The cost of cataract surgery (one eye) in South Korea typically ranges from $700 to $4,800. Prices vary depending on the clinic, surgeon’s expertise, the type of intraocular lens (standard monofocal or premium multifocal), and whether laser-assisted techniques are used. In the United States, the average price is $4,800 (per AAO). Cataract surgery in South Korea is about 44% less than in the U.S.
Korean clinics usually include the initial consultation, pre-op eye exams, surgery with local anesthesia, the intraocular lens, and post-op follow-ups in the cost. In the U.S., the base price often covers only the standard lens and surgery, with premium lenses and extra tests billed separately. Always confirm which lens types, medications, and follow-up visits are included at your chosen clinic.
Why do patients choose the Republic of Korea for cataract surgery (one eye)?
Access advanced cataract surgery (one eye) solutions in trusted clinics .
| Republic of Korea | Turkey | Austria | |
| Cataract surgery (one eye) | from $684 | from $1,200 | from $1,800 |
Reviewed by Bookimed Medical Advisor
Fahad MawloodDay 1: Arrival
Day 2: Pre-Operation
Day 3: Cataract Surgery
Day 4: Post-Operation
Day 5: Discharge
Week 1-2: Rehabilitation
Week 3-4: Rehabilitation
Please note that each case is individual and the timeline may vary based on your personal condition and recovery speed.
What patients like:
What patients don't like:
This ophthalmology procedure involves removing the cloudy lens from one eye and replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens to restore vision.
According to Bookimed, Republic of Korea is a good place for cataract surgery (one eye) due to the high level and quality of medicine in the country. The country has several leading hospitals, such as:
These hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and have highly qualified doctors. Some of these hospitals have been certified by JCI (Joint Commission International) and are recognized as outstanding facilities by WHO and UNICEF. Also, the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital is the 1st digital hospital in the country and uses the BESTcare system that allows avoiding medical errors, improving treatment safety and effectiveness.
The patients' reviews of these clinics suggest that they provide quality service and have a high success rate. For example, BGN Clinic has already performed over 346,000 vision correction operations and is popular among patients from the USA and Europe. Also, the patients' reviews of Severance Hospital suggest that they have highly qualified doctors who quickly find a common language with their patients and provide successful treatment.
Republic of Korea is a popular destination for medical tourists from various countries, including the USA and Europe. The Kyung Hee University Medical Center is a medical partner of the FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, and 1,500,000 patients visit this center annually. Similarly, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital has 1,500,000 patients undergoing treatment every year.
In conclusion, Republic of Korea is a good place for cataract surgery (one eye) due to its high-quality medical facilities, experienced doctors, high success rate, and popularity among medical tourists.
Bookimed's rating has revealed the top 5 hospitals in Republic of Korea for Cataract surgery (one eye):
Bookimed has identified the top doctors in Republic of Korea who excel in performing Cataract surgery (one eye):
Currency | South Korean Won (you also can pay for services in dollars) |
Best period for the trip | April, May & June or September, October & November. |
Language | Korean (most of medical staff speaks English fluently) |
Visa | none required for stays under 90 days or less |
Time difference with Europe | 9 hours |
Time difference with the USA | 9 hours |
Capital | Seoul |
Medical tourism center | Seoul |
Popular resorts | Gangwon-do, Gyeongju, Boseong, Jeju |
Healthcare is the key development sector of the Korean government. The Korean authorities are convinced that care for the citizens' health should be an absolute priority of state policy and spend about 1 billion a year for medical tourists attraction.
According to Mark Britnell, hospitals dominate the health system. 94% of hospitals are privately owned.
In South Korea, hotels of different price ranges and service levels are presented. Most tourists choose 4 and 5 star hotels with all-inclusive meals. Such hotels have everything for a comfortable stay: varied food, a large well-groomed territory, animation for children and adults. Some hotels have their own water park, which guests can use for free. Budget travelers can afford to book an economical 3-star hotel with half board or no meals at all.
Today, South Korea has visa-free agreements with 112 states. None visa is required for stays under 90 days or less. To stay longer in this country, you need a visa. What states need a visa for treatment in South Korea and what countries can cross the border free and easy read here.
Visas for travel to South Korea require a number of documents. The necessary papers can be submitted 90 days before the planned departure. Lists of documents includes:
According to ASPS statistics, 17.7 mln cosmetic surgeries and 5.8 mln reconstructive procedures have been performed in 2018. Among cosmetic procedures the most popular are:
Tumor removal, laceration repair, maxillofacial surgery, scar revision, hand surgery are the most common operations in the context of reconstructive surgery.