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
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
Transparent Prices & Flexible Installments
No hidden fees – just official clinic prices. Pay at the clinic for Corneal transplant upon arrival and use a flexible installment plan if needed.
Verified Clinics & Doctors Only
Bookimed is committed to your safety. We only work with medical institutions that maintain high international standards in Corneal transplant 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 Corneal transplant 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 Corneal transplant Cost in Republic of Korea?
The average cost of Corneal transplant in Republic of Korea ranges from $8,500 to $11,010. The offers include a corneal transplant, which is a surgical procedure that replaces the damaged or diseased cornea of the eye with a healthier one.
Accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation Program, ensuring international standards in healthcare services.
Recognized among the World's Best Hospitals 2021 by Newsweek for overall healthcare excellence.
Featured in the World's Best Smart Hospitals 2023 by Newsweek, highlighting its commitment to integrating smart technology.
Boasts a robust BESTcare system to enhance treatment safety and effectiveness for procedures like Corneal transplants.
Provides comprehensive support for international patients, including transfer and language assistance, for a seamless experience.
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.
The procedure involves placing tiny rings into the eye to reshape the cornea, improving vision and comfort.
How to find best solution with Bookimed?
Check available options for your case on the website.
Request a free consultation with documents assessment.
Download your medical records and describe your needs.
Receive customized free treatment plans with prices and details.
Compare them and finalize your choice.
Agree the date for your upcoming clinic visit.
Arrive and pay at the clinic. Bookimed fees are $0 for you.
From start to finish, the Bookimed coordinator keeps you safe and comfortable during your medical journey.
Day 1 - Arrival
Arrive in the country for your corneal transplant.
Settle into your accommodation which is not included in the package.
Day 2 - Pre-Operation
Meet with the ophthalmologist for the initial examination.
Undergo necessary medical tests including urine tests.
Day 3 - Corneal Transplant
Receive the anesthesia for the procedure.
The corneal transplant procedure takes 1-2 hours.
Post-surgery, stay in the clinic for observation.
Day 4 - Post-Operation
Doctor will check your condition and healing process.
If no complications, you may be discharged from the clinic.
Week 1-2 - Rehabilitation
Attend follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist.
Start using prescribed eye drops and medication.
Week 3-4 - Continued Rehabilitation
Continue with the recommended rehabilitation plan.
Resume light daily activities as per doctor"s advice.
Month 2-3 - Return to Normal Activities
Resume work, sports, and other activities with caution.
By the end of the third month, see the final results.
Please note that each patient"s recovery process is unique and may vary. Language assistance is not included in the package, so consider arranging a translator if needed.
What patients like:
Cost. The Corneal transplant cost in Republic of Korea ranges from $8,500 to $11,010. This price is competitive when compared to the average cost of $15,000 in the United States.
Doctor’s professionalism. Patients appreciate the high level of professionalism shown by the doctors. With numerous certifications, memberships in prestigious organizations, and a wealth of experience, patients feel confident in their care.
Service level. Patients have praised the exceptional service provided. The staff is attentive, helpful, and dedicated to patient satisfaction.
Corneal transplant efficacy. Patients are pleased with the outcome of their transplants. Modern techniques and technology used in Korea ensure high success rates.
Logistics. Despite the distance, patients find the journey worthwhile. The clinics are easily accessible and the process is well-organized.
What patients don't like:
Waiting time. Some patients find the waiting times for appointments to be long. This can lead to frustration and inconvenience.
Language barrier. Communication can sometimes be a challenge. While many staff members speak English, there are instances where an interpreter is needed.
Post-operative care. Some patients feel that the follow-up care could be improved. More thorough check-ups and clearer instructions for home care are desired.
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Expert guidance in choosing the perfect Ophthalmology doctor and clinic.
Special packages and exclusive prices for our patients.
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Hassle-free translation of your medical documents for clinics.
Bookimed's multilingual team ensures comfortable communication.
Bookimed ensures transparent and secure payments. Patients pay at the clinic with no additional fees.
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
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.