Physician vs Surgeon salary
In South Korea, a surgeon earns about 172% more than a physician — $331,259 vs $121,699 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is KRW). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Physician | Surgeon |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $77,887 | $212,006 |
| 25th | $99,793 | $271,633 |
| Median | $121,699 | $331,259 |
| 75th | $148,472 | $404,136 |
| Senior (90th) | $175,246 | $477,013 |
National South Korea figures in KRW. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a physician or surgeon earn more in South Korea?
- A surgeon earns more, at about ₩497,330,000 per year vs ₩182,710,000 for a physician — roughly 172% (₩314,620,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in South Korea?
- A physician typically earns ₩116,934,400–₩263,102,400, while a surgeon earns ₩318,291,200–₩716,155,200 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in South Korea?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a physician averages about ₩15,225,800 and a surgeon about ₩41,444,200.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in South Korea, a physician earns about ₩116,934,400 while a surgeon earns about ₩318,291,200 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in South Korea, a physician earns about ₩263,102,400 while a surgeon earns about ₩716,155,200 per year.
- Are physician and surgeon similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Healthcare category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.