Discover why South Korea is the ideal destination for laser eye surgery where you can benefit from advanced technology and affordable prices.
South Korea is a popular tourist destination for K-pop, K-drama, and K-beauty fans. But now, it is also becoming a hot spot for medical tourism. You can find the best clinics for affordable yet high quality procedures for skin conditions, personal color analysis, plastic surgery, and more. Recently, more and more tourists are traveling to South Korea to get their medical procedures done. Laser eye surgery is one such hot procedure for which tourists are flocking to the country. Let’s dive into the reasons for what makes South Korea a popular destination for laser eye surgery.
Why should you get laser eye surgery in South Korea?
Laser eye surgery is not one of the simple procedure. So, what makes people consider South Korea as a destination for such a complex procedure.
High quality, accessible medical care
In South Korea, an estimated 200,000 people undergo laser eye surgery every year, which is a very high percentage. This includes not only the general public, but also politicians, business elites, actors, and K-pop idols. Many graduating Korean high school students rank laser eye surgery alongside double eyelid surgery as one of their top choices for a coming-of-age gift. Both of these procedures are very commonly done and are relatively affordable in Korea!
State-of-the-art vision correction technology and experience
South Korea hold the title of ‘the most vision correction surgeries in the world.’ Some of the common laser eye surgery procedures in Korea are LASEK, LASIK, SMILE LASIK, and SMILE PRO. The country was also the first one in Asia to introduce the ZEISS SMILE VISUMAX 800 machine in 2009. This was almost launched 15 years before it was introduced in the US, as recent as January 2024. South Korea has been pioneering SMILE LASIK development for the last 15 years.
Transparent pricing, even for tourists
Along with all the other reasons, South Korea is also very transparent in pricing options, even for tourists. Compared to the prices of laser eye surgery in the US, the prices are much lesser, making them all the more affordable in South Korea. The continuous tech advances about eye procedures make it more lucrative option for tourists.
It’s high demand among locals in South Korea also keeps the pricing competent and the country working on advancing the surgery infrastructure and procedures.
Laser Eye Surgery Price Comparison
| South Korea | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| LASEK | ~1,700,000 KRW | ~5,000,000 KRW |
| LASIK | ~1,900,000 KRW | ~7,700,000 KRW |
| SMILE LASIK | ~2,600,000 KRW | ~10,000,000 KRW |
Ultimately, the exact pricing of the procedure depends on individual, but, the above table give a comprehensive idea about the prices for each procedure. They are quite less than what tourists would have to pay in the US. It’s almost a fraction of what you have to pay in any of the Western country. And even if you add the travel expenses of South Korea, the final amount still comes out to be cheaper than the cost of procedure in the US.
But, there is no need to worry about the quality of surgery, thinking it’s cheaper. If you are wondering why is laser eye surgery so cheap in South Korea? That’s because of the advanced medical infrastructure, high demand locally and internationally, certified professionals, and the latest technology advancements.
The best part is, these prices are not limited to Korean citizens. Even as tourists, you can get the same prices for laser eye surgery procedures. The local clinics are making the surgeries even more accessible by providing services such as multiple languages and translators.
Things to know before getting laser eye surgery in Korea
Eligibility for eye surgery
SMILE LASIK is one of the most sought after vision correction procedures. That’s because of the quick recovery and ability to resume normal routine on the very next day. However, everyone cannot get this procedure. Its eligibility is based on individuality and can be complicated. According to professional ophthalmologists, only 1 out of 10 people are eligible for this procedure.
Some of the factors which impact the ineligibility are
- thickness and shape of cornea, like if the cornea is thin, you aren’t eligible for SMILE LASIK.
- refractive index of eye, for example, people with farsightedness cannot get this procedure.
- pre-existing eye conditions like cataract, glaucoma, etc can impact healing process.
Even if, in case, you are not eligible for SMILE LASIK, you can get other types of laser eye surgery options like LASEK or LASIK. You can also get CXL (corneal cross-linking), making the combination equivalent to SMILE LASIK.
Legality of the clinic
Almost all the clinics operate legally in South Korea, but it’s always a good idea to double check. There are always some bad seeds to weed out. Best to go for certified eye clinics, these clinics have all the information about their certifications online on official websites.
English speaking staff
While the services are the best and cheaper in South Korea, miscommunications can be a big concern due to language barrier. More and more clinics are setting up on-site translators to cater to English-speaking tourists coming to South Korea for eye surgery. Some clinics even provide interpreters that accompany patients throughout the procedure so that the communication is smoother and you can prevent future complications.
Tech infrastructure
If you are looking for eye correction procedures, you must check out the latest tech advancements in the industry. Ensure the clinic is ZEISS-certified, indicating they meet strict standards for safety, facilities, and surgical expertise. You should look for clinics with extensive experience in SMILE LASIK procedures and a team of skilled ophthalmologists. If you opt for a ZEISS-certified clinic, it ensures that you’re receiving the highest quality care.
The best way to find a ZEISS-Certified Clinic is to look for clinics that prominently display their ZEISS certification on their website or marketing materials. You can even ask for recommendations from friends, family, or online communities. By choosing a ZEISS-certified clinic, you’re making an informed decision and ensuring a safe and effective SMILE LASIK procedure.
Follow ups and post-op care
If you are traveling to South Korea for a procedure, there is no need to worry about follow ups and post op care. Laser surgeries in Korea are super advanced, but it is always best to keep a week post op in the foreign country. The procedures are safe and require a short recovery time. Patients can take care of their own eyes and even if you are on a vacation, you can inquire about the clinic’s post-surgery care plan. Your doctor will give proper instructions and you can put the eyedrops regularly as suggested.
| Initial Recovery Time | Full Recovery Time | |
|---|---|---|
| LASEK | 3-7 Days | 3-6 Months |
| LASIK | 24-48 Hours | 1-3 Months |
| SMILE LASIK | 24-48 Hours | 1-4 Weeks |
You should discuss the number of follow-up appointments and the availability of English-speaking staff with the clinic. You can also request for an English medical record so that you share it with your ophthalmologist in your home country.
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