Corneal transplant in Republic of Korea: Our Best Clinics and Costs 2025
Why do patients choose the Republic of Korea for corneal transplant?
Accredited clinics: JCI-certified hospitals provide top-quality care and adhere to international standards.
Latest technologies: Techniques such as DMEK (Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty) and DSAEK (Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty) are widely used. These methods offer improved outcomes and faster recovery times.
High success rates: Corneal transplant procedures in South Korea have an efficacy rate of 85-95%, depending on the patient's condition.
Expert surgeons: Leading ophthalmologists, many with international training and certifications, have performed thousands of corneal transplants. This ensures a wealth of experience and expertise.
Access advanced Corneal transplant solutions in trusted clinics from
$8,500.
85 %
patient recommendation
15 K+
patients
820К+ patients have got assistance since 2014
50 countries
1,500 clinics
6K+ reviews
3K+ qualified doctors
How Much Does Corneal transplant Cost in Republic of Korea?
The cost of a corneal transplant in South Korea typically ranges from $8,500 to $11,000. Pricing varies depending on the hospital, the surgeon’s experience, the type of transplant (full-thickness or partial DMEK/DALK), and whether donor tissue is sourced locally or imported. In the United States, the average cost is $23,000 (per AAO). This means corneal transplant surgery in South Korea is about 57% less than in the U.S.
Korean hospitals usually include pre-op eye exams, the surgical procedure, donor cornea fees, anesthesia, and follow-up visits in the quoted price. In the U.S., the listed price often covers only the surgeon’s fee, with separate charges for donor tissue, facility use, anesthesia, and post-op care. Always confirm exactly what’s included with your chosen clinic.
The price research is based on updated and verified costs from the Bookimed partner clinics.
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No hidden fees – just official clinic prices. Pay at the clinic for Corneal transplant upon arrival and use a flexible installment plan if needed.
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Our Corneal transplant Packages in Republic of Korea October 2025
Discover the Best Corneal transplant Clinics in Republic of Korea: 6 Verified Options and Prices
The Bookimed clinic ranking is based on data science algorithms, providing a trusted, transparent, and objective comparison. It takes into account patient demand, review scores (both positive and negative), the frequency of updates to treatment options and prices, response speed, and clinic certifications.
Corneal transplant in Republic of Korea: Your Travel Plan
Day 1: Arrival in Republic of Korea
Upon landing, you should ensure you have all necessary documentation, including your medical visa, appointment confirmation, and any previous medical records.
Check into your accommodation and rest after your journey.
Contact the clinic to confirm your appointment for the next day and clarify any last-minute questions.
Day 2: Initial Consultation and Diagnostic Tests
Arrive at the clinic for your scheduled appointment.
You will undergo a series of diagnostic tests. These include a slit lamp examination, intraocular pressure test, fundus examination, wide-angle tomography, fundus photography, OCT, OCT-angio, IOL master, and visual field test.
Discuss the results with your ophthalmologist to finalize the treatment plan.
Ensure you understand the procedure details and post-operative care instructions.
Day 3: Pre-Operative Preparation
Follow any dietary or medication restrictions advised by your doctor.
Rest and stay hydrated to ensure your body is ready for surgery.
Prepare any personal items you may need during your hospital stay.
Day 4: Corneal Transplant Surgery
Arrive at the clinic early for your scheduled surgery.
The procedure will be performed under local or general anesthesia, as determined by your doctor.
Post-surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery area before being moved to a hospital room.
Ensure you have someone to assist you post-surgery, as your vision will be impaired.
Day 5-7: Post-Operative Recovery in Hospital
Stay in the hospital for observation and initial recovery.
Follow all medication and eye care instructions meticulously to prevent infection.
Attend daily check-ups with your doctor to monitor your recovery progress.
Rest your eyes and avoid any strenuous activities.
Day 8: Discharge and Follow-Up Consultation
After a final check-up, you will be discharged from the hospital.
Receive detailed instructions on home care, including medication schedules and activity restrictions.
Schedule a follow-up appointment before your departure to ensure proper healing.
Day 9-13: Recovery and Sightseeing
Continue to rest and adhere to all prescribed post-operative care guidelines.
Engage in light activities and explore local sights if your condition allows.
Maintain regular contact with the clinic for any questions or concerns about your recovery.
Day 14: Final Follow-Up and Departure
Attend your final follow-up appointment to assess the success of the surgery and your recovery progress.
Discuss any long-term care requirements or future check-ups with your doctor.
Prepare for your journey home, ensuring you have all necessary medications and care instructions.
Contact the clinic if you have any questions or require further assistance after returning home.
Rude staff. And the trip turned out to be in vain. So much time, effort and money was spent. Documents were preliminarily sent, and extracts available at that time, treatment passed, etc. They invited me to the examination and obtain a preliminary treatment plan, although it was clear to the provided procurers that treatment was impossible. They did the same thing that they had sent earlier, shrugged their hands and said Excuse me, we can’t help ...
The high level and quality of medicine in the clinic Severence city of Korea.
The clinic is huge, everything is beautiful, clean.
Our doctor really liked, quickly and easily found a common language with her and came to a single solution to our problem.
Thanks to the Bookimed website for the organization and a special thanks to the coordinator who quickly responded! We will go with you and advise others !!!
"I'm leaving my vision 100% for both eyes, thank you very much I am happy
Excellent clinic BGn stay in the clinic went very well and successfully.
Dr. Lee Dong Eun is a highly classy positive person specialist. He did everything perfectly well after the examination. He came with a cataract on both eyes, the right eye was hardly seen. I'm leaving my vision 100% for both eyes, thank you very much I am happy. The medical staff at the clinic works like a good watch. Attentive are courteous attentive very polite complete comfort. The single chamber is all that is necessary to eat cleanly comfortably.
Especially about the coordinator of the clinic Valchenko Maria, a correct excellent specialist, a wonderful person with her does not arise, no problems can solve everything, thanks.
Service satisfied everything went well.
Well done good organization of success to you
About Bookimed service
I'm happy with the service, everything went well. Well done, good organization, good luck to you
A certified medical writer with 10+ years of experience, developed Bookimed’s trusted content, backed by a Master’s in Philology and medical expert interviews worldwide.
General practitioner. Winner of 4 scientific awards. Served in Western Asia. Former Team Leader of a medical team supporting Arabic-speaking patients. Now responsible for data processing and medical content accuracy.
This page may feature information relating to various medical conditions, treatments, and healthcare services available in different countries. Please be advised that the content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or guidance. Please consult with your doctor or a qualified medical professional before starting or changing medical treatment.
Our Corneal transplant Techniques: What Suits You Best?
When considering Corneal transplant, it’s important to understand the different techniques and which is best suited for you. Here’s a concise comparison of popular options:
Corneal Cross Linking (CCL) (One eye)
This procedure strengthens the cornea by using ultraviolet light and riboflavin drops to halt the progression of keratoconus.
Pros: Stabilizes keratoconus in 90% of cases without needing a corneal graft. Less invasive than keratoplasty with faster recovery.
Cons: May not improve vision significantly. Potential for temporary discomfort and light sensitivity post-procedure.
Effectiveness: 90% stabilization rate.
Duration: 1-2 hours.
Recovery: 1-2 weeks.
Best for: Early-stage keratoconus or corneal ectasia. Suitable for patients with less than 400 microns corneal thickness.
Keratoplasty
Keratoplasty involves replacing damaged corneal tissue with healthy donor corneal tissue to restore vision.
Pros: High success rate of about 90% for vision restoration. Effective for severe corneal diseases and injuries that other treatments cannot address.
Cons: Requires a donor match, which might take time. Potential risk of rejection and need for long-term medication.
Effectiveness: 90% success in achieving significant vision improvement.
Duration: 1-2 hours.
Recovery: 6-12 months for full recovery.
Best for: Severe corneal diseases, corneal scarring, and vision loss cases. Suitable for patients with significant corneal damage.
Corneal ring implantation
A minimally invasive procedure where small, crescent-shaped rings are inserted into the cornea to improve vision by reshaping it.
Pros: Minimally invasive with a quick recovery time. Effective in halting keratoconus progression in 85% of cases. No need for donor tissue.
Cons: Not suitable for severe cases with significant corneal thinning. Potential for ring displacement or glare in 5% of patients.
Effectiveness: Success rate of improving vision by at least 2 lines on the vision chart in 80% of patients.
Duration: 1-2 hours.
Recovery: 1-2 days.
Best for: Mild to moderate keratoconus and astigmatism. Suitable for patients not eligible for corneal cross-linking.
FAQ about Corneal transplant in Republic of Korea
These FAQs come from real patients seeking medical assistance through Bookimed. Answers are given by experienced medical coordinators and trusted clinic representatives.
What should you know about South Korea before the trip?
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
What is the level of medicine in South Korea?
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.
What hotel services are provided here?
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.
Do I need a visa to South Korea?
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.
What documents are required to apply for a visa to South Korea for treatment?
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:
ID card
confirmation of online registration and filling out the questionnaire
certificate of income and availability of funds
insurance policy for a stay in South Korea (original and copy)
2 photos (5x6)
visa receipt
booking of flight and hotel
medical opinion about the need for treatment.
What are the most popular plastic surgery procedures?
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:
breast augmentation
liposuction
rhinoplasty (nose job)
eyelid surgery
tummy tuck.
Tumor removal, laceration repair, maxillofacial surgery, scar revision, hand surgery are the most common operations in the context of reconstructive surgery.