Gangnam JS Hospital is a specialized orthopedic and regenerative medicine hospital in Seoul, South Korea, internationally recognized for its work in cord blood stem cell transplantation for degenerative knee arthritis and cartilage damage. With over 3,000 cord blood stem cell surgeries performed and a strong track record in complex joint cases, the hospital has become a reference center for patients seeking joint-preserving alternatives to artificial joint replacement.
Gangnam JS Hospital was created with a clear mission: to overcome the limitations of conventional arthritis treatments and offer patients a true regenerative option through cord blood stem cell transplantation. Since its first high-profile arthritis stem cell surgery in 2013, the hospital has focused on cartilage regeneration, especially for patients with degenerative arthritis, cartilage defects, and sports-related knee injuries. Over the years, the hospital has:
Developed extensive clinical experience with degenerative knee arthritis stem cell surgery; Performed thousands of cord blood stem cell transplant procedures for cartilage regeneration; Published SCI(E) papers documenting outcomes, MRI results, and long-term follow-up; Gained global recognition for its work in knee cartilage regeneration using cord blood stem cells; Participated in international medical missions and collaborations, including the UAE;
Patients travel from China, the United Kingdom, the United States, the Middle East, and many other regions to receive care at Gangnam JS Hospital, attracted by its focus on joint-preserving surgery, cartilage regeneration, and specialized sports medicine expertise.
Gangnam JS Hospital stands apart as a world authority in knee arthritis stem cell treatment, continuously redefining what modern regenerative medicine can achieve. With more than 3,000 successful cord blood stem cell surgeries, it holds the highest number of procedures ever performed worldwide, offering unparalleled expertise for patients suffering from degenerative arthritis, cartilage defects, and sports-related joint injuries.
Backed by decades of research, clinical trials, and publications in prestigious SCI(E)-indexed journals, Gangnam JS Hospital has proven that cord blood stem cell transplantation is a revolutionary alternative to traditional joint replacement. Instead of masking symptoms, the treatment regenerates real cartilage, restoring mobility, reducing pain, and helping patients return to full daily activity — even sports — with outcomes that are documented and clinically verified.
Click to Download Studies Published on the results of stem cell
transplantation for degenerative arthritis
Gangnam JS Hospital emphasizes that cord blood stem cell transplantation and artificial joint replacement serve different goals. Cartilage regeneration aims to preserve the natural joint, while artificial joint surgery replaces it.
General Comparison:
The hospital’s philosophy is to maximize preservation of natural structures whenever possible, reserving artificial implants for cases where joint-preserving options are no longer feasible.
Many patients with mid- to late-stage arthritis also present with O-leg (bowleg), X-leg, or D-shaped leg deformities, caused by uneven wear of the knee joint surfaces.
Why alignment matters:
For many patients, Gangnam JS Hospital combines cord blood stem cell transplantation with bowleg correction surgery to optimize long-term outcomes. Correcting alignment helps:
This combined approach is particularly effective for patients with degenerative arthritis and structural deformity.
While many institutions highlight “minimal incision” techniques, Gangnam JS Hospital emphasizes the importance of accurately identifying and accessing the damaged cartilage area.
Gangnam JS Hospital’s approach:
The goal is not simply a small incision to the naked eye, but exact targeting of the injured cartilage to maximize regeneration and long-term outcomes.
Gangnam JS Hospital also provides specialized care for sports injuries, guided by the experience of physicians who have served as team doctors for the Korean national football team at multiple international events.
Conditions treated include:
Sports injury diagnostics:
Treatment and rehabilitation options:
The objective is rapid tissue recovery, strengthening of joint-supporting structures, and safe return to daily life and sports, while minimizing recurrence
Gangnam JS Hospital’s history reflects the career-long dedication of Dr. Jun-Seop Song and his team to sports medicine, orthopedics, and cartilage regeneration.
Key milestones include:
Gangnam JS Hospital provides modern inpatient facilities for patients undergoing surgery and rehabilitation.
Gangnam JS Hospital welcomes international patients seeking advanced cartilage regeneration and stem cell treatment for knee arthritis and sports-related injuries.
International support includes:
Visa & Entry:
Requirements for entering South Korea vary by nationality. Many patients from North America, Europe, and parts of Asia can enter visa-free for short stays, or may use K-ETA or visa channels where applicable. Patients should always confirm current entry regulations with the nearest Korean embassy, consulate, or official government website.
Patients are advised to carry:
Allowing a few extra days before and after surgery helps accommodate pre-operative assessments, rehabilitation sessions, and fit-to-fly clearance.
At the center of Gangnam JS Hospital is Dr. Jun-Seop Song, President and CEO, a physician with extensive experience in sports medicine, orthopedics, and regenerative therapy.
Dr. Jun-Seop Song:
The broader medical team includes:
Together, they share a common commitment: to help patients regain movement, reduce pain, and return to the activities they love through scientifically grounded, patient-centered care.
Orthopaedic Specialist / Doctor of Medicine
Korea football team doctor for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt
Korea football team doctor for the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou
Korea football team doctor for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa
Korea football team doctor for the 2012 London Olympics
Korea football team doctor for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil
Orthopaedic Specialist / Doctor of Medicine
Orthopedic Surgery
Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
General Anesthesia and Regional Anesthesia, Postoperative Pain Management and Nerve Block, Monitored Anesthesia Care
Graduated from Korea University College of Medicine
