Guides
LASIK, SMILE and lens implants in Korea — vision correction options, cost and how to book
A guide to laser vision correction and lens implantation in Korea for international patients — LASIK, LASEK, SMILE and SMILE Pro, ICL implantable lenses, presbyopia and cataract options, what the exam checks, prices per eye, downtime, and live starting prices from verified Korean eye clinics on Mimi.
Korea is one of the world's highest-volume countries for laser vision correction, with specialised eye clinics in Seoul and Busan that offer the latest femtosecond and SMILE platforms at competitive prices. A trip of a few days is enough for the examination, the procedure and the first check. This guide explains the options and how to plan.
Eye Clinic on Mimi right now
| Category | Lowest | Median | Highest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eye Clinic | 300,000 KRW | 2,500,000 KRW | 6,100,000 KRW |
Prices are starting prices entered by each clinic and are refreshed daily. The final cost is confirmed after a consultation.
See all Eye Clinic clinics & pricesThe main procedures
LASIK
A thin corneal flap is created (with a femtosecond laser at most Korean clinics) and the cornea reshaped underneath. Fast visual recovery, usually next day.
LASEK / PRK
The surface layer is removed instead of creating a flap; suits thinner corneas and contact-sport athletes. Slower recovery with several days of discomfort, but no flap.
SMILE and SMILE Pro
A small lenticule is removed through a tiny incision without a flap, preserving corneal strength and reducing dry eye. SMILE Pro is the newer, faster platform. Korean clinics were early adopters and have large SMILE volumes.
ICL (implantable collamer lens)
A lens is implanted behind the iris for high myopia or corneas too thin for laser; reversible. Priced higher than laser procedures.
Presbyopia and cataract surgery
Multifocal or extended-depth lens implants to correct near and far vision, and cataract surgery with premium lenses.
Other eye care
Comprehensive eye exams, glaucoma and corneal disease management at the same clinics.
The examination decides the method
Korean eye clinics run a detailed pre-operative exam (corneal thickness and shape, pupil size, tear film, retina) that usually takes one to two hours, and the surgeon recommends the method from the results. Stop soft contact lenses about a week before and hard lenses for longer, as the clinic instructs.
Cost in Korea
Laser procedures are priced for both eyes; SMILE and SMILE Pro cost more than LASIK and LASEK, and ICL is the most expensive because of the lens. Prices often include the exam, the procedure, medication and check-ups for a defined period. The live table above shows the starting prices clinics on Mimi have entered.
Trip and recovery timeline
- Day 1: examination; the procedure can often be done the same day or the next.
- Day 2: first check; most LASIK and SMILE patients see well already.
- Day 3–7: LASEK patients have several days of blurry, irritated vision; the protective lens is removed around day 4–5.
- Week 1–4: vision stabilises; use eye drops as prescribed; avoid rubbing, swimming and makeup as instructed.
Plan 2–3 days in Korea for LASIK or SMILE, about a week for LASEK or ICL, and ask the clinic how follow-up can be done with your local eye doctor.
This week's most consulted: Eye Clinic
SMILE ProGS EYE CENTER00
From4,100,000 KRW
CataractGangnam Sungmowon Eye Clinic00
CataractSamsung Miracle Eye Clinic Gangnam00
From4,000,000 KRW- Corneal TransplantGangnam Sungmowon Eye Clinic
00
- Presbyopia LASIKGangnam Sungmowon Eye Clinic
00
How to choose an eye clinic
- Ophthalmologists who specialise in refractive surgery, with high SMILE and LASIK volumes.
- The latest laser platforms, and a clear explanation of why the recommended method suits your eyes.
- Transparent pricing that includes the exam and post-operative checks.
- A plan for follow-up after you return home.
Korean clinics for Eye Clinic on Mimi
Verified clinics on Mimi that list Eye Clinic. The descriptions below are written by each clinic on its own procedure pages; open the links for the full page, prices and before & after photos.
GS EYE CENTER
Eye CareSINCE 2005, Expertise Creates Vision. GS Eye Clinic Since opening in 2005, GS Eye Clinic has continuously provided ophthalmic care for 22 years at the Gangnam Station intersection.
Eye Clinic at this clinic
Presbyopia & CataractFrom 2,500,000 KRW
"Appropriate vision correction surgery for presbyopia can help delay the need for reading glasses." "Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded natural lens using ultrasound and inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) in its place. — from GS EYE CENTER's procedure page
Doctors: KIM MU YAN, Lim Sunghyup, Lee Sungwoo , Kim Jinhyung, Park Sungwook, Consultation Manager
Lens Implantation SurgeryFrom 4,700,000 KRW
Lens implantation surgery is a procedure that corrects vision by inserting a specialized lens tailored to the individual eye in front of or behind the iris without reshaping the cornea. — from GS EYE CENTER's procedure page
Doctors: KIM MU YAN, Lim Sunghyup, Lee Sungwoo , Kim Jinhyung, Park Sungwook, O DURI, Consultation Manager
Questions GS EYE CENTER answers
Q. How do I make an appointment for a consultation?
You can make a reservation by selecting your desired date and time through the in-app video consultation booking feature. The available time slots of the doctor will be displayed, and you may choose your preferred time.
Q. How much does the surgery cost?
The cost of surgery varies depending on the type of procedure and your individual condition. You can be informed of the exact cost after consulting with the doctor through a video consultation. The basic price range can be checked on each procedure detail page.
FIRST EYE CENTER
Eye Care* Disease-Focused Care - The three leading causes of blindness requiring early detection, including glaucoma, retinal diseases, and macular degeneration! Care provided by ophthalmology specialists!!
Eye Clinic at this clinic
Comprehensive Eye ExamFrom 300,000 KRW
A comprehensive eye exam that checks overall eye health, including vision, presbyopia, cataracts, and glaucoma. — from FIRST EYE CENTER's procedure page
Doctors: YUN SAM YOUNG, Consultation Manager
CataractFrom 2,500,000 KRW
Diagnosis and treatment for clouding of the eye’s lens, which can cause cloudy or blurred vision. — from FIRST EYE CENTER's procedure page
Doctors: YUN SAM YOUNG, Consultation Manager
Questions FIRST EYE CENTER answers
Q. How do I make an appointment for a consultation?
You can make a reservation by selecting your desired date and time through the in-app video consultation booking feature. The available time slots of the doctor will be displayed, and you may choose your preferred time.
Q. How much does the surgery cost?
The cost of surgery varies depending on the type of procedure and your individual condition. You can be informed of the exact cost after consulting with the doctor through a video consultation. The basic price range can be checked on each procedure detail page.
Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic Gangnam
Eye Care1 video consultationsSamsung Miracle Eye Clinic is a specialized ophthalmology medical institution located in the heart of Gangnam, Seoul, offering personalized vision correction treatments, including SMILE Pro, SMILE LASIK, LASIK, LASEK, EVO ICL, cataract surgery, and refractive…
Eye Clinic at this clinic
Revision Vision Correction SurgeryFrom 2,600,000 KRW
Revision Correction Clinic is a specialized consultation program that precisely analyzes the causes of residual myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism after vision correction surgery such as LASIK, LASEK, or SMILE, as well as vision deterioration that reappears over time, and… — from Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic Gangnam's procedure page
LASEKFrom 1,000,000 KRW
LASEK is a vision correction procedure that improves myopia and astigmatism by removing the corneal epithelium and precisely reshaping the corneal surface with an excimer laser. Because no corneal flap is created, there is less concern regarding external impact. — from Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic Gangnam's procedure page
Questions Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic Gangnam answers
Q. How do I make an appointment for a consultation?
You can make a reservation by selecting your desired date and time through the in-app video consultation booking feature. The available time slots of the doctor will be displayed, and you may choose your preferred time.
Q. How much does the surgery cost?
The cost of surgery varies depending on the type of procedure and your individual condition. You can be informed of the exact cost after consulting with the doctor through a video consultation. The basic price range can be checked on each procedure detail page.
Gangnam Sungmowon Eye Clinic
Eye Care1 video consultationsGangnam St. Mary Eye Clinic is an ophthalmology clinic staffed by medical professionals from Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, providing comprehensive eye care ranging from vision correction procedures to cataracts and presbyopia, glaucoma, and retinal diseases.
Eye Clinic at this clinic
A vision correction surgery that reshapes the surface of the cornea with a laser without creating a corneal flap. — from Gangnam Sungmowon Eye Clinic's procedure page
Doctors: Hyo Won Kim
A vision correction surgery that creates a corneal flap and reshapes the cornea with a laser to improve myopia, astigmatism, or hyperopia. — from Gangnam Sungmowon Eye Clinic's procedure page
Doctors: Hyo Won Kim
Questions Gangnam Sungmowon Eye Clinic answers
Q. How do I make an appointment for a consultation?
You can make a reservation by selecting your desired date and time through the in-app video consultation booking feature. The available time slots of the doctor will be displayed, and you may choose your preferred time.
Q. How much does the surgery cost?
The cost of surgery varies depending on the type of procedure and your individual condition. You can be informed of the exact cost after consulting with the doctor through a video consultation. The basic price range can be checked on each procedure detail page.
FAQ
How much does LASIK or SMILE cost in Korea?
Priced for both eyes, with SMILE and SMILE Pro above LASIK and LASEK and ICL highest. The live table on this page shows starting prices entered by eye clinics on Mimi; check what checks and medication are included.
Can I have the exam and surgery on the same day?
Many clinics offer same-day or next-day surgery after the examination if the results allow. Tell the clinic your travel dates in advance so the schedule is prepared.
How long do I stay in Korea?
2–3 days for LASIK or SMILE, about a week for LASEK or ICL. Flying is fine after the first check for most laser patients.
Is SMILE better than LASIK?
SMILE avoids a flap and tends to cause less dry eye, which suits many patients, but LASIK corrects a wider range including astigmatism at some clinics and has the fastest recovery. The exam determines which is right for you.
What if I am not suitable for laser?
Thin corneas or very high myopia may point to ICL lens implantation, which many Korean clinics perform. The exam will tell you.
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This content is general information for international patients and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Recovery times, risks and costs vary by person and clinic. Always make medical decisions in consultation with a licensed doctor.