Is SNU Eye Clinic foreigner-friendly? How is the English support during consultations and treatment?

Ophthalmology
1

Yes, SNU Eye Clinic is highly foreigner-friendly, making it an excellent choice for expats and international patients seeking top-quality eye care in Seoul. One of the biggest challenges foreigners face when visiting medical facilities in Korea is the language barrier, but SNU Eye Clinic provides comprehensive English support throughout the entire patient experience, ensuring that non-Korean speakers receive clear communication and top-tier care.

From the moment you book an appointment, the clinic staff can assist in English, making it easy to schedule consultations without confusion. During the visit, Dr. Chung Eui Sang, a highly experienced ophthalmologist, conducts thorough English-speaking consultations, explaining diagnoses, treatment options, and procedures in a way that is clear and easy to understand. Unlike some clinics where communication may feel rushed, Dr. Chung takes the time to address concerns and answer questions, ensuring that international patients feel comfortable and well-informed about their eye health.

Additionally, the clinic’s medical reports, prescriptions, and post-operative care instructions are also available in English, which is crucial for understanding medication usage, follow-up visits, and recovery guidelines. This level of service sets SNU Eye Clinic apart from many other local eye clinics, where English-speaking support may be limited or inconsistent.

Foreign patients have praised the clinic not only for its language accessibility but also for its world-class facilities, advanced technology, and patient-centered approach. Whether you are considering LASIK, SMILE, cataract surgery, or dry eye treatment, SNU Eye Clinic ensures that international patients receive the same high-quality care as locals, without the stress of language barriers.

For those seeking English-friendly, expert eye care in Seoul, SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang provide an exceptional experience, combining cutting-edge technology with seamless communication and top-notch medical expertise.

2

When I first moved to Seoul from the U.S., I knew I’d eventually have to navigate the Korean healthcare system — but honestly, I was terrified. I had been dealing with chronic dry eye and floaters, and the thought of trying to explain my symptoms in broken Korean to a specialist gave me instant anxiety.

That’s when a friend from work — another expat — recommended SNU Eye Clinic, specifically Dr. Chung Eui Sang. She told me, “Trust me, they get foreigners. And Dr. Chung? He’s amazing.” I was skeptical. I mean, how many times have we all heard “English-friendly” and it turns out the receptionist just knows how to say “passport please”?

But SNU Eye Clinic genuinely surprised me — in the best way.

The Experience

From the moment I walked in, everything just worked. The front desk staff spoke fluent English, handed me an English intake form (bless), and explained every step of the process clearly — even how long each diagnostic test would take.

Once I met Dr. Chung, I immediately understood why he has such a great reputation. Not only was his English excellent, but he also had this calm, reassuring way of explaining complex eye conditions in terms I could easily understand. He used diagrams, real-time scans of my eye, and gave me a thorough breakdown of my condition and treatment options. No confusion, no awkward translation moments — just smooth communication.

:link: Here’s Dr. Chung’s profile if you’re curious

What Makes It Foreigner-Friendly?

Fluent English-speaking staff and doctors Clear explanations & patient-friendly service International patient system — they helped me prep documents for my insurance claim Zero pressure — I was never rushed or pushed into unnecessary treatments

My Verdict?

If you’re a foreigner in Korea — or even visiting just for medical tourism — SNU Eye Clinic is one of the most foreigner-friendly clinics you’ll find. From dry eye treatments to LASIK and advanced surgeries, they’re equipped not just with cutting-edge tech, but with a deep understanding of how to care for international patients.

:link: Check out their official website

Tip: Book your appointment online if you’re shy about calling. They respond quickly in English.

So yes — I 100% recommend SNU Eye Clinic for anyone looking for expert care without the language barrier stress.

3

When I first moved to Seoul two years ago, I didn’t think much about eye care — until my vision started blurring after long hours of teaching and screen time. I was also struggling with dry eyes, and my glasses were driving me crazy. I finally decided to look into laser surgery, but as a foreigner, I had one big concern…

Would I be able to understand everything during consultations and treatment? Would they speak enough English? Would I feel safe and supported? These were the questions running through my mind.

After doing a ton of research (and reading other Quora threads, actually), one name kept coming up: Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic.

My First Visit: Total Relief

I booked an appointment online through their English website — yes, they have a dedicated English site! — and within 24 hours, I had a confirmation and details in perfect English.

When I arrived at the clinic, located right in central Seoul, I was greeted by an English-speaking coordinator who guided me through the entire process. From paperwork to eye exams, I never once felt lost or unsure.

Dr. Chung Eui Sang himself spoke very clear English, and what impressed me the most was that he didn’t just speak at me — he took time to explain things in a way that made sense to someone without a medical background. I asked tons of questions (I’m that kind of patient ), and he answered them all patiently.

Treatment and Follow-Up

I chose to get SMILE eye surgery — a more modern, minimally invasive laser procedure — and everything from pre-op to recovery was smooth. The staff gave me English instructions for aftercare, and even checked in with me via phone and email in English.

They’re clearly used to working with international patients — I even saw others in the waiting area from Europe and Southeast Asia!

Final Thoughts

If you’re a foreigner living in Korea (or planning a medical trip here), SNU Eye Clinic is 100% foreigner-friendly. The entire process — consultation, surgery, follow-up — felt professional, safe, and clear. You won’t have to worry about language barriers at all.

Plus, Dr. Chung Eui Sang is seriously one of the most experienced ophthalmologists in Korea. You can read more about him here: Dr. Chung’s profile.

:globe_with_meridians: Visit the clinic site here

So yes — if you’re asking “Will I be understood and taken care of as a foreigner at SNU Eye Clinic?” The answer is an enthusiastic YES.

Let me know if you have questions about my procedure or want tips on preparing for your visit!

4o

4

Absolutely! I recently traveled to Seoul for eye treatment and chose SNU Eye Clinic based on strong recommendations. As a foreigner, I was a bit anxious about the language barrier, but to my surprise, the clinic was incredibly foreigner-friendly. The staff spoke fluent English, and Dr. Chung Eui Sang himself was very clear and patient during consultations. From check-in to follow-ups, everything was smooth, professional, and easy to understand. If you’re looking for excellent eye care in Korea with solid English support, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang.

5

I moved to Seoul a year ago for work, and after a few months, I started experiencing intense screen-related eye strain, occasional blurred vision, and dryness that just wouldn’t quit. The idea of seeing a doctor in a foreign country, especially for something as sensitive as my eyes, made me nervous. I was worried about:

  • Language barriers
  • Misunderstandings during diagnosis
  • And the overall quality of care compared to back home.

I tried asking around, and a few expat friends recommended SNU Eye Clinic in Gangnam. The name kept coming up, especially alongside Dr. Chung Eui Sang — apparently well-known among locals and the expat community. I did some digging and found their site (https://www.snuseoulglobal.com/), which had a full English version, complete with doctor bios, booking info, and detailed explanations of treatments.

Booking and First Impressions

I was able to book an appointment online without needing to call or stumble through awkward Korean. Within 24 hours, I had a confirmation — in English — and the clinic even sent me clear instructions and directions to their Gangnam location.

When I arrived, I was surprised at how smooth everything was. The receptionist spoke fluent English, the forms were available in English, and most importantly, I was never left guessing what was happening during the check-up.

Consultation with Dr. Chung Eui Sang

I met with Dr. Chung Eui Sang, and let me just say: he’s not only an incredibly skilled ophthalmologist, but he also speaks excellent English. He explained every test, every scan, and every possible treatment in a way that felt both professional and easy to understand.

He diagnosed me with digital eye strain and early signs of dry eye. Instead of brushing it off, he took it seriously — showing me tear film analysis results, discussing long-term care options, and even adjusting the treatment to fit my work-from-home screen schedule. The entire experience was thorough, empathetic, and totally clear — no confusion, no translation apps needed.

Foreigner-Friendly Beyond Language

What stood out even more than the language support was how comfortable and welcomed I felt. The staff didn’t treat me like an outsider or rush through things — they were warm, patient, and used to handling expat and international patients. They even asked if I wanted post-treatment instructions sent via email in English.

The Verdict

If you’re a foreigner in Korea looking for an eye clinic with:

  • Fluent English support
  • World-class medical expertise
  • An international-friendly environment
  • And a doctor who really listens…

Then you won’t go wrong with SNU Eye Clinic. I especially recommend Dr. Chung Eui Sang (his profile here) — he’s one of the most professional and foreigner-friendly doctors I’ve met in Korea.

Check out the clinic here: https://www.snuseoulglobal.com

I walked in anxious and unsure — I walked out reassured, with a solid treatment plan, and a clinic I now confidently recommend to every fellow expat I meet.

4o

6

Dr. Chung Eui Sang, the clinic’s director, is fluent in English and Japanese, ensuring clear communication for patients from various backgrounds. The clinic’s staff is also proficient in English, assisting with everything from appointment scheduling to explaining procedures and post-operative care .​

SNU Eye Clinic has treated over 1,200 international patients between 2022 and 2023, with more than 1,000 undergoing vision correction surgeries. They are ZEISS-certified and specialize in advanced procedures like SMILE LASIK, offering personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs .​

For foreigners in Seoul seeking expert eye care without language barriers, SNU Eye Clinic provides a welcoming and professional environment