How Much Does an Abortion Cost in Korea? A 2025 Price Guide
Abortion has been legal in South Korea since January 2021, following a landmark decriminalization. However, the cost of abortion services remains an out-of-pocket expense, and prices vary depending on the procedure type, gestational age, and clinic location. This guide provides a detailed look at estimated costs across key cities as of 2025.
1. Overview of Typical Costs
- Surgical abortion (vacuum aspiration) generally ranges from 600,000 to 900,000 KRW (~US $414–621) at private clinics, covering both consultation and procedure
- Some clinics, particularly in Seoul, offer a broader range with costs from 500,000 to 1,500,000 KRW (~US $345–1,035), reflecting differences in services, gestational stage, and reputation .
2. What Affects the Price?
Several variables influence the total cost:
- Gestational age – Earlier procedures are cheaper, while later-term abortions cost more due to complexity
- Procedure type – Medical (pill) abortions tend to be less expensive, but surgical methods are more common and fully priced services range higher.
- Clinic reputation & location – High-end clinics in Gangnam or Busan’s medical centers typically charge more
- Included services – A full package may include ultrasound, anesthesia, follow-up visits, lab work, or STI screening.
3. City-by-City Price Summary
City/RegionTypical Cost Range (KRW)NotesSeoul600,000–1,500,000Prices vary by clinic tier, gestational age, and services Busan600,000–900,000Private clinics in Seomyeon Medical Street likely follow similar pricing to Seoul .Daegu & Others~700,000 averageSome evidence cites standard support at ~700,000 KRW for surgical procedures .
4. What’s Included—and What’s Not
Most quoted prices usually cover:
- Pre-procedure ultrasound and consultation
- The abortion (surgical or medical)
- Follow-up visit to ensure procedure success
Not always included:
- Anesthesia fees (if general anesthesia is used)
- Lab work (STI or blood tests)
- Additional medications or aftercare essentials
5. Payment Logistics
- All services in Korea are paid fully out-of-pocket; national health insurance does not cover abortion
- Clinics often require 10% to 30% deposit at booking, with the remainder due on the day of the procedure
- Some clinics accept international credit cards, while others may request cash payments in KRW.
6. Tips for Financial Preparedness
- Ask for a detailed breakdown when booking—consultation, procedure, anesthesia, follow-up, etc.
- Prepare the full estimated amount in advance; bring extra in case of unexpected needs.
- Confirm payment options, especially for international visitors.
- Discuss follow-up visit policies—some clinics include it in the cost, others charge separately.
Final Thoughts
- Surgical abortions typically cost between 600,000–900,000 KRW, but in upscale urban clinics the range can widen to 1,500,000 KRW, depending on services and timing.
- Medical abortions (pill-based) may be cheaper but are less universally offered.
- Regional differences across Seoul, Busan, and elsewhere are modest, though facility quality—especially in specialized medical districts—may affect price.
If you’re planning an abortion in Korea, it’s best to contact clinics directly, inquire about gestational stage caps, service inclusions, and total outlay, especially as a foreign national.
Let me know if you'd like help drafting inquiry scripts, finding clinics that clearly state pricing, or creating a multi-city clinic cost comparison table!
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