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 customers — 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 | 6,500,000 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 customers see well already.
- Day 3–7: LASEK customers 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 SurgeryGangnam Seoul・GS EYE CENTERInquiries 4B&A 0from 2,200,000 KRW
LASEKGangnam Seoul・Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic GangnamInquiries 4B&A 0from 1,000,000 KRW
Presbyopia LASIKSeocho Seoul・Gangnam Sungmowon Eye ClinicInquiries 8B&A 0from 1,500,000 KRW
SMILE LASIKGangnam Seoul・FIRST EYE CENTERInquiries 5B&A 0from 2,400,000 KRW
Lens Implantation SurgeryGangnam Seoul・GS EYE CENTERInquiries 5B&A 0from 4,700,000 KRW
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.
SNU EYE CLINIC
Eye Care49 video consultationsSNU Eye Clinic is an ophthalmology clinic located on the 3rd and 12th floors of ICT Tower, directly in front of Exit 6 of Sinsa Station in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
Eye Clinic at this clinic
SMILE Profrom 4,000,000 KRW
SMILE Pro vision correction surgery is performed using the upgraded femtosecond laser system, VisuMax 800. The laser application time is short, at approximately 7 seconds, and the system features automatic centration and astigmatic axis compensation. — from SNU EYE CLINIC's procedure page
Doctors: CHUNG EUI SANG, LEE MIN GYU, WON YEO KYOUNG, SNU
Revision Vision Correction Surgeryfrom 2,500,000 KRW
This clinic evaluates the causes of decreased vision or low corrected visual acuity after vision correction surgery and provides stepwise treatment. — from SNU EYE CLINIC's procedure page
Doctors: CHUNG EUI SANG, LEE MIN GYU, WON YEO KYOUNG, KIM SEONG HEE, SNU
Questions SNU EYE CLINIC answers
Q. How do I schedule a consultation?
You can select your preferred date and time through the in-app video consultation booking feature. The doctor’s available time slots will be shown, and you can choose the time you want.
Q. How much does the surgery cost?
The cost varies depending on the procedure and your individual condition. You can get an exact quote after a video consultation with the doctor. You can find the general price range on each procedure’s detail page.
GS EYE CENTER
Eye Care34 video consultationsSINCE 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
SMILE LASIKfrom 3,500,000 KRW
With a biconvex lenticule, safe and precise lenticule removal even for low corrections! A procedure suitable for various curvatures, advantageous even for patients with large pupils — from GS EYE CENTER's procedure page
Doctors: KIM MU YAN, Lim Sunghyup, Lee Sungwoo , Kim Jinhyung, Park Sungwook, O DURI, GS
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, GS
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 Care44 video consultations* 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
Lens Implantation Surgeryfrom 6,100,000 KRW
EVO+ICL A vision correction procedure that corrects refractive errors by implanting a specialized lens inside the eye without removing corneal tissue. It preserves the cornea while effectively correcting high levels of myopia and astigmatism. — from FIRST EYE CENTER's procedure page
Doctors: YUN SAM YOUNG, FIRST
SMILE Profrom 4,600,000 KRW
SMILE PRO SMILE PRO is a next-generation vision correction procedure using the ZEISS SMILE PRO platform, featuring fast and precise laser treatment with a minimally invasive incision. — from FIRST EYE CENTER's procedure page
Doctors: YUN SAM YOUNG, FIRST
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 Care62 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
Presbyopia LASIKfrom 2,500,000 KRW
Presbyopia LASIK Presbyopia LASIK is a customized laser vision correction procedure for patients who have difficulty seeing nearby text or smartphone screens due to presbyopia. — from Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic Gangnam's procedure page
Doctors: Kim Jinchul, Jo Yoonjung, Cho Sungwon, Consultation Manager
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
Doctors: Kim Jinchul, Jo Yoonjung, Cho Sungwon, Consultation Manager
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 Care59 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
Cataractfrom 1,600,000 KRW
Diagnosis and treatment for clouding of the eye’s lens, which can cause cloudy or blurred vision. — from Gangnam Sungmowon Eye Clinic's procedure page
Doctors: Man Soo Kim, Hyo Won Kim, Yong Chan Kim, GANGNAM SUNGMOWON
Presbyopia & Cataractfrom 1,800,000 KRW
Diagnosis and treatment guidance for presbyopia, which makes near vision blurry, and cataracts, which cause cloudy or blurred vision. — from Gangnam Sungmowon Eye Clinic's procedure page
Doctors: Man Soo Kim, Hyo Won Kim, Yong Chan Kim, GANGNAM SUNGMOWON
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 customers.
Is SMILE better than LASIK?
SMILE avoids a flap and tends to cause less dry eye, which suits many customers, 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.
Related guides
How much does plastic surgery cost in Korea? A price guide for international customers
What plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments cost in Korea, what drives the price, how quotes work, what is usually included, and how to compare starting prices from verified clinics on Mimi by category.
How to find and compare Korean plastic surgery clinics as an international customer (without a broker)
A step-by-step checklist for foreigners finding, comparing and choosing a Korean plastic surgery or dermatology clinic — where to find clinics that treat international customers, how to check licences and board certification, compare quotes and reviews, judge anaesthesia safety and revision policies, and consult the doctor online with interpretation before booking.
How to verify a Korean plastic surgery clinic and doctor before booking
The public registries and questions international customers can use to check a Korean plastic surgery clinic — that it is a licensed medical institution, that the surgeon is a board-certified plastic surgeon, that the clinic is registered to treat foreign patients with malpractice insurance, who administers anaesthesia, the operating-room CCTV rule, and how to avoid ghost surgery.
How to get plastic surgery quotes from Korean clinics before you travel
How international customers get price quotes from Korean plastic surgery and dermatology clinics from abroad — what a Korean quote includes, three ways to request one (chat, multi-clinic quote request, video consultation), what to send, how to compare quotes fairly, and the warning signs of a misleading quote.
This content is general information for international customers 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.