Thinking about getting LASIK in Korea to correct nearsightedness? With affordable prices and advanced technology, Korea has become a popular destination for laser eye surgery. But before you book, it’s important to know if you’re a good candidate and how to evaluate factors like risks, costs, and the quality of doctors. This guide will help you make the best decision before your procedure!
Everything you need to know about getting laser eye surgery in Korea!
[블로그] Full Guide to Laser Eye Surgery in Korea | SMILE LASIK, SMILE PRO, LASEK
Eye Clinics Certified by Korean Government
Click to check real reviews and eye surgery prices!
[Spot] Gangnam Bright Eye Clinic (Korea's largest eye/vision correction hospital)
[Spot] Sending eye medicine🎉B&VIIT Ophthalmology (30-year established/AI examination)
[Spot] EYEREUM Eye Clinic (Korea's first Smile Pro procedure hospital)
[Spot] 200,000 KRW off🎉S&B Eye Clinic (Korean celebrities' top choice for LASIK)
[Spot] Song Haifu Sound Wave🎉 Gangnam Good Eyes Ophthalmology (Affordable Smile All-Laser SMILE)
Had a Check-Up but Still Hesitating?
If you’ve already decided you want laser eye surgery, visited clinics for evaluations, and confirmed that you’re eligible (but still feel hesitant) consider these three common concerns:
- Do I really need surgery?
- Am I worried about complications or surgical failure?
- Is the cost holding me back?
The first point is simple: you know yourself best. If you’ve already gone for a LASIK consultation, it shows you’re seriously considering it.
After laser eye surgery for nearsightedness, you no longer need contact lenses or glasses. You can go out at night, exercise, or eat without worrying about eyewear. Most people who have undergone the procedure say they “don’t regret it.”
But there’s one thing to be aware of: some people report dry eyes after surgery.
Here’s the clarification: if your eyes usually feel dry while wearing contact lenses, it’s often the lenses absorbing moisture, not your eyes being naturally dry. A thorough eye exam will determine whether your eyes are naturally dry or healthy.
It’s normal to experience dry eyes for about three months after laser eye surgery. The good news is this is temporary. Regular use of eye drops helps keep your eyes moist, and most patients recover fully within three months.
If you already have dry eyes, you’ll need to carefully weigh your options. Ask yourself: is it more troublesome to “wear contact lenses and use artificial tears” or to “use eye drops after LASIK surgery”? This will help you make the best decision for your lifestyle and comfort.
[Blog] Are there any side effects from getting LASIK in Korea?
Not Enough Budget For LASIK?
The cost of laser eye surgery is a major reason many people hesitate to get LASIK. In South Korea, LASIK is significantly more affordable than in the U.S., often costing only half or even a third of the price at major clinics. These prices come from top government-certified hospitals using Zeiss technology; not from small, random clinics.
Laser eye surgery technology in South Korea has been developing for over a decade, with transparent pricing and clear average costs. It’s highly recommended to compare options before making a decision.
* Gangnam Bright Eye Clinic is one of only four clinics worldwide to complete 100,000 surgeries without a single incident!
The prices in Korea are usually listed for both eyes, so you won’t be tricked by a low price that’s only for one eye. If you’ve already had a consultation in the U.S. but are hesitating due to budget, coming to Korea for LASIK can be a smart choice.
We especially recommend the popular ReLEx SMILE procedure, with surgery costs in Korea generally not exceeding $1,800. In comparison, the same procedure in the U.S. often costs $3,000–$4,000, making it much more affordable without compromising quality.
Is Coming to Korea for LASIK Really Worth It?
If your only goal is to fly to Korea just for LASIK, it might not seem cost-effective. But if you combine it with travel, it can be 100% worth it!
Why? In Korea, ReLEx SMILE for nearsightedness is a one-day procedure, from exam to surgery and initial recovery. By your next-day follow-up check-up, your vision can recover up to 90%, so you can continue traveling without disruption.
For example, after my own surgery, I went home to rest on Monday after my surgery, and by Tuesday’s follow-up visit, I was already seeing clearly and didn’t experience light sensitivity. By Wednesday, I was out enjoying dinner, and by the weekend, I was partying late at night with fully recovered condition!
A 5-day, 4-night trip to Korea (including round-trip airfare from the U.S., mid-range hotel accommodations, meals, local transportation, and LASIK surgery) typically costs between $2,500 and $3,000 USD. In comparison, the same LASIK procedure in the U.S. often ranges from $2,000 to $3,500 USD per eye, totaling $4,000 to $7,000 USD for both eyes.
Even when factoring in travel expenses, opting for LASIK in Korea can be more cost-effective than undergoing the procedure in the U.S.!
Worried About Traveling Abroad for LASIK?
It’s normal to feel hesitant about having laser eye surgery overseas. Many people worry about flying after surgery, thinking cabin pressure might affect their eyes, but it won’t. The procedure is minimally invasive, and eye pressure isn’t affected. Many patients even schedule surgery in the last days of their trip and fly home safely after their follow-up.
Language barriers are another common concern, but in Korea, there’s no need to worry. Hospitals recommended through Creatrip provide English translators, so you can communicate clearly about any questions or concerns.
For follow-up, the hospital will give you an English medical report. Typically, the first follow-up is the day after surgery. Once home, you can take this report to your local ophthalmologist if you wish, though many patients don’t need additional follow-ups.
Some may worry that hospitals abroad might ignore them after surgery. Korean clinics are the opposite! They regularly check in with patients who book through Creatrip, ensuring your eyes are healing well and reminding you to use eye drops on schedule. Because their reputation depends on satisfied patients (especially foreign patients) Korean eye clinics maintain high standards of care, so you can feel confident throughout the entire process.
How to book Korean beauty & medical treatments online safely?
[Blog] Why book Korean medical beauty/medical services on Creatrip?
Eye Clinics Certified by Korean Government
Click to check real reviews and eye surgery prices!
[Spot] Gangnam Myeongmok Eye Clinic (Korea's largest ophthalmology/vision correction hospital)
[Spot] Free Eye Drops🎉B&VIIT Eye Clinic (30 Years Established/AI Examination)
[Spot] EYEREUM Eye Clinic (Korea's first Smile Pro surgery hospital)
[Spot] 200,000 KRW Off 🎉 S&B Eye Clinic (Korean Stars' Top Choice for LASIK)
[Spot] Song Haifu Ultrasound🎉 Gangnam Good Eye Ophthalmology (Affordable Smile All-Femtosecond)
Want to learn more about laser eye surgery?
[Blog] Common Questions About Pre/Post Korean Laser Eye Surgery
[Blog] Types of Laser Eye Surgery in Korea / Differences Explained
[Blog] Why get laser eye surgery in Korea?
After reading these insights, you should have a clearer idea of whether LASIK in Korea is right for you. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. You can also check the reservation pages above for more detailed information and real patient reviews to find the clinic that best fits your needs!
Want to get a makeover during your trip?
Click to see beauty & medical itineraries!
Book all things trending in Korea on Creatrip! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Youtube to stay updated on all things Korea!
