SMILE & LASIK Clinics in Seoul, Korea — A Quick Guide for International Patients

Thinking about SMILE or LASIK in Seoul? Korea is a global hub for advanced vision correction, with high surgical volumes, next-gen lasers, and efficient care for travelers. Use this guide to compare procedures, plan your trip, and explore trusted sites before you book.

Featured Sites to Compare & Book

  •  Apgujeong Eye Clinic www.korealasik.vision — SMILE/LASIK overviews, clinic shortlists, travel checklists
  • Gangnam Bright SMILE Clinic www.korealasik.com — Cost guides, candidacy quiz, surgeon Q&A
  • BnViit Eye Clinicwww.lasikseoul.com — Seoul clinic map, consultation prep, aftercare tips
  • Gangnam SMILE Eye Clinic www.lasikinkorea.com — Procedure comparisons (SMILE vs LASIK vs LASEK vs ICL), recovery planner

What’s the Difference? (Fast)

  • SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): Flap-less; tiny incision; often less dry eye and quick recovery. Great for many myopia/astigmatism cases.
  • LASIK: Flap created + excimer reshaping; fast visual recovery; widely available.
  • LASEK/PRK: No flap; surface-based; longer downtime; useful for thin corneas or certain occupations.
  • ICL (Implantable Lens): For very high prescriptions or dry eye/thin corneas; reversible lens implant.

Typical Seoul Pricing (Guide)

  • SMILE: ₩1.7M–₩3.2M per eye
  • LASIK: ₩1.2M–₩2.5M per eye
  • LASEK/PRK: ₩1.0M–₩2.0M per eye
  • EVO ICL: ₩3.0M–₩5.0M+ per eye
    Prices vary by surgeon, laser platform, diagnostics package, and aftercare. Ask for an itemized quote.

Are You a Candidate?

  • Stable prescription (generally 12+ months)
  • Sufficient corneal thickness & healthy topography
  • No active eye disease (e.g., keratoconus, uncontrolled dry eye)
  • Realistic expectations about halos/night glare during early healing

Consultation Prep (What to Bring)

  • Last 2–3 eyeglass/contact prescriptions
  • Remove soft contacts 3–7 days (toric/rigid lenses longer) before corneal scans
  • Medical history (dry eye, allergies, autoimmune)
  • Daily visual needs (night driving, screens, sports)

Travel Timeline (Sample)

  • Day 1: Diagnostics + surgeon consult
  • Day 2: Procedure (SMILE/LASIK often <30 minutes both eyes)
  • Day 3–4: 1st check; most tourists resume light sightseeing
  • Day 5–7: Follow-up; safe flight window typically after surgeon clearance

Safety & Aftercare Essentials

  • Use prescribed drops (antibiotic/steroid/lubricant) on schedule
  • No eye makeup, pools/saunas, or eye rubbing early on
  • Wear nighttime eye shields and sunglasses outdoors
  • Expect temporary dryness/glare; keep preservative-free tears handy
  • Attend all follow-ups (ask for remote check options after you fly home)

How to Choose a Clinic (Fast Checklist)

  • High-volume refractive surgeon (ask annual case numbers)
  • Full diagnostics: topography, tomography, dry eye workup
  • Clear enhancement policy, retreat rates, and device platforms (e.g., VisuMax for SMILE)
  • English-friendly coordination (WhatsApp/Kakao), written aftercare plan
  • Transparent pricing (procedure + meds + follow-ups)

FAQs

Is SMILE safer than LASIK?
Both are well-studied. SMILE avoids a flap and may reduce dry-eye risk for some patients; the best option depends on your cornea and lifestyle.

How quickly will I see clearly?
Many patients reach functional vision within 24–48 hours (SMILE/LASIK). Fine clarity continues improving over weeks.

Can I do everything in one week?
Often yes—plan diagnostics, surgery, and early follow-ups within 4–7 days. Confirm timelines with your surgeon before booking flights.

What if I’m not a laser candidate?
Ask about EVO ICL or continuing with updated glasses/contacts. Good clinics offer alternatives—not pressure.