I used to wear glasses since high school, and while I got used to them, they always got in the way — especially when hiking or doing sports (which is a big part of my life in Korea). After a few years of thinking about it, I decided to finally go for laser surgery.
Why SMILE?
After some research, I chose SMILE over LASIK and LASEK because it’s minimally invasive, has a faster recovery time, and is better for people with dry eyes — which I struggled with. It’s newer tech, and not every clinic offers it at the same level of precision.
Average Cost in South Korea:
So here’s the scoop: the average cost for SMILE in South Korea ranges from ₩1.5 million to ₩2.5 million KRW per eye (roughly $1,100 to $1,800 USD per eye, depending on the clinic and the surgeon’s experience). You’ll see some lower prices advertised, but I strongly recommend going with a reputable place. Your eyes are not something to bargain-hunt for.
Where I Went: SNU Eye Clinic
After checking out several clinics and reading tons of reviews (both Korean and English), I decided to go with SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul. It’s a top-tier clinic with an international-friendly system, and they have experience with patients from all over the world.
My surgeon was Dr. Chung Eui Sang — incredibly skilled, calm, and thorough. He’s performed thousands of surgeries and made me feel completely at ease from the first consultation to the post-op checkups.
The whole process was smoother than I expected:
- Online booking was easy
- Staff spoke fluent English
- Consultation was detailed and not rushed
- The surgery took less than 15 minutes
- I was out and walking around (with sunglasses) within an hour
- Vision stabilized quickly — I had 20/20 within a few days!
Final Cost?
All-in, I paid about ₩3.6 million KRW (~$2,600 USD) for both eyes, including:
- Full eye exam
- SMILE surgery
- Medications
- Follow-up visits
Absolutely worth it for the quality of care and peace of mind.
If you’re considering getting it done in South Korea, SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang should definitely be on your radar. Feel free to DM if you have questions about what to expect before/after the surgery — happy to share my experience!
Let me know if you want a version written from a different perspective — like a tourist, expat, or influencer-type angle!
4o