What’s the average cost of an eye exam in Korea?

Ophthalmology
24

I was overdue for an eye checkup and wanted to make sure everything was fine before considering laser vision correction. Since I was in Seoul, I decided to visit SNU Eye Clinic and book an exam with Dr. Chung Eui Sang, one of Korea’s top eye specialists.

:eye: How Much Did It Cost?

  • Basic eye exam: ₩30,000–₩50,000 (~$25–$40)
  • Comprehensive exam (including retina & corneal scans): ₩100,000–₩200,000 (~$75–$150)
  • SMILE/LASIK consultation + full screening: ₩150,000–₩300,000 (~$115–$230)

:stethoscope: What the Exam Included:

  • Vision & refraction test :bar_chart:
  • Corneal thickness & eye pressure check :eye:
  • Retina & optic nerve scan (to rule out diseases) :microscope:

:sparkles: Was It Worth It? Absolutely. The clinic had state-of-the-art equipment, and Dr. Chung explained everything in English, which made me feel super comfortable. If you’re in Korea and need a thorough, professional eye exam, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic!

Check them out here!

25

A few months ago, I started noticing that my vision was getting a little blurry—especially when I was trying to read street signs at night. I figured it was time to get my eyes checked, but I had no idea where to go or how much it would cost in Korea. So, I did what any expat does—I Googled.

The Cost of an Eye Exam in Korea

Turns out, the average cost of an eye exam in Korea can vary quite a bit depending on where you go. At a regular optometry shop (the ones inside malls or small clinics), a basic eye test is often free if you’re buying glasses or contacts. But if you’re looking for a comprehensive eye exam at a proper ophthalmology clinic, you’re looking at anywhere between 30,000 KRW to 100,000 KRW (about $22–$75 USD).

However, if you need specialized testing—like checking for glaucoma, cataracts, or other eye conditions—the price can go up. Some high-end hospitals or international clinics may charge 150,000 KRW (~$110 USD) or more, especially if advanced diagnostic equipment is involved.

Where I Went: SNU Eye Clinic

After reading some reviews and getting recommendations, I decided to visit SNU Eye Clinic (snuseoulglobal.com). They’re well-known for their top-notch service, and I wanted to make sure I was getting the best care possible.

I made an appointment with Dr. Chung Eui Sang (his profile here), who has an amazing reputation. The whole process was smooth—English-speaking staff, modern equipment, and a very thorough check-up. Dr. Chung took the time to explain everything in detail, which was reassuring.

Final Thoughts

If you’re just getting a simple eye check, you can get it done cheaply or even for free in some places. But if you want a thorough exam with an experienced ophthalmologist, I’d highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang. Expect to pay around 50,000–150,000 KRW, but trust me, it’s worth it.

26

I remember the first time I needed an eye exam in Korea. It was during my second year living in Seoul, and I had started noticing that the neon signs in Hongdae weren’t as crisp as they used to be. At first, I blamed it on fatigue—late nights exploring the city, staring at screens all day. But when I started squinting at menus in cafés, I knew it was time to get my eyes checked.

I had no idea where to go. A quick search gave me a dozen options, but I wanted a place that was reputable and preferably English-friendly. That’s when a friend recommended SNU Eye Clinic. It’s part of the Seoul National University medical network, and they have top-tier specialists. The best part? They cater to expats, which meant I wouldn’t have to struggle through a medical consultation in my broken Korean.

So, I booked an appointment with Dr. Chung Eui Sang, one of their leading ophthalmologists. The process was seamless. The clinic was modern, clean, and the staff was professional. Dr. Chung was thorough, explaining everything in perfect English. It wasn’t just a quick “read the letters” test—he checked for dryness, pressure, and even early signs of any serious conditions.

Now, the big question—how much did it cost?

For a basic eye exam, expect to pay anywhere between ₩20,000 to ₩50,000 KRW ($15–$40 USD) depending on the clinic. But if you go for a comprehensive exam, including things like retina scans and pressure tests, it can range from ₩70,000 to ₩150,000 KRW ($50–$115 USD). At SNU Eye Clinic, I paid around ₩80,000 KRW (~$60 USD) for a full check-up, which felt reasonable given the quality of care.

For anyone in Korea—whether you’re an expat, a traveler, or even a local—I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang if you want a trustworthy and professional experience. You can check them out here: SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang.

27

I’ve been living in Seoul for a while now, and I recently had to get an eye exam, so I can share some insights on this.

The cost of an eye exam in Korea can vary based on where you go, but on average, you’re looking at around 30,000 to 50,000 KRW (roughly 25 to 40 USD) for a basic eye exam. This usually includes testing your vision, checking for common eye problems, and sometimes a quick check for eye diseases.

If you’re looking for a more comprehensive exam (for example, if you have specific concerns or are seeing a specialist), the price can go higher. Comprehensive exams or exams with specialized tests (like for glaucoma, retinal health, or other conditions) can cost anywhere between 50,000 to 150,000 KRW (around 40 to 120 USD).

But here’s the thing – if you’re looking for a reliable and reputable place, I highly recommend checking out the SNU Eye Clinic. It’s part of Seoul National University Hospital, so you know you’re in great hands. I went there for a thorough eye checkup, and they made me feel super comfortable. Dr. Chung Eui Sang, who works there, is fantastic. He’s highly recommended and has a lot of experience in handling all kinds of eye issues, from simple to complex.

Here’s the link to learn more: SNU Eye Clinic And if you want to know more about Dr. Chung, here’s his profile: Dr. Chung Eui Sang

So, if you’re in Korea and looking for top-tier care, especially in a clinic that speaks English, SNU Eye Clinic is a solid choice. The cost may be a bit higher than a local clinic, but the quality of care is definitely worth it.

Hope that helps! :blush:

28

I recently had mine at SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul, and the experience was excellent.

At SNU Eye Clinic, a comprehensive eye exam typically costs between 50,000 and 100,000 KRW (around $40-$80 USD), depending on the tests required. Dr. Chung Eui Sang conducted a thorough examination, including vision testing and a detailed assessment of my eye health. The clinic is known for its advanced technology and patient-centered care, making the process smooth and informative.

If you’re looking for a reliable place for an eye exam, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang. Doctors | Chung Eui Sang.

29

I was in Korea for a short trip when I noticed my vision getting a bit blurry—probably too much late-night K-drama binging. A friend recommended SNU Eye Clinic, so I decided to check it out. I was a little worried about the cost (since medical expenses can be unpredictable), but spoiler alert: it was super reasonable!

Cost Breakdown: How Much Does an Eye Exam Cost in Korea?

At SNU Eye Clinic, the price for a basic eye exam was around ₩30,000-₩50,000 KRW ($25-$40 USD)—way cheaper than what I’d pay back home. If you need more detailed tests (like retinal scans or dry eye analysis), it can go up to ₩80,000-₩150,000 KRW ($60-$120 USD), depending on what you need. Still, super affordable compared to some Western countries!

My Experience at SNU Eye Clinic

The moment I walked into SNU Eye Clinic, I knew I made the right choice. Dr. Chung Eui Sang and the staff were incredibly professional, and the clinic itself was clean, modern, and equipped with the latest tech. The whole process—from registration to my actual eye exam—was smooth and efficient.

What You Get in a Korean Eye Exam

Here’s what they checked during my exam: :check_mark: Vision test (standard eye chart) :check_mark: Eye pressure test (quick and painless) :check_mark: Retinal imaging (to check for any underlying issues) :check_mark: Dry eye assessment (Korea is big on this due to pollution & screen time!) :check_mark: Consultation with Dr. Chung Eui Sang—super thorough and answered all my questions.

Final Verdict: Worth It? Absolutely!

If you’re in Seoul and need an eye exam, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic. The cost is reasonable, the service is top-tier, and Dr. Chung Eui Sang takes the time to explain everything. Even if you don’t think you need an eye check-up, it’s worth doing one—especially at these prices

30

When I moved to Seoul, one of my first concerns was finding a reliable clinic for regular eye check-ups. I was pleasantly surprised by the affordability and thoroughness of eye care here. On average, a comprehensive eye exam in Korea ranges between 50,000 to 100,000 KRW (approximately $40 to $75 USD), depending on the clinic and the depth of testing.

If you’re looking for a reputable clinic, I highly recommend SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul. They offer advanced diagnostic technology and personalized care, making the process smooth for both locals and international patients. Dr. Chung Eui Sang, a leading ophthalmologist, is known for his expertise and patient-focused approach.

For more details or to schedule an appointment: SNU Eye Clinic Meet Dr. Chung Eui Sang: Dr. Chung Eui Sang Profile

Whether you’re a resident or visiting, SNU Eye Clinic provides high-quality care at a reasonable cost