Three South Korean hospitals have been ranked among the top 10 cancer centers in the world, according to the latest edition of the “World’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2026” published by Newsweek in collaboration with global data firm Statista. Samsung Medical Center was ranked third globally in the oncology category, followed by Asan Medical Center in fourth place and Seoul National University (SNU) Hospital in eighth. Samsung Medical Center and SNU Hospital maintained the same positions as in the previous year, while Asan Medical Center moved up from fifth place.
The annual ranking evaluates hospitals across 12 medical specialties, including oncology, cardiology, neurology and endocrinology. It is based on recommendations from over 40,000 medical professionals in more than 30 countries, accreditation data and key performance indicators such as patient outcomes and treatment quality. In the oncology category, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York retained the top spot, followed by MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.
The rankings place South Korea among the leading countries in global cancer care, with three institutions featured in the top 10, the second-highest representation after the United States, which had four. In total, 17 South Korean hospitals were included in the top 300 global oncology institutions, underlining the country’s expanding role in international medical services. These rankings reflect sustained investments in medical technology, infrastructure and specialized care across the nation’s healthcare sector.
Samsung, Asan and SNU hospitals secure top 10 cancer positions
Seoul’s Asan Medical Center was recognized for its comprehensive cancer care services and ranked in the top 10 globally in six separate specialties, including oncology, cardiology and endocrinology. Samsung Medical Center also appeared in the top 10 in three categories, while Seoul National University Hospital ranked second in urology worldwide, following the Cleveland Clinic in the United States. The top 10 cancer hospitals in the 2026 ranking included institutions from six countries: the United States, South Korea, France, the UK, Germany and Canada.
Other facilities in the top tier included Gustave Roussy Institute in France, Royal Marsden Hospital in the United Kingdom and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Canada. Samsung Medical Center, established in 1994, is part of the Samsung Group and operates a highly specialized Cancer Center equipped with advanced technologies such as precision radiation therapy and robotic surgery systems. Asan Medical Center, founded in 1989, is affiliated with the University of Ulsan College of Medicine and is known for its multidisciplinary approach in treating complex cancers.
Hospitals evaluated across 12 medical specialties worldwide
Seoul National University Hospital, a leading teaching hospital, has been a central institution in South Korea’s public healthcare system since its founding in 1885. The Newsweek-Statista rankings are among the most referenced international assessments of hospital performance. The 2026 edition evaluated over 2,400 hospitals globally, incorporating surveys from physicians, hospital managers and healthcare professionals, as well as publicly available data on patient outcomes.
South Korea’s strong performance in the rankings comes amid increasing global demand for high-quality cancer treatment and rising medical tourism across Asia. The country has consistently developed advanced capabilities in clinical research, diagnostics and patient-centered care, positioning its major hospitals as regional leaders in specialized medicine. The three South Korean institutions in the top 10 continue to draw patients from across Asia, with growing recognition of their adherence to international standards in clinical excellence and hospital management. – By Content Syndication Services.