TL;DR: BPH procedures in Busan: Aquablation $4,800–$6,200, UroLift $4,200–$5,400, Rezum $3,900–$5,000, TURP $3,200–$4,200, HoLEP $4,000–$5,200. All 40–68% less than US private sector.
| Procedure | Busan, Korea | USA Private | UK Private | Australia | Singapore | Saving vs USA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aquablation (AQUABEAM) | $4,800–$6,200 | $12,000–$20,000 | £8,000–£14,000 | AUD 15,000–22,000 | SGD 16,000–24,000 | ~60% |
| UroLift | $4,200–$5,400 | $8,000–$14,000 | £5,000–£9,000 | AUD 10,000–15,000 | SGD 10,000–16,000 | ~55% |
| Rezum Water Vapor | $3,900–$5,000 | $7,000–$12,000 | £5,000–£8,000 | AUD 9,000–13,000 | SGD 9,000–13,000 | ~52% |
| TURP | $3,200–$4,200 | $12,000–$20,000 | £6,000–£10,000 | AUD 11,000–17,000 | SGD 10,000–16,000 | ~70% |
| HoLEP | $4,000–$5,200 | $14,000–$22,000 | £8,000–£14,000 | AUD 14,000–20,000 | SGD 13,000–19,000 | ~68% |
Data note: All Busan pricing is all-in: surgeon, anaesthesia, OR, device, hospital stay where required, follow-up. Aquablation is available only at Seomyeon L Urology in Busan (PROCEPT certified). All pricing is clinic-reported and subject to change. Verify in writing with the clinic before booking flights or making financial commitments. Busan Urology Guide does not guarantee accuracy of pricing data.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) affects approximately 50% of men over 50 and 90% of men over 80. For foreign patients, Korea offers all five major BPH procedures at 40–70% less than US private sector pricing, with English-speaking board-certified urologists and published recovery timelines.
The most important decision is ejaculation preservation. TURP — the traditional gold standard — causes retrograde ejaculation (dry orgasm) in approximately 65% of patients. This is permanent. For sexually active men, the choice of procedure matters significantly beyond symptom relief alone.
Aquablation is the newest option and the best for ejaculation preservation combined with large prostate anatomy. Available only at Seomyeon L Urology in Busan (PROCEPT certified). USD $4,800–$6,200. Minimum Busan stay: 7–10 days.
UroLift preserves ejaculation in 100% of patients. Best for prostate ≤80mL without significant median lobe. Day surgery. USD $4,200–$5,400. Minimum stay: 4–5 days — the shortest recovery of all five options.
Rezum steam therapy preserves ejaculation in ~92%. Best for 30–80mL with median lobe involvement. Day surgery. USD $3,900–$5,000. Minimum stay: 4–5 days.
TURP is the benchmark for symptom relief and 5-year durability in large prostates. Ejaculation affected in ~65%. Best for prostate >80mL or prior UroLift failure. USD $3,200–$4,200. Minimum stay: 8–10 days.
HoLEP has the lowest 10-year retreatment rate (2–4%). Ejaculation affected in ~50%. Best for very large prostates (>80mL) or patients who want the most durable single intervention. USD $4,000–$5,200.