Seoul Asan Medical Center has clinched the top spot in five specialties in Newsweek’s 2026 Asia-Pacific’s Best Hospitals – Clinical Specialty Rankings.
Newsweek’s Thursday announcement revealed that Seoul Asan Medical Center dominated the Asia-Pacific rankings, securing first place in cardiology, cardiac surgery, neurology, endocrinology, and orthopedics. This achievement marks the highest number of top rankings among hospitals evaluated across 11 Asia-Pacific nations.
By outperforming advanced medical institutions in countries like Japan, Australia, and Singapore in these five specialties, Seoul Asan Medical Center has solidified its reputation as a leader in medical excellence throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
The hospital’s prowess extended beyond these top-ranked specialties. It claimed second place in oncology, respiratory medicine, and gastroenterology, fifth in pediatrics, and twelfth in neurosurgery, positioning itself among the top five in nine specialties overall.
The rankings were based on an extensive online survey conducted by Newsweek in collaboration with global research firm Statista. The survey, which ran for a month starting in February, gathered insights from over 8,000 healthcare professionals across 11 countries, including South Korea, Japan, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
Recently published on Newsweek’s website, the final results incorporate a comprehensive analysis of national healthcare performance indicators, patient satisfaction scores, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).
Seoul Asan Medical Center’s heart hospital has maintained its reign as the top cardiac care facility in the Asia-Pacific region for four consecutive years since Newsweek initiated its regional hospital evaluations.
Annually, the heart hospital manages over 200,000 outpatient visits and 60,000 inpatient cases. Its global reputation is particularly strong in cardiovascular interventions, ranking as the world’s top research institution for stent treatments in conditions like angina and myocardial infarction. The hospital achieved a milestone last year with 2,500 cases of percutaneous aortic valve stent procedures, a minimally invasive treatment for aortic stenosis, setting an Asian record.
The hospital’s international appeal is evident, with approximately 20,000 foreign patients from over 100 countries seeking treatment for severe conditions annually. Moreover, about 500 healthcare professionals from more than 60 countries visit yearly to learn cutting-edge medical techniques.
In Newsweek’s 2026 World’s Best Hospitals – Clinical Specialty Rankings, which evaluated hospitals globally, Seoul Asan Medical Center secured positions in the top ten for six specialties, a feat unmatched by any other South Korean hospital.
The hospital ranked fourth worldwide in oncology, gastroenterology, and endocrinology, sixth in neurology and urology, and eighth in orthopedics. It also received notable rankings in cardiology (17th), respiratory medicine (20th), and cardiac surgery (30th).
Dr. Park Seung-il, President of Seoul Asan Medical Center, remarked that the hospital has evolved into a global leader in treating complex diseases, earning recognition both domestically and internationally. It remains committed to advancing the treatment systems for severe illnesses, prioritizing patient safety and delivering world-class medical care.
