A closer look at the hospital

Seoul National University Hospital is a university teaching hospital in Seoul with cancer care and international medical services. Medical oncology is organised around lung, breast, gastrointestinal and other diseases, supporting discussion of treatment and research options. International referrals should specify the receiving hospital and campus.

Its public specialist directory identifies disease-specific fields and clinical research, including lung and breast cancer. Explain the decision that needs attention so the hospital can identify the relevant service. The International Healthcare Center provides an entry point for enquiries and communication; confirm the scope for the particular visit.

Clinical strengths

Lung cancer and clinical research

Lung cancer review considers pathology, molecular features and prior therapy. After progression on targeted treatment, submit the original genomic report, medication timeline and progression scans to discuss whether more testing is useful.

Breast oncology and precision treatment

Breast care is guided by subtype and treatment stage. Receptor, HER2 and other relevant results, prior regimens and responses support discussion of medicines and research assessment.

Gastrointestinal and other solid tumours

The official directory lists fields including gastric and liver cancers, gastrointestinal stromal tumours and head and neck cancer. Exact pathology helps route the referral more effectively than a broad label such as advanced cancer.

Specialists & clinical teams

Dong-Wan Kim

Lung cancer and clinical trials

The medical oncology directory lists lung cancer and clinical trials among his fields, identifying the disease focus of the relevant team.

View supporting source

Seock-Ah Im

Breast cancer and precision medicine

The hospital’s precision medicine directory describes her breast cancer and related oncology fields. Appointments and case acceptance should be confirmed through the hospital.

View supporting source

Study results describe selected patient groups, not an individual doctor’s success rate. Availability, case acceptance and the treating team require hospital confirmation.

Your international care journey

Contact the International Healthcare Center with the diagnosis, intended specialty and language needs. Confirm English record requirements, fees and location. Use the full hospital name throughout the referral and travel arrangements to distinguish it from other institutions in the university system.

Share your records and questions
Send the diagnosis, pathology, imaging and treatment history. Explain whether you want a second opinion, information about a treatment or an in-person visit. We help organise the records and identify missing information.
Confirm the specialty and acceptance
The relevant service confirms whether it can accept the case and whether pathology review or more records are needed. The hospital determines whether remote assessment or a multidisciplinary opinion is appropriate.
Agree appointments, costs and travel
Confirm the campus, first appointment, proposed assessment and payment requirements before arranging visas, accommodation, transport and interpreting. Discuss caregivers and length of stay when repeated treatment is expected.
Attend assessment and discuss the plan
The clinicians assess the case, arrange necessary tests and explain suitable options, expected benefits and risks. Discuss costs and logistics alongside the clinical plan before deciding on the next step.
Stay informed during treatment
Agreed support can include appointments, interpreting and communication during care. Keep track of questions and clinical feedback, and review schedules, costs and family arrangements if the treatment plan changes.
Return home with a follow-up plan
Before departure, collect the discharge summary, pathology and imaging, medicines and follow-up plan. Clarify pending reports and contact arrangements, with support for communication between local and treating clinicians where agreed.

What to prepare for the first enquiry

Identify the main cancer diagnosis and any additional specialist needs. Send the treatment summary, current test results and a medication list through the International Healthcare Center’s stated process.

Diagnosis & pathology

Diagnosis summary, complete pathology, immunohistochemistry, available molecular tests and where tissue is held.

Original imaging

Recent and pretreatment imaging studies with reports and dates, so changes can be compared.

Treatment timeline

Operations, radiotherapy plans, each drug regimen, responses and major side effects; current medicines and allergies.

Your practical needs

Home country, preferred language, possible travel dates, caregiver needs and the questions you want answered.

Start with the records you already have. We can help identify gaps; do not arrange additional tests solely to make an enquiry.

See the full records checklist

Practical details to settle before travel

Costs & payment

Ask what the hospital estimate includes, deposits, additional charges and refund arrangements. Plan travel and living costs separately. Insurance coverage and direct billing require confirmation.

Language & records

Confirm interpreting for appointments, communication during treatment and the language of records. Our China coordination includes Chinese and English support; other languages need advance confirmation of availability and arrangements.

Campus, accommodation & caregivers

Consultations, tests and admission may take place at different sites. Distance, accessibility, caregiver rules and follow-up frequency all affect the itinerary and should be considered once the clinical plan is clearer.

Length of stay & returning home

Assessment, surgery, radiotherapy and cellular treatment have different schedules. Ask the hospital for the expected course, allowing for results and changes in the plan. Confirm readiness to return home with the clinical team.

How Chirona can help

If you are comparing hospitals in different countries, we can first help organise your records, priorities and questions. We will explain the coordination available for the particular institution before accepting an engagement; its international service confirms clinical acceptance.

The hospital and clinicians make diagnostic, treatment and acceptance decisions. Chirona provides consultation and care coordination within the agreed scope.

Explore our service process

Questions before you decide

Are appointments interchangeable across Seoul National University hospitals?

Do not assume so. Check the full hospital name, address and clinician on the appointment confirmation. Testing, charges and acceptance arrangements apply to the specific institution.

Can I request one of the specialists featured here?

Tell us your preference and we can help enquire. The hospital confirms acceptance, the specialist’s involvement and who provides outpatient or inpatient care. It may also recommend another suitable clinician within the specialty.

Can I contact Chirona before choosing a hospital?

Yes. Share the diagnosis, treatment history and the decision you need help with. We can organise the questions to consider when comparing hospitals and explain the coordination available.

Does submitting records confirm treatment?

Submitting records starts the assessment. The hospital must confirm acceptance and clinical suitability and may require more information or in-person tests. Appointment confirmation, the treatment plan and costs should be clarified separately.

Sources & further reading

Profiles draw on the institutional sources below, including historical material where it explains a programme’s development. Appointments, services and research recruitment can change and need confirmation when enquiring.