year’s ranking is the impressive climb of Bundang Seoul National University Hospital (68th place) and Gangnam Severance Hospital (87th place). These institutions, not traditionally part of Korea’s “Big 5” hospitals, have demonstrated exceptional growth, improving by 13 and 7 spots, respectively. Their recognition underscores the expanding influence of Korea’s healthcare sector beyond its most well-known institutions.

Beyond the Top 100: More Korean Hospitals Gaining Global Recognition
Several other Korean hospitals also earned a place in the global rankings:
Ajou University Hospital (103rd place)
Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital (108th place)
Inha University Hospital (139th place)
Kyung Hee University Hospital (171st place)
Kangbuk Samsung Hospital (174th place)
Konkuk University Medical Center (176th place)
Korea University Anam Hospital (181st place)
Yeouido St. Mary’s Hospital (197th place)
Chung-Ang University Hospital (207th place)
Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital (223rd place)
A common trend among these hospitals is their commitment to advanced medical research, high patient satisfaction, and continuous innovation in healthcare delivery.

Korea’s Dominance in Healthcare: A Closer Look
One striking observation is that all 16 Korean hospitals on the list are located in Seoul, Gyeonggi, or Incheon, with no hospitals from outside the metropolitan area making the cut. This highlights the concentration of Korea’s top medical facilities in and around the capital region.
South Korea’s ranking also reflects its strong international reputation in medical tourism, cutting-edge treatments, and patient-centered care. The country remains a top destination for both domestic and international patients seeking high-quality medical services at competitive costs.
Global Healthcare Landscape: Where Does Korea Stand?
While South Korea's medical institutions continue to climb in international rankings, the top spot worldwide remains with the Mayo Clinic (USA). Other leading hospitals include Cleveland Clinic (USA), Toronto General Hospital (Canada), Johns Hopkins Hospital (USA), and Karolinska University Hospital (Sweden), making up the global top five.
In Asia, Singapore General Hospital (9th place) emerged as the highest-ranked institution, reinforcing the region’s growing prominence in global healthcare.
Final Thoughts: Korea’s Continued Excellence in Medicine
The consistent presence of South Korean hospitals in Newsweek’s annual ranking is a testament to the country’s world-class healthcare system. As institutions like Seoul Asan Medical Center, Samsung Medical Center, and Seoul National University Hospital continue to set benchmarks, the future of Korean healthcare looks even more promising.
For expats, international patients, and medical professionals considering healthcare in Korea, these rankings offer valuable insights into where to find the best medical care. As South Korea continues to advance in medical research, patient care, and healthcare innovation, its hospitals remain among the best choices for both local and international patients.
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