Key Insights• The South Korean radiotherapy market operates within a sophisticated universal healthcare system, with cancer remaining a leading cause of mortality. The National Cancer Registry projects that cancer incidence and mortality continue to rise, driving sustained demand for radiation oncology services .• External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT) constitutes the largest therapy segment, supported by advanced LINAC infrastructure and widespread adoption of IMRT and IGRT techniques. Advanced particle therapy is rapidly expanding, with three heavy ion therapy facilities now operational or under development .• Radiotherapy systems and equipment represent the largest offering segment, with the market characterised by significant investment in next-generation technologies. Seoul St. Mary's Hospital has signed a contract with IBA for a Proteus®PLUS proton therapy solution valued at EUR 80–100 million, featuring the first Adaptive Proton Therapy system in the world and Asia's first DynamicARC technology .• Hospitals and integrated cancer centres are the largest end-user segment, with major tertiary hospitals leading technology adoption. The National Health Insurance Service has expanded coverage for proton therapy to include specific indications including paediatric tumours, re-irradiation, CNS tumours, head and neck, thoracic, and abdominal cancers .• Regulatory oversight is provided by the Ministry of Science and ICT under the Act on Promotion of Use of Radiation, etc., which establishes frameworks for R&D investment and clinical systems.

The Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences serves as a key public sector institution for radiation oncology research .Market Outlook• According to the research report, "South Korea Radiotherapy Market Overview, 2031," published by Actual Market Research, the South Korea Radiotherapy market is expected to reach a market size of more than USD 190 Million by 2031. This growth reflects sustained investment in advanced radiotherapy technologies, rising cancer incidence, and expansion of health insurance coverage for precision radiation modalities.• The market is expected to benefit from significant infrastructure investment in advanced particle therapy. Asan Medical Center has broken ground on Korea's largest heavy ion therapy centre, a 12-story facility spanning 39,502 square metres, equipped with two rotating gantry treatment systems and one fixed-beam system from Toshiba, with operations slated to begin in 2031 . Seoul St. Mary's Hospital is constructing an eight-floor proton therapy centre spanning 37,851 square metres with three gantry rooms, planning to begin patient treatments by the end of 2029 .• Technology adoption is accelerating across Korean radiotherapy centres. Yonsei Cancer Center's Heavy-ion Therapy Center commenced operations in April 2023 as the world's first centre equipped with a fixed beam and two superconducting gantries for carbon-ion radiation therapy, following a decade of meticulous planning . The centre has successfully treated over 200 prostate cancer cases and is pioneering the widespread integration of heavy ion therapy in Korea .• The market is also influenced by expanding health insurance coverage.

The National Health Insurance Service has updated reimbursement criteria for proton therapy, extending coverage to paediatric tumours, re-irradiation, CNS tumours, head and neck cancer, thoracic cancer, and abdominal cancers . This expanded coverage is expected to drive patient access and treatment volumes, particularly for advanced particle therapy modalities.• Long-term growth is supported by demographic trends and sustained policy commitment. Despite a declining birth rate, the overall incidence rate of childhood tumours remains steady at approximately 0.07% of the total population, with radiotherapy utilisation showing an increasing trend associated with the introduction of more advanced techniques and extended insurance coverage .Market DynamicsDriver: Advanced Particle Therapy Infrastructure InvestmentThe primary driver of the South Korean radiotherapy market is the significant investment in advanced particle therapy infrastructure across major tertiary hospitals. Yonsei Cancer Center's Heavy-ion Therapy Center, which began clinical operations in April 2023, represents the world's first centre equipped with a fixed beam and two superconducting gantries for carbon-ion radiation therapy, following a decade of meticulous planning and collaboration . Asan Medical Center has broken ground on Korea's largest heavy ion therapy centre, a 12-story facility spanning 39,502 square metres with two rotating gantry treatment systems and one fixed-beam system manufactured by Toshiba . Seoul St.

Mary's Hospital has signed a contract with IBA for a Proteus®PLUS proton therapy system with three gantry rooms, with an end-user price ranging from EUR 80 to 100 million including a multi-year maintenance contract . This represents Korea's largest proton therapy centre, featuring the world's first Adaptive Proton Therapy system and Asia's first DynamicARC technology, which delivers proton beams continuously while a 360-degree rotating gantry adjusts angles in 0.1-degree increments . This sustained investment cycle ensures consistent demand for advanced equipment, installation services, and comprehensive maintenance contracts.Challenge: High Capital Costs and Infrastructure ConcentrationA significant challenge facing the South Korean radiotherapy market is the substantial capital investment required for advanced particle therapy facilities. The end-user price for a three-room Proteus®PLUS proton therapy system ranges from EUR 80 to 100 million including multi-year maintenance contracts . Heavy ion therapy construction requires long lead times and large-scale investment Asan Medical Center's facility will not become operational until 2031, with the Yonsei center requiring a decade of planning . Infrastructure remains concentrated in major tertiary hospitals in the Seoul metropolitan area, with the National Cancer Center operating a proton therapy system since 2007 and Samsung Medical Center since 2015 .

This concentration creates access disparities for patients from other regions who must travel to receive particle therapy. Additionally, workforce constraints the need for specialised medical physicists, radiation oncologists, and technicians for advanced particle therapy present ongoing challenges.Trend: Shift Toward Heavy Ion and Next-Generation Proton TherapyA major trend shaping the South Korean radiotherapy market is the shift toward heavy ion therapy and next-generation proton therapy technologies. Carbon-ion radiation therapy offers two to three times stronger destructive power than conventional radiation while minimising damage to normal tissue, and is expected to offer new hope for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers including pancreatic cancer, lung cancer, sarcoma, kidney cancer, and recurrent cancers that have developed resistance to existing treatments . The Yonsei Cancer Center's Heavy-ion Therapy Center, operational since April 2023, has established clinical workflows, quality assurance processes, and collaborative initiatives, treating over 200 prostate cancer cases . Seoul St. Mary's Hospital is introducing the world's first Adaptive Proton Therapy system, enabling real-time modification of treatment plans when tumours change size or shape during treatment, and Asia's first DynamicARC technology .

Asan Medical Center's facility will introduce multi-ion beam technology using not only carbon ions but also helium, neon, and oxygen ions, which could help minimise damage to normal tissue and more effectively eliminate treatment-resistant tumours, potentially expanding use to paediatric tumours . The hospital will also adopt a CT-based image-guided system to reflect changes in tumour size and location during treatment, enabling more personalised therapy .Policies• The Ministry of Science and ICT administers the Act on Promotion of Use of Radiation, etc., which establishes frameworks for R&D investment, expansion of research infrastructure, support for technology development activities, and preparation of clinical and screening systems for radiation applications . The Act also designates the Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences as a key public sector institution for radiation oncology research and medical services .• The National Health Insurance Service has updated reimbursement criteria for proton therapy under Notification No. 2023-293 (effective 1 January 2024), extending coverage to specific indications including paediatric tumours (under 18 years), re-irradiation, CNS and spinal tumours, head and neck cancer, thoracic cancer (excluding breast), and abdominal cancers .• The Ministry of Health and Welfare, through the National Cancer Registry, publishes annual cancer statistics including incidence, mortality, survival, and prevalence, providing evidence-based data for policy planning and infrastructure investment .• The Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences serves as a designated public sector institution under the Act on Promotion of Use of Radiation, supporting radiation oncology research, clinical applications, and workforce development .• The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission provides regulatory oversight for radiation safety, complementing the Ministry of Science and ICT's promotion framework.• The Cancer Control Policy Division within the Ministry of Health and Welfare coordinates national cancer control strategies, including radiotherapy infrastructure planning and access improvement.Segment AnalysisSouth Korea Radiotherapy Market By Therapy Type• External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT): This is the largest therapy segment, supported by extensive LINAC infrastructure and advanced technology adoption. The segment includes conventional LINACs from major international suppliers including Elekta, Varian Medical Systems, and Accuray . IMRT and IGRT techniques are standard across the majority of centres. Advanced particle therapy is emerging as a significant subsector: the Yonsei Cancer Center's Heavy-ion Therapy Center has been operational since April 2023 , Asan Medical Center's heavy ion facility is under construction , and Seoul St.

Mary's Hospital is developing a proton therapy centre . Approximately 60 medical institutions worldwide operate IBA systems, and Seoul St. Mary's partnership aims to establish new clinical standards in the Asian market .• Internal / Brachytherapy: This segment is clinically established, particularly for gynaecological and prostate cancers. The South Korean radiotherapy market includes internal beam radiation therapy as a distinct segment . Brachytherapy services are concentrated in specialised centres and major tertiary hospitals.• Systemic Radiotherapy: This is the fastest-growing therapy segment, driven by the emergence of novel radiopharmaceuticals and targeted radionuclide therapies. The Ministry of Science and ICT's framework for clinical and screening systems supports the development and application of radiation-based therapeutic technologies .South Korea Radiotherapy Market By Offering• Radiotherapy Systems/Equipment: This segment holds the largest market share by revenue, driven by high capital costs and significant investment in advanced particle therapy.

Major equipment suppliers include Elekta, Varian Medical Systems, and Accuray . Recent investments demonstrate substantial capital expenditure: Seoul St. Mary's Hospital's Proteus®PLUS contract is valued at EUR 80–100 million , Asan Medical Center's heavy ion facility represents a multi-billion won investment , and Yonsei Cancer Center's carbon-ion facility required a decade of planning and significant capital investment . The National Health Insurance Service's expanded proton therapy coverage is expected to drive further equipment investment .• Software & Services: This is the fastest-growing segment, reflecting increasing digitalisation of radiation oncology. The software component includes advanced treatment planning systems the Seoul St. Mary's Proton Therapy Center will feature the world's first Adaptive Proton Therapy system, enabling real-time modification of treatment plans, and Asia's first DynamicARC beam delivery technology .

The Yonsei Heavy-ion Therapy Center has implemented rigorous quality assurance processes and clinical workflows . The services component encompasses installation, comprehensive maintenance, clinical training, and technical support, with multi-year service agreements standard for advanced systems .South Korea Radiotherapy Market By Application• Breast Cancer: This is a major application segment, with breast cancer ranking among the most frequent malignancies in South Korea. Radiotherapy plays a central role in breast-conserving therapy and post-mastectomy treatment. The National Health Insurance database is being used to study radiation-associated heart disease in Korean women after radiotherapy for breast cancer .• Prostate Cancer: A significant application area, with widespread use of EBRT and advanced particle therapy. The Yonsei Cancer Center's Heavy-ion Therapy Center has successfully treated over 200 prostate cancer cases using carbon-ion radiation therapy . Proton therapy is also deployed for prostate cancer, and the National Health Insurance database has been used to study second primary cancer risk after radiotherapy for localised prostate cancer .• Lung Cancer: This segment is growing, with heavy ion therapy expected to offer new treatment options.

Asan Medical Center's heavy ion facility will target lung cancer patients with difficult-to-treat cancers .• Head & Neck Cancer: This is a critical application due to anatomical complexity, requiring highly conformal radiation delivery. Proton therapy is covered by the NHIS for head and neck cancer .• Central Nervous System / Brain: This is a significant application, with CNS tumours covered for proton therapy . Childhood brain tumours are a leading indication for advanced radiotherapy in paediatric patients .• Gastro-intestinal: Applications include pancreatic cancer a primary target for heavy ion therapy due to its location and treatment resistance as well as liver, biliary, and abdominal cancers covered for proton therapy .• Other Applications: Includes paediatric tumours the NHIS covers proton therapy for patients under 18 years as well as sarcomas (targeted by heavy ion therapy), kidney cancer, recurrent cancers, and haematological malignancies .South Korea Radiotherapy Market By End User• Hospitals & Integrated Cancer Centres: This is the largest end-user segment, with major tertiary hospitals leading technology adoption. Asan Medical Center treats one in eight cancer patients in Korea and provides care to 1.06 million cancer patients annually . Seoul St. Mary's Hospital is one of Korea's top academic hospitals and the flagship institution of the Catholic Medical Center, treating over 30,000 international patients from more than 100 countries .

Yonsei Cancer Center operates the world's first heavy ion facility with superconducting gantries . These institutions manage the most complex equipment fleets and are the primary beneficiaries of advanced technology investment.• Standalone Radiotherapy Centres: This segment includes specialised proton therapy centres and community-based facilities. The National Cancer Center, which has operated a proton therapy system since 2007, and Samsung Medical Center, which has operated since 2015, are key proton therapy providers . The segment is growing as outpatient care expands and insurance coverage broadens.• Academic/Research Institutions: This is the fastest-growing segment, reflecting their central role in advancing the field. Yonsei Cancer Center's Heavy-ion Therapy Center has established collaborative initiatives and clinical research programmes . The Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences serves as a designated public sector institution for radiation oncology research .

The Ministry of Science and ICT's Act on Promotion of Use of Radiation provides frameworks for technology development activities and clinical systems .• Other Healthcare Facilities: Includes regional hospitals and community cancer centres. Access to advanced particle therapy remains concentrated in major urban centres, with patients from other regions requiring travel for treatment.South Korea Radiotherapy Market Economics• Equipment procurement in South Korea is predominantly conducted through hospital budgets, with major tertiary hospitals leading investment. The Seoul St. Mary's Hospital contract with IBA for a three-room Proteus®PLUS proton therapy system has an end-user price ranging from EUR 80 to 100 million including multi-year maintenance . Phase 1 investment alone exceeds KRW 250 billion (approximately USD 169 million) • The economic value of advanced radiotherapy is recognised through expanded health insurance coverage. The National Health Insurance Service has extended proton therapy reimbursement to include multiple indications, reducing patient out-of-pocket costs and increasing treatment access .• Workforce economics present challenges: specialised medical physicists, radiation oncologists, and technicians are required for advanced particle therapy, with the Yonsei Heavy-ion Therapy Center requiring a decade of planning and preparation before clinical operations commenced .• Equipment downtime directly affects patient access and treatment outcomes.

Major centres with multiple systems the Seoul St. Mary's facility will have three rotating gantries enabling seamless patient flow from room entry to preparation and treatment can manage downtime more effectively than single-system facilities.• The economic impact of particle therapy investment is substantial: the Asan Medical Center heavy ion facility, Yonsei Cancer Center carbon-ion centre, and Seoul St. Mary's proton centre collectively represent hundreds of millions of dollars in capital investment, generating sustained demand for equipment, maintenance, and service contracts through 2031.• The cost of cybersecurity and software modernisation is an emerging factor, with connected radiotherapy devices requiring ongoing patch management. The Adaptive Proton Therapy system's software-driven capabilities highlight the importance of cybersecurity in modern radiotherapy .Market Outlook by Infrastructure, Investment and Industry Development• Asan Medical Center has broken ground on Korea's largest heavy ion therapy centre, a 12-story facility spanning 39,502 square metres with three basement floors and nine above-ground floors. The centre will house two rotating gantry treatment systems and one fixed-beam system manufactured by Toshiba, with operations slated to begin in 2031 .• Seoul St. Mary's Hospital has signed a contract with IBA for a Proteus®PLUS proton therapy solution with three gantry rooms, featuring the world's first Adaptive Proton Therapy system and Asia's first DynamicARC beam delivery technology .

The centre will span eight floors covering 37,851 square metres, with Phase 1 investment exceeding KRW 250 billion (USD 169 million). Patient treatments are planned to begin by late 2029 . The hospital will be the first in Asia to introduce DynamicARC technology, which delivers proton beams continuously while a 360-degree rotating gantry adjusts angles in 0.1-degree increments .• Yonsei Cancer Center's Heavy-ion Therapy Center commenced clinical operations in April 2023 as the world's first centre equipped with a fixed beam and two superconducting gantries for carbon-ion radiation therapy, following a decade of planning . The centre has treated over 200 prostate cancer cases and is pioneering the widespread integration of heavy ion therapy .• The National Health Insurance Service's expanded proton therapy coverage is expected to drive treatment volumes and infrastructure investment. Reimbursement now covers paediatric tumours, re-irradiation, CNS and spinal tumours, head and neck cancer, thoracic cancer, and abdominal cancers.• The National Cancer Registry, managed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, provides annual cancer statistics including incidence, mortality, survival, and prevalence, supporting evidence-based policy and infrastructure planning .• The Ministry of Science and ICT's Act on Promotion of Use of Radiation, etc. establishes frameworks for R&D investment, expansion of research infrastructure, support for technology development, and preparation of clinical systems, with the Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences serving as a key public sector institution .• The long-term outlook remains positive as cancer incidence continues to rise, technology innovation accelerates through heavy ion and next-generation proton therapy, and sustained public and private investment drives equipment modernisation and infrastructure expansion across South Korea's healthcare system.Considered in this report• Historic Year: 2020• Base year: 2025• Estimated year: 2026• Forecast year: 2031Aspects covered in this report• Radiotherapy Market with its value and forecast along with its segments• Various drivers and challenges• On-going trends and developments• Top profiled companies• Strategic recommendationBy Therapy Type• External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT)• Internal / Brachytherapy• Systemic RadiotherapyBy Offering• Radiotherapy Systems/Equipment• Software & ServicesBy Application• Breast Cancer• Prostate Cancer• Lung Cancer• Head & Neck Cancer• Central Nervous System / Brain• Gastro-intestinal• Other ApplicationsBy End User• Hospitals & Integrated Cancer Centers• Standalone Radiotherapy Centers• Academic/Research Institutions• Other Healthcare Facilities.