Best SMILE LASIK in Seoul, Korea

FREE CONSULTATION

A clear, foreigner-friendly guide for expats, travelers, and international students.


Clinic Recommendations (Foreigner-Friendly)

  • B&VIIT Eye Center (Seocho/Gangnam) — English website with WhatsApp/Kakao booking, full diagnostics, and SMILE/SMILE Pro, LASIK, LASEK, ICL.
    Address: B2 GT Tower, 1317-23 Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul. Mobile/WhatsApp: (+82) 10-6300-6727. Hours: Mon–Fri 09:30–18:00; Sat 09:30–16:00.
  • GS Eye Center (Gangnam) — Offers SMILE, SMILE Pro (VisuMax 800), LASIK/LASEK; English pages and online consultation.
    Address: 8·15·16F, 390 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Tel: +82-2-3469-0900. Hours: Mon–Fri 10:00–18:30; Sat 10:00–17:00.
  • Apgujeong Clinic (Apgujeong) — Vision-correction center specializing in SMILE, LASIK/LASEK, ICL with English/Chinese support; WhatsApp contact on socials.


Who this guide is for

Anyone visiting or living in Korea who wants minimally invasive laser vision correction—especially SMILE—with English support, transparent pricing, and quick booking via WhatsApp/Kakao.


SMILE vs. LASIK vs. PRK (quick compare)

  • SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): Keyhole-style, flapless, typically less dry-eye risk and faster comfort for many patients; great for active lifestyles.
  • LASIK: Flap-based; excellent vision recovery speed; widely available.
  • PRK/LASEK: No flap; longer surface-healing period; useful for thin corneas or certain occupations.

Your best option depends on corneal thickness/shape, pupil size, prescription stability, and dry-eye profile—decide after a full exam.

Are you a good candidate? (fast screen)

  • Age ≥ 18–21 and stable prescription (no major change for ~1 year)
  • Healthy eyes: no active infection, keratoconus suspicion, uncontrolled dry eye
  • Corneal thickness/shape adequate for the procedure your surgeon recommends
  • Not pregnant/breastfeeding at time of surgery (hormone-related prescription shifts)

How to choose a Seoul clinic (checklist that matters)

  • English access: dedicated English pages, WhatsApp/Kakao response time, written aftercare in English
  • Diagnostic depth: corneal topography/tomography, aberrometry, tear-film tests, pupilometry
  • Laser platform & upkeep: modern excimer/femtosecond systems (e.g., Zeiss VisuMax for SMILE); regular calibration logs
  • Surgeon factors: board certification, years in refractive surgery, annual SMILE/LASIK case volume, complication tracking
  • Safety practices: conservative residual-stromal-bed targets, ectasia screening protocols, clear enhancement policy
  • Transparent pricing: line-item quote (pre-op tests, surgery fee, enhancements, meds, follow-ups) and refund terms

What clinics typically include

  • Pre-op exam (vision, cornea maps, dry-eye workup)
  • Procedure day (marking, laser time, post-op checks)
  • Post-op meds + follow-up schedule (usually next-day, 1 week, 1 month, etc.)
  • Written aftercare instructions in English; remote check-ins by chat/video when needed

How to request quotes (works well for foreigners)

  1. Message the clinic via WhatsApp/Kakao.
  2. Share age, prescription (if known), contact lens wear, eye symptoms (dryness, glare), and travel dates.
  3. Ask for:
  • SMILE vs. LASIK candidacy based on your risk profile
  • A written, itemized estimate (pre-op tests, surgery, enhancements, follow-ups)
  • Days needed in Seoul and sample itinerary
  • Enhancement policy and costs if touch-up needed
  • English aftercare access (on-call hours, messaging)

Copy-paste template
“Hello, I’m an international patient in Seoul from [dates]. I’m interested in SMILE (open to LASIK/PRK if advised). Prescription is [if known], no major eye issues. Could you share English booking info, a line-item quote, and the number of days in Seoul I should plan for? Thank you.”

Sample travel timeline (typical; confirm with your surgeon)

  • Day 0–1: Comprehensive exam & counseling (some clinics can schedule this the day before surgery).
  • Day 1–2: SMILE/LASIK procedure + immediate check.
  • Day 2–7: Follow-up(s), return to light sightseeing/work as advised.
  • Day 5–10: Many travelers fly home within this window, pending the surgeon’s clearance.
  • Weeks 1–4: Vision stabilizes; artificial tears and night-driving precautions as advised.

Cost & insurance notes

  • Vision correction is elective and typically self-pay in Korea.
  • Ask for a written, itemized receipt for potential reimbursement by international/travel insurance (coverage varies).
  • Prices vary by platform, package (standard vs. premium diagnostics), and enhancement policy—always compare 2–3 quotes.

Aftercare & safety tips

  • Follow drop schedule strictly; avoid eye rubbing and dusty environments early on.
  • Use preservative-free artificial tears; limit contact-lens wear pre-op as instructed.
  • Red flags (seek urgent care): sudden drop in vision, severe pain, increasing redness with discharge, new halos with worsening haze.

FAQs

  • Is SMILE “better” than LASIK? It’s “better” for some profiles (e.g., certain dry-eye risks, contact sports). Others do equally well with LASIK or PRK.
  • Can I get same-trip surgery? Often yes—many clinics can exam + surgery within 24–48 hours if you’re a candidate.
  • Do clinics offer English consent forms? Reputable centers do; ask to preview digitally.
  • Night vision & halos? Discuss pupil size and wavefront findings; your surgeon can set realistic expectations.