Egg Freezing in Korea
Egg freezing (oocyte cryopreservation) has become increasingly popular in Korea for:
- Women delaying pregnancy for career or personal reasons
- Medical necessity (before chemotherapy or surgery)
- International patients seeking affordable, high-quality fertility preservation
Korea uses vitrification (flash-freezing), the gold standard method with survival rates of 90–98% upon thawing.
Cost of Egg Freezing in Korea
| Item | Cost (KRW) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| Stimulation medication | 500,000–1,500,000 | $375–$1,125 |
| Egg retrieval procedure | 1,000,000–2,500,000 | $750–$1,875 |
| Vitrification (freezing) | 300,000–800,000 | $225–$600 |
| Total per cycle | 1,800,000–4,800,000 | $1,350–$3,600 |
| Annual storage fee | 300,000–600,000/year | $225–$450/year |
Korea's egg freezing costs are 40–60% lower than the US or UK average.
How Many Eggs Should You Freeze?
| Age | Recommended eggs for ~70% chance of live birth |
|---|---|
| Under 35 | 10–15 mature eggs |
| 35–37 | 15–20 mature eggs |
| 38–40 | 20–25 mature eggs |
| Over 40 | 25+ mature eggs (may need multiple cycles) |
The Egg Freezing Process
Step 1: Initial Consultation (Day 1–7)
- Hormone blood test (AMH, FSH, AFC ultrasound)
- Assessment of ovarian reserve
- Protocol planning and cost estimate
Step 2: Ovarian Stimulation (Days 2–12 of cycle)
- Daily hormone injections (FSH ± LH)
- Monitoring ultrasounds every 2–3 days
- Trigger shot when follicles reach 18–22mm
Step 3: Egg Retrieval (Day 14)
- Outpatient procedure under sedation/anesthesia
- Takes 15–30 minutes
- Same-day discharge
Step 4: Vitrification
- Mature eggs identified in the lab
- Flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen (−196°C)
- Stored until ready to use
Step 5: Storage & Future Use
- Eggs stored indefinitely at −196°C
- When ready: eggs thawed, fertilized with sperm, transferred as embryo
Success Rates
| Eggs frozen | Approx. live birth chance (under 35) |
|---|---|
| 5 eggs | ~30% |
| 10 eggs | ~50–60% |
| 15 eggs | ~70–75% |
| 20 eggs | ~80%+ |
Rates decline significantly with age at freezing
For International Patients
Timeline for a Visit
- Day 1–2 of period: Arrive, initial testing
- Days 2–12: Stimulation injections (self-administered, can be done at home country if timing allows)
- Day 12–14: Return to Korea for retrieval
- Day 14: Retrieval procedure, same-day discharge
Minimum Korea stay: ~3–5 days around retrieval (plus initial consultation if needed)
Transporting Frozen Eggs
Eggs can be stored in Korea long-term, or transported to your home country's clinic via specialized cryogenic shipping (additional cost: $500–$2,000 depending on distance).
FAQ
Q. At what age is egg freezing most effective?
Before age 35 is ideal. Success rates decline after 37. Freezing younger eggs gives the best future chances.
Q. How long can eggs be stored in Korea?
Theoretically indefinitely at −196°C. Korean law allows storage for up to 10 years with annual consent renewal. Extensions possible.
Q. Can I do stimulation injections at home and come just for retrieval?
Some international patients coordinate with their home clinic for monitoring and come to Korea only for retrieval. Discuss this option during your initial consultation.
📧 For hospital consultation and referral inquiries, contact: info@bronis.co.kr
Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Consult a licensed reproductive endocrinologist for personalized advice.