Whilst Japan is one of the world leaders when it comes to Stem Cell Research, when it comes to Stem Cell Therapy treatments, Japan is not necessarily “better” than South Korea. It truly depends on the actual clinic you’re visiting.
However, if you’re looking for Cartistem injections for Knee osteoarthritis specifically, then South Korea is the best option for you.
We go through a full comparison below, to help you understand differences in legal regulations, costs & treatment options available.
Our team is here to help you understand what treatments you can actually get in each country, and how to stay safe.
Alt Treatment Vetting Guarantee
All prices are updated as of December 2025. Our pricing data is attained from real clinics in Japan & South Korea and verified patient treatment data. Legal Data is obtained directly from official government sources (Japan’s MHLW & South Korea’s MFDS/MOHW) and is reviewed monthly.
Stem Cell Therapy Regulations in Japan Vs South Korea
Stem Cell Therapy is legal in both Japan & South Korea, but there are slight differences in how Japan’s Act on the Safety of Regenerative Medicine & South Korea’s Advanced Regenerative Medicine & Advanced Biological Products operate.
The table below breaks it down:
| Factor | Japan | South Korea |
| Regulatory Body | MLHW | MFDS & MOHW |
| Treatments Allowed | Approved Clinics are allowed Experimental Stem Cell Treatments such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimers. BUT this doesn’t mean the treatment has been proven to work. | Approved Clinics are allowed Experimental Stem Cell Treatments such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimers. BUT this doesn’t mean the treatment has been proven to work |
| Cells Used | Autologous, Adipose Derived Stem Cells | Autologous Adipose & Bone Marrow Derived |
| Culturing Allowed | Clinics are allowed to culture or grow cells in an accredited lab | Clinics are allowed to culture or grow cells in an accredited lab |
| Certifications Required | – Approved clinic ✅ -Separate approval required for each condition treated ✅ | – Approved clinic ✅ – Approved regenerative treatment method ✅ – One approved method can be used for more than one condition |
| Regulation Documentation | Japan’s Act on the Safety of Regenerative Medicine | South Korea’s Advanced Regenerative Medicine & Advanced Biological Products |
If you want to read more about Japan or South Korea’s regulations, take a look at our guides:
Does Stem Cell Therapy cost more in Japan or South Korea?
Generally, yes, Stem Cell Therapy costs slightly more in Japan. While orthopedic prices are competitive, Wellness therapies in South Korea can be cheaper, starting at just $3,600 compared to $14,000 in Japan.
We’ve gathered our pricing data in a few different ways & we’re always updating it! Here’s a breakdown of average prices in each country:
| Condition | Average Japan Cost (USD) | Average South Korea Cost (USD) |
| Hair Loss | $3,500 to $15,000 | $3,000 to $10,000 |
| Orthopedic (joints, knees) | $6,900 to $15,000 | $8,000 to $12,000 |
| Wellness Treatment | $14,000 to $35,000 | $3600 to $26,000 |
For more detailed price lists, these cost guides will be useful:
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Do they use the same Stem Cells in South Korea & Japan?
Whilst clinics in Japan & South Korea both use your own stem cells, clinics in Japan will use Mesenchymal Stem cells from your fat tissue, whilst Korean clinics will use MSC stem cells from both your fat tissue & your bone marrow, depending on your condition.
- Both countries will grow your stem cells and this process takes 4-5 weeks.
- Typically you’d either stay for the full duration or make two separate trips.
Not sure if you should get stem cell treatment in Japan or South Korea? We’ll help you decide. We’ll walk you through real data on success rates for each condition, stem cell treatments that don’t work & how to avoid poor clinics.
What Stem Cell Treatment’s can I get in Japan vs South Korea
You can get Stem Cell Treatments for the same conditions in Japan & South Korea, both countries are legally allowed to perform experimental treatments. However, you can’t get umbilical cord derived Stem Cell Treatments for any condition.
We’ve collated the most popular treatment requests we get and examples of stem cell treatments you can get in both countries:
| Stem Cell Treatment | Available in Japan | Available in South Korea |
| Knee Osteoarthritis | Yes | Yes |
| Parkinson’s | Yes | Yes |
| Alzheimer’s | Yes | Yes |
| Spinal Cord Injuries | Yes | Yes |
| Anti Aging | Yes | Yes |
| Type 2 Diabetes | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple Sclerosis | Yes | Yes |
Want to know if Stem Cells can actually help your condition?
Is Japan safer than South Korea for Stem Cell Therapy
Neither Japan or South Korea are safer than each other for Stem Cell Therapy.
Both have similar regulations, their major cities are also generally safe to visit.
The safety & success rate of your Stem Cell Treatment will solely depend on the clinic you’re visiting. However, there are some things to watch out for:
- Medical Tourism is a big industry in both countries, which has lead to rogue Stem Cell Clinics popping up across both countries
- There’s a lot of “false” marketing around the world when it comes to Stem cell Therapy & this includes Japan & South Korea. Don’t believe every claim at face value
- Not every clinic will have English speaking teams and documentation
- Most likely, there won’t be any followup program if you’re travelling into Japan or South Korea, so make sure you’re comfortable with this.
- Here at Alt Treatment, we’ll support you both pre & post treatment, make sure you have access to english documentation & only work with approved regenerative medicine facilities.
Read these before booking any consultations
Should I go to Japan or South Korea for Stem Cell Therapy?
If you’re looking for umbilical cord derived stem cell treatments, then neither Japan or South Korea are good for you. However, if you’re looking for autologous stem cell treatments, then you can go to Japan & South Korea if you find a clinic that you trust.
- Neither country is better than the other, you really have to find a clinic that specialises in your condition & a doctor you trust.
- But if you’re specifically looking for Cartistem injections, then South Korea is the only country it’s available in.
- If you are looking for umbilical cord derived treatments, then countries like Thailand or Colombia might be a better option. Just remember, regulations are different in every country.
We know it can get confusing!
Our team is here to help you understand what treatments you can actually get in each country, how to stay safe, choose the best clinics and get best pricing.
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Other countries include Thailand, India & Indonesia for Stem Cell Therapy.
We’ve collated a list of government approved regenerative medicine facilities for you to compare.
Check them out on our Find a Clinic Page.
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