Compare top ReLEx SMILE eye surgery doctors and prices in Republic of Korea. Find your best match here.
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Medically reviewed by Fahad Mawlood
Medical Editor & Data ScientistTop doctors
2
Republic of Korea
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14,000+
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Compare prices for ReLEx SMILE eye surgery across top countries
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Most popular range
$1.35K
$1.5K
$1.65K
$1.8K
$1.95K
$2.1K
$2.25K
$2.4K
$1,600 – $1,900
Most patients pay within this range
The exact cost depends on the chosen doctor, technique, areas treated, and your individual needs.
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Dr. Kim provides specialized eye care at BGN Eye Hospital.
Successfully treated over 500,000 patients with vision correction – Dr. Chong specializes in SMILE techniques at BGN Eye Hospital.
Choosing a clinic abroad can be stressful. At Bookimed, with over 800K patients helped, we understand your concerns. We know how to find trusted doctors, the best price-quality options, and solutions for even complex cases. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
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| Rank | Doctor | experience | Good Fit For | What Sets Them Apart | Clinic & Location | Consultation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | 17 years of experience | Precision eye corrections | Expert in ReLEx SMILE procedures offering tailored solutions for vision correction. | Republic of Korea | Price on request
| |
| #2 | Minimally invasive SMILE procedures | Pioneer in SMILE techniques with 500,000+ vision corrections. Chief Director at BGN Eye Hospital and active member of ASCRS, ESCRS, and Korean societies. | Republic of Korea | Price on request
|
Top-ranked ReLEx SMILE doctors in Korea include certified specialists like Dr. Cheon Hyeon-cheol and Dr. Chong Gi Von. These experts hold board certifications and memberships in the American Academy of Ophthalmology. They use Zeiss technology to provide precise vision correction with minimal recovery time.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a strong trend of clinical leadership among Seoul and Busan specialists. For example, Dr. Cheon Hyeon-cheol and Dr. Chong Gi Von both serve as representative doctors or directors. This leadership ensures that patients receive care from surgeons who also manage hospital quality standards.
Patient Consensus: Patients often mention how quickly they could see clearly after the procedure. Many were surprised that they felt no pain during the 10-second laser application. They consistently note the professionalism of the staff who guided them through every test.
Qualified Korean eye surgeons must hold a medical license and board certification in ophthalmology from the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Top specialists earn the ZEISS SMILE Excellent Surgeon designation. They also maintain active memberships in the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) or the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS).
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a clear trend where top-tier surgeons in Seoul and Busan hold dual certifications for both SMILE and ICL procedures. For example, Dr. Cheon Hyeon-cheol at Bright Eye Clinic is certified as an expert for both ZEISS SMILE and ICL Ophtec. This indicates a high level of versatility in treating various refractive errors beyond standard laser limits.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that board certification is the expected baseline in Korea. They emphasize looking for doctors who personally performed over 2,000 procedures. Many mention that a detailed pre-op corneal topography discussion is a sign of a high-quality surgeon.
South Korean ophthalmic surgeons effectively communicate with international patients through bilingual coordinators and English-proficient medical staff. Specialized clinics in Seoul and Busan offer dedicated support systems. Many top surgeons hold international memberships in organizations like the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a strong correlation between international society memberships and patient accessibility. Surgeons like Dr. Lee Young Seob and Dr. Cheon Hyeon-cheol belong to groups like ASCRS and ESCRS. This involvement often indicates a clinic infrastructure better suited for English-speaking patients.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that initial consultations in Gangnam are well-organized with interpreters present. They often find messaging apps helpful for asking quick follow-up questions after the procedure. Some suggest having a translation app ready as a backup for brief interactions with nursing staff.
South Korean eye surgeons often exceed the clinical experience of Western practitioners through significantly higher surgical volumes. Specialists like Dr. Cheon Hyeon-cheol from Bright Eye Clinic have performed 30,000+ procedures. These doctors maintain memberships in both the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and European societies.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that Korean clinics like BGN Eye Hospital and Bright Eye Clinic function with extreme efficiency. Dr. Cheon Hyeon-cheol began performing SMILE surgery in 2012, giving him 10+ years of specific expertise in this technique. This early adoption paired with high patient flow allows Korean surgeons to master complex refractive cases faster than many Western peers.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Korean clinics often handle a month worth of Western cases in one day. They feel safer knowing their surgeon has performed thousands of laser surgeries. Many describe the process as highly practiced and precisely executed.