Last updated: 12/11/2024

Laser eye surgery in Republic of Korea: Our Best Clinics and Costs 2025

85%
patient recommendation
15K+
patients
820К+
patients have got assistance since 2014
50
countries
1,500
clinics
6K+
reviews
3K+
qualified doctors

Your Benefits and Guarantees with Bookimed

Direct Prices

Bookimed does not add extra charges for Laser eye surgery prices. The rates come from the clinics' official price lists. You pay directly at the clinic for your Laser eye surgery upon your arrival.

Verified Clinics & Doctors Only

Bookimed is committed to your safety. We only work with medical institutions that maintain high international standards in Laser eye surgery and have the necessary licenses to serve international patients worldwide.

Free 24/7 Assistance

Bookimed offers free expert assistance. A personal medical coordinator supports you before, during, and after your treatment, solving any issues. You're never alone on your Laser eye surgery journey.

Why we?

Your personal Bookimed medical coordinator

  • Supports you at every stage
  • Helps choose the right clinic and doctor
  • Ensures quick and convenient access to information

How Much Does Laser eye surgery Cost in Republic of Korea?

The average cost of Laser eye surgery in Republic of Korea ranges from $1,918 to $2,740. The offers include laser eye surgery, a follow-up examination, post-op medications, and a consultation with a doctor.

Discover the Best Laser eye surgery Clinics in Republic of Korea: 7 Verified Options and Prices

BGN Eye Hospital

Republic of Korea, Busan

BGN Eye Hospital in Busan, South Korea specializes in vision correction, cataract and glaucoma treatment, and eye retina operations, such as LASIK, LASEK and Smile lasers. The clinic has a great reputation among patients from the USA and Europe and has performed over 346,000 vision correction operations. The clinic is led by Doctor Quack Joo Young and offers the Laser eye surgery procedure, that includes follow-up examination, post-op medications, consultation with a doctor, and more. Laser eye surgery in Republic of Korea with BGN Eye Hospital is a great choice for those who value high quality and safety of the procedure.

Severance Hospital

Republic of Korea, Seoul
Clinic is certified

Severance Hospital in Republic of Korea is a renowned international multidisciplinary clinic located in Seoul, certified by JCI and serves 1.6 million outpatients annually. Offering a range of services, the clinic is also known for its eye care services, including Laser eye surgery. Doctor Gong Je Seong, Ophthalmologist, is the specialist in laser vision correction. Patients have reported high levels of satisfaction with the services, citing helpful coordinators and interpreters, attentive and qualified doctors who helped them with their diagnosis.

The clinic is well known for its commitment to providing high-quality services and its staff is known for their professionalism and compassion. Bookimed team has also received praise for their assistance in organizing trips to Republic of Korea. Patients have rated the clinic and the services highly, and it is recommended for those seeking Laser eye surgery in Republic of Korea.

Bright Eye Clinic

Republic of Korea, Seoul

Doctor Cheon Hyeon-cheol

23 years of experience
  • Achieved 100,000 SMILE LASIK cases in 2022, recognized globally for leading technology and medical systems.
  • Offers comprehensive vision correction including SMILE LASIK, Lens Implantation, and Cataract treatments.
  • Dr. Doctor Cheon Hyeon-cheol has 12 years experience with over 30,000 SMILE surgeries performed.
  • Technological prowess acknowledged by world-class ophthalmology associations, ensuring high standards in vision correction.
  • Patients from 40 countries visit, benefiting from tailored solutions for diverse vision needs.

Asan Medical Center

Republic of Korea, Seoul
Clinic is certified:
  • Recognized by Newsweek among the World's Best Smart Hospitals 2023, showcasing its commitment to integrating smart technology and high-quality care.
  • Accredited by the International Organization for Standardization, ensuring consistent service quality and patient safety during LASIK procedures.
  • Endorsed by the Korean Institute for Healthcare Accreditation, reflecting adherence to national standards in delivering LASIK eye surgery.
  • Featured in Newsweek's World's Best Hospitals list from 2020 to 2022, indicating a sustained reputation for excellence in healthcare services.
  • Based in Seoul, the facility is conveniently located a short walk from Olympic Park, making it easily accessible for patients seeking LASIK surgery.

Laser eye surgery Overview in Republic of Korea

Takeaways
Related procedures & Costs
How it works
What to expect
Pros & Cons
Benefits
Payment
patients recommend -
85%
Stay in the country - 2 days
Rehabilitation - 1 day
Anesthesia - Local anesthesia
Requests processed - 15215
Verified patient reviews - 13
Bookimed fees - $0

Our Doctors

View all Doctors
verified
Doctor Cheon Hyeon-cheol
23 years of experience
verified
Kim Mi Jin
16 years of experience
verified
Kim Sun Young
17 years of experience
verified
Doctor Lee Jeong-ju
23 years of experience

Reviews about Bookimed: Discover Patients' Insights

All reviews
Aizhan Savet
Kazakhstan
Oct 12, 2019
Verified review.
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 ...
Дарья Эдуардовна • Blepharoplasty (Eyelid correction)
Russian Federation
Dec 5, 2018
Verified review.
"We will go with you and advise others !!!"
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 !!!
Mikhail Krasnoperov • Cataract
Russian Federation
Apr 19, 2019
Verified review.
"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
Гуламжан • Cataract
Kazakhstan
Oct 3, 2022
Verified review.
Thank you Bookimed
Thank you Bookimed.com and the Clinic is very nice and the results are quick!!
About Bookimed service
Yes Thanks everyone
Anonymous • Consultation with an ophthalmologist
Russian Federation
Jan 21, 2020
Verified review.
The results are exactly as I wanted
Loved the staff. Everything is fast, clear and of high quality.

Video Stories from Bookimed Patients

Dayana
I combined my vacation in Antalya with a check-up.
Procedure: Female check-up
Marina
Bookimed did everything for me. I didn't have to worry about anything.
Procedure: Female check-up
Karen
I traveled from Chile to Korea for plastic surgery and I'm already in love with my new look.
Procedure: Facelift
Updated: 10/03/2022
Authored by
Anna Leonova
Head of Content Marketing Team
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.
Fahad Mawlood
Medical Editor & Data Scientist
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 Laser eye surgery Techniques: What Suits You Best?

When considering Laser eye surgery, it’s important to understand the different techniques and which is best suited for you. Here’s a concise comparison of popular options:

LASIK eye surgery

LASIK surgery is a laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to improve visual acuity.

Pros: LASIK surgery offers quick vision improvement with 96% of patients achieving desired vision. Fast recovery time makes it convenient for most individuals.
Cons: Potential for dry eyes and glare, affecting 20% of patients post-surgery. Not suitable for individuals with thin corneas or severe vision issues.
Effectiveness: 96%
Duration: 30 minutes
Recovery: 1-2 days
Best for: Mild to moderate myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism correction. Ideal for those with healthy corneas.
Prices: Cost of LASIK eye surgery in Republic of Korea from $1,150

ReLEx SMILE eye surgery

A minimally invasive laser vision correction procedure that reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors like myopia and astigmatism.

Pros: Less invasive than LASIK surgery with no flap creation, reducing the risk of dry eye syndrome by up to 40%. Faster recovery times and fewer complications due to its small incision. Suitable for patients with thin corneas.
Cons: Limited availability for treating hyperopia compared to other refractive surgeries. Requires specialized equipment, which is not available in all clinics.
Effectiveness: 96% success rate in achieving 20/40 vision or better.
Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.
Recovery: 1-2 days.
Best for: Individuals with myopia up to -10 diopters and astigmatism up to 5 diopters.
Prices: Cost of ReLEx SMILE eye surgery in Republic of Korea from $2,288

IntraLase Laser Eye Surgery

A precise laser technique used in vision correction, involving the creation of a corneal flap for improved visual outcomes.

Pros: Provides enhanced precision and safety due to laser technology, reducing flap-related complications by up to 95%. Offers better visual acuity improvement compared to manual methods.
Cons: Longer procedure time than LASIK surgery, with a potential increase in temporary eye discomfort. May not be suitable for all corneal shapes.
Effectiveness: Achieves a success rate of 98% in correcting vision to 20/20 or better.
Duration: The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.
Recovery: Recovery typically spans 1-3 days.
Best for: Individuals with mild to moderate myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, requiring precise corneal reshaping.

Photorefractive Keratectomy

A type of laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea to correct vision problems such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

Pros: Suitable for patients with thin corneas or dry eyes, which may not be ideal for LASIK surgery. Provides a safe alternative with a 95% success rate in achieving 20/40 vision or better.
Cons: Longer recovery time than LASIK, often taking several weeks for full visual stabilization. Some patients experience temporary discomfort or haze during healing.
Effectiveness: 95
Duration: 30 minutes
Recovery: 7-10 days
Best for: Individuals with thin corneas, dry eyes, or those not suitable for LASIK. Addresses nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

LASEK eye surgery

This procedure involves reshaping the cornea to correct vision using laser technology, combining aspects of LASIK and PRK.

Pros: Suitable for patients with thin corneas as it preserves more corneal tissue. Lower risk of dry eyes compared to LASIK surgery. Offers a higher safety margin for those with specific eye conditions.
Cons: Longer recovery time than LASIK and ReLEx SMILE. Discomfort post-surgery can last longer, up to a week.
Effectiveness: 95% of patients achieve 20/40 vision or better.
Duration: 30 minutes per eye.
Recovery: 5-7 days.
Best for: Individuals with thin corneas and mild to moderate myopia or astigmatism.
Prices: Cost of LASEK eye surgery in Republic of Korea from $760

FAQ about Laser eye surgery in Republic of Korea

Is Republic of Korea a good place for Laser eye surgery procedure?

Based on reviews and data from Bookimed, Republic of Korea is a great destination for Laser eye surgery. The country boasts of several high-quality clinics specializing in ophthalmology, such as Severance Hospital, BGN Clinic, and Gangnam Severance Hospital. These clinics have state-of-the-art techniques and equipment for vision correction, and experienced specialists who have performed thousands of successful surgeries.

  • BGN Clinic, for instance, has already performed over 346,000 vision correction operations.

In addition, Republic of Korea has a high success rate for organ transplants, ranging from 90%. Asan Hospital is the largest multidisciplinary medical center in the country, serving 2,700 patients at once. The country attracts medical tourists from various countries, such as the USA, Europe, China, the UAE, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia.

According to Bookimed, the staff of the clinics is polite, attentive and provides complete comfort to the patients. However, some patients have reported encountering rude staff and difficulties in obtaining treatment plans. Despite these issues, Republic of Korea remains a popular destination for Laser eye surgery due to its advanced medical facilities and experienced specialists.

How long does it take to get Laser eye surgery in Republic of Korea?

The total time for a Laser eye surgery trip to Republic of Korea will vary depending on the specific procedure, but it typically takes 3-7 days.

Which hospital is best for Laser eye surgery in Republic of Korea?

Bookimed's rating has revealed the top 5 hospitals in Republic of Korea for Laser eye surgery:

  1. Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong (KUIMS)
  2. Gachon University Gil Medical Center
  3. Samsung Medical Center
  4. Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH)
  5. Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH)

Who is the best Laser eye surgery doctors in Republic of Korea?

Bookimed has identified the top doctors in Republic of Korea who excel in performing Laser eye surgery:

  1. Kim Mi Jin, Ophthalmology, 14 years experience
  2. Young Min Im, Ophthalmology, 17 years experience
  3. Lee Dong Eun, Ophthalmology, 18 years experience
  4. Jongho Ahn, Ophthalmology, 8 years experience
  5. Park Sang Wook, Ophthalmology, 8 years experience

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.