Laser eye surgery in Seoul, South Korea, is renowned for its exceptional quality and expertise in medical procedures. The city has gained global recognition as the capital of plastic surgery, with over 1500 clinics concentrated in the Apgujeong district of Gangnam. This area has become a hub of advanced medical facilities, particularly in the field of plastic surgery.

South Korea is widely acknowledged as the most cosmetically enhanced country in the world. While this may not be seen as the most flattering label, it is a testament to the extensive experience and skill of Korean plastic surgeons. However, the excellence of medical procedures in Seoul extends beyond plastic surgery.

Medical Procedures in Seoul

Seoul offers a wide range of high-quality medical procedures, making it a popular destination for medical tourism throughout Asia. Thousands of customers each year choose South Korea as their primary choice for medical procedures, citing the abundance of choices, top-notch doctors, and affordable prices compared to other developed countries. Among the numerous medical procedures available, laser eye surgery, or vision correction, stands out as an option that is well worth considering and traveling to Seoul for.

Those who have undergone laser eye surgery unanimously describe it as the best decision they have ever made. At My Guide Seoul, one of our writers underwent a vision correction surgery known as LASEK. While originally considering LASIK for its fast recovery, she opted for LASEK due to her thin cornea and poor vision. Since then, she has not regretted her choice.

When it comes to laser eye surgery, there are different techniques available such as LASIK, LASEK, and SMILE. LASIK offers faster recovery, while LASEK requires more time to recover but is a more affordable option. The newest technology, SMILE, is widely acclaimed as the best choice for laser eye surgery. This is what we have to say about LASEK laser eye surgery in Seoul.

LASEK

For those considering a LASEK procedure, it is important to note that discomfort is minimal and risks are low. However, it is essential to be prepared for the temporary challenges that occur immediately after the surgery. Your eyes may feel uncomfortable, and your vision may be blurry. These side effects are normal and temporary, typically lasting for the first three days following the procedure. During this time, it is advisable to stay at your hotel or wear sunglasses to protect your sensitive eyes from light. Although the initial discomfort may make you question your decision, by the third or fourth day, your eyes will show significant improvement. We recommend having someone available to assist you during the first three days. Despite the initial challenges, there is no regret, and we highly recommend LASEK for those considering vision correction.

LASIK

Thousands of businessmen, diplomats, and foreign celebrities have chosen LASIK surgery in Seoul and have been extremely satisfied with the results. LASIK differs from LASEK as it can be regarded as the second generation of laser eye surgery. This procedure involves creating a flap in the eye and using a femtosecond laser to correct vision. The flap is then closed after the procedure. LASIK provides several benefits, including faster healing time and minimal discomfort for patients.

SMILE

SMILE surgery is the latest development in laser eye surgery, representing the third generation of vision correction. Despite being a relatively new technology introduced in 2017, it has already been successfully performed tens of thousands of times in Korea. SMILE has gained popularity due to its minimally invasive nature. The procedure involves making a small 4mm incision in the cornea compared to larger incisions required by LASIK or complete removal of the cornea, as in the case of LASEK. Patients who opt for SMILE experience no discomfort, and complete healing can be expected within 1-2 days. SMILE currently stands as the premier laser eye surgery option on the market, although it is more expensive than previous generations. However, not everyone is eligible for SMILE, as individuals with extremely thin or thick corneas may be excluded. For those who meet the criteria and can afford it, SMILE is undoubtedly the optimal choice.

 

Clinics

Below, we present a selection of clinics in Seoul along with their contact information. Most eye clinics offer free eye examinations and consultations, allowing patients to explore several options before committing to vision correction procedures.

Bright Eye Clinic



Located in Kyobo Tower, a landmark building in Gangnam, Bright Eye Clinic boasts the largest medical examination and surgical facilities in Korea. The clinic introduced VisuMax, the first SMILE Lasik equipment in Asia, in 2009. As of 2022, the clinic has successfully completed 100,000 SMILE Lasik cases and has gained worldwide recognition for its leading technology and medical system. Patients from 40 different countries visit Bright Eye Clinic to improve their eyesight.


B&VIIT Eye Center 



B&VIIT Eye Center holds a prestigious position as the premium eye clinic in Seoul. They have performed over 500,000 procedures and recently incorporated state-of-the-art AI technology for accurate eye assessments. B&VIIT has assisted celebrities, movie stars, and singers in achieving optimal vision. Our friend Bastian, a German student, visited B&VIIT and was amazed by the simplicity and effectiveness of his SMILE surgery.



Glory Seoul Eye Clinic


One of our friends opted for LASIK at Glory Seoul Eye Clinic and was highly satisfied with both the clinic and the procedure. With thousands of foreign patients treated, this clinic is highly regarded in Seoul. Their competitive prices, convenient location near Gangnam Station, and English-speaking doctor, Dr. Kim, make it a popular choice among patients seeking vision correction.