The south korean endoscopy devices market size was valued at USD 1.18 billion in 2025 and estimated to grow from USD 1.26 billion in 2026 to reach USD 1.71 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 6.38% during the forecast period (2026-2031). This report is Segmented by Device Type (Endoscopes [Rigid Endoscopes, and More], Endoscopic Operative Devices [Irrigation/Suction Systems, and More], Visualization Systems, and Components), Application (Gastroenterology, Orthopedic Surgery, Cardiology, and More), End-User (Tertiary & University Hospitals, and More). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).
Capsule systems are poised for a 13.45% CAGR through 2031, reflecting patient preference for non-invasive technologies and robust connectivity that streams images in real time. Early pilot data show technical completion rates >90% in small-bowel imaging, prompting payer discussions on broader reimbursement. Robotic-assisted platforms, though nascent, achieved an 86.1% technical success rate in colorectal ESD trials and hold promise for complex resections.
South Korea Endoscopy Devices Market Trends and Insights
Growing burden of gastrointestinal & oncological disorders
South Korea documented 292,221 new cancer cases in 2024, and the gastric-cancer incidence rate of 27.0 per 100,000 ranked third worldwide. While mortality is falling 4.53% annually, the absolute patient pool rises as the median age climbs beyond 45 years. Biennial esophagogastroduodenoscopy under the National Cancer Screening Program has boosted early-stage detection, lifting 5-year survival to >70% among screened cohorts. Together these epidemiological patterns underpin sustained procedure growth, directly supporting the South Korean endoscopy devices market.Expansion of National Health Insurance coverage for advanced procedures
Universal health coverage now reimburses high-complexity techniques such as endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer. National registries show a year-on-year increase in ESD since 2018, particularly among patients ≥60 years. Improved affordability propels device demand but reimbursement gaps remain; micro-costing studies reveal National Health Insurance covers only 71.7% of cystoscopy costs at large hospitals, urging policy fine-tuning.High capital & lifecycle maintenance costs
A multicentre 2024 micro-costing study placed average cystoscopy costs at USD 100.8 in one flagship Seoul hospital and USD 119.2 at a public facility; reimbursement covered only 71.7% and 60.6% respectively, leaving significant unfunded gaps. Maintenance and reprocessing account for nearly half of lifecycle expenses, discouraging smaller clinics from purchasing premium systems and constraining the South Korean endoscopy devices market in resource-limited settings.Other drivers and restraints analyzed in the detailed report include:
- Government initiatives to strengthen domestic manufacturing
- Rising adoption of ambulatory/day-case surgery models
- Risk of device-related infections and complex reprocessing requirements
Segment Analysis
The endoscopes segment delivered 44.55% of the South Korean endoscopy devices market share in 2025, anchored by high-volume gastric-cancer screening and the rapid infusion of AI algorithms into conventional video scopes. Visualization systems upgraded to 4K/8K bolster diagnostic confidence in tertiary centres, while operative devices grow steadily on rising therapeutic procedures such as ESD.Capsule systems are poised for a 13.45% CAGR through 2031, reflecting patient preference for non-invasive technologies and robust connectivity that streams images in real time. Early pilot data show technical completion rates >90% in small-bowel imaging, prompting payer discussions on broader reimbursement. Robotic-assisted platforms, though nascent, achieved an 86.1% technical success rate in colorectal ESD trials and hold promise for complex resections.
Complete Report Scope:
- By Device Type
- Endoscopes
- Rigid Endoscopes
- Flexible Endoscopes
- Capsule Endoscopes
- Robotic-Assisted Endoscopes
- Endoscopic Operative Devices
- Irrigation/Suction Systems
- Access Devices & Ports
- Wound Protectors
- Insufflation Devices
- Manual Operative Instruments
- Visualization Systems
- Endoscopic Cameras
- SD Visualization
- HD Visualization
- 4 K / 8 K Visualization
- Components
- Light Sources
- Image Processors
- Insufflators & Pumps
- Endoscopes
- By Application
- Gastroenterology
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Cardiology
- Gynaecology
- Neurology / ENT
- Pulmonology / Thoracoscopy
- By End-user
- Tertiary & University Hospitals
- General & Community Hospitals
- Ambulatory Surgery Centres (ASCs)
- Specialty Clinics & Offices
List of Companies Covered in this Report:
- Olympus
- Fujifilm Holdings Corp.
- HOYA Corporation (PENTAX Medical)
- Karl Storz
- Medtronic
- Boston Scientific
- Stryker
- Johnson & Johnson
- Conmed
- Richard Wolf
- Cook Group
- Sometech
- Sungyong Meditech
- Techcord Co., Ltd.
- Endovision
- Taewoong Medical
- Lunit Inc. (AI CADx)
Additional Benefits:
- The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
- 3 months of analyst support
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
4 Market Landscape
5 Market Size & Growth Forecasts (Value, USD)
6 Competitive Landscape
7 Market Opportunities & Future Outlook
Companies Mentioned (Partial List)
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:
- Olympus Corporation
- Fujifilm Holdings Corp.
- HOYA Corporation (PENTAX Medical)
- Karl Storz SE & Co. KG
- Medtronic plc
- Boston Scientific Corp.
- Stryker Corporation
- Johnson & Johnson (Ethicon)
- CONMED Corporation
- Richard Wolf GmbH
- Cook Medical LLC
- Sometech Inc.
- Sungyong Meditech
- Techcord Co., Ltd.
- Endovision Co., Ltd.
- Taewoong Medical Co., Ltd.
- Lunit Inc. (AI CADx)
