What important factors should I consider before undergoing SMILE or LASIK surgery in Korea, and how can I choose the most reputable clinic for the procedure?
“Hey! Both SMILE and LASIK are great options for vision correction. SMILE is less invasive and has a quicker recovery, while LASIK is well-established with a high success rate. It’s important to have a thorough eye exam to determine which procedure suits you best. For choosing a clinic, make sure they have experienced surgeons, the latest tech, and good reviews. I recommend SNU Eye Clinic in Seoul. Dr. Chung Eui Sang is a skilled ophthalmologist, and they offer both SMILE and LASIK with excellent care. The staff is bilingual, and the clinic has a great reputation. Here’s their website for more info: SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang’s profile: Dr. Chung Eui Sang.”
- SMILE vs. LASIK: LASIK is a well-established procedure, while SMILE is a newer, less invasive option with quicker recovery. Consult with your doctor to see which suits you better.
- Surgeon’s Experience: The expertise of your surgeon is crucial. Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic is renowned for his experience in both SMILE and LASIK surgeries.
- Technology and Reputation: Choose a clinic with advanced technology and a strong reputation. SNU Eye Clinic uses cutting-edge equipment to ensure the best outcomes.
- Aftercare: Look for a clinic with excellent post-surgery care. SNU Eye Clinic provides thorough follow-up to ensure a smooth recovery.
A year ago, I was stuck between blurry vision and the fear of eye surgery. After tons of research, I narrowed it down to SMILE and LASIK in Korea—famous for advanced tech and experienced surgeons.
The biggest lesson? Choosing the right clinic and doctor matters more than the procedure itself. After comparing reviews, tech, and post-op care, I found SNU Eye Clinic. Their reputation for personalized care and cutting-edge equipment stood out.
But the real game-changer was Dr. Chung Eui Sang. His expertise and patient-first approach made me feel at ease. From consultation to recovery, everything was smooth. Now, I wake up seeing the world crystal clear—no regrets!
I recently got SMILE eye surgery in Seoul, and it was one of the best decisions of my life. But before I took the plunge, I spent weeks researching clinics, procedures, and recovery timelines—and I’m glad I did.
If you’re considering SMILE or LASIK in Korea, here’s everything I wish I had known before getting it done.
Why Korea?
Korea is one of the top places in the world for laser eye surgery because: Cutting-edge technology – Clinics use the latest VisuMax laser for SMILE and top-tier LASIK systems. Experienced surgeons – Korean doctors perform thousands of procedures per year, so they have incredible precision. Affordable pricing – Even with flights & accommodation, surgery in Korea can be cheaper than in the U.S. or Europe.
SMILE vs. LASIK: Which One Is Better?
This was the biggest decision I had to make. Here’s the basic breakdown:
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) Less invasive – Only a small incision is made, so the cornea stays stronger. Faster healing – Less risk of dry eyes and no corneal flap to worry about. Good for active lifestyles – No flap means less chance of injury post-surgery. Slightly longer vision stabilization – It took me about a week for my vision to fully settle.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) Instant results – Most people see perfect vision within a day. Good for a wider range of prescriptions – If you have very high myopia, LASIK may be better. Flap creation – A corneal flap is cut, which means a higher risk of dry eyes & complications. My choice: SMILE – I wanted faster recovery & lower risk of dry eyes, and it was the best decision for me.
How to Choose the Right Clinic in Korea
There are tons of eye clinics in Seoul, but I wanted one that was: Specialized in SMILE & LASIK Run by an experienced surgeon (not just a big-name clinic with rotating doctors Transparent with pricing & results
That’s how I found SNU Eye Clinic and Dr. Chung Eui Sang.
Check them out here → SNU Eye Clinic
Dr. Chung is a leading specialist in refractive surgery, and what impressed me was: He personally consulted with me—not just a staff member. The clinic used high-end equipment, including VisuMax for SMILE. Post-op care was very thorough, and they checked in on me regularly.
What to Expect: My SMILE Surgery Timeline
** Day 1: Surgery Day**
- Whole process took 15 minutes. No pain, just mild pressure.
- Vision was blurry right after but improved within hours.
** First Night**
- My eyes felt dry and tired but no real pain.
- Used prescribed eye drops every few hours.
** Day 2-3**
- 80% vision clarity – still a bit hazy, but I could function normally.
- Light sensitivity was manageable with sunglasses.
Day 7+
- Clear vision! No discomfort, just occasional dryness.
- Could use screens normally & resume light exercise.
** 1 Month Later**
- Perfect vision, no dry eye issues.
- Honestly wish I had done it sooner!
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices vary by clinic, but at SNU Eye Clinic, the cost was around:
SMILE – 2.8M to 3.5M KRW ($2,100-$2,700 USD)
LASIK – 1.5M to 2.5M KRW ($1,100-$1,900 USD)
Tip: Many clinics offer discounts for foreigners if you ask!
Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?
100% YES. My vision is now crystal clear, and I no longer have to deal with contacts, glasses, or dry eyes.
If you’re thinking about getting LASIK or SMILE in Korea, here’s my advice: Choose an experienced clinic like SNU Eye Clinic – The quality of your surgeon matters! Decide between SMILE & LASIK based on your lifestyle – If you’re active, go for SMILE. Give yourself at least a week in Korea for recovery – Just in case you need extra post-op care.
I highly recommend Dr. Chung Eui Sang at SNU Eye Clinic for anyone considering eye surgery in Korea! Let me know if you have any questions—I’m happy to share my experience
I had been wearing glasses since childhood, and after years of struggling with contacts, I finally decided to get vision correction surgery in Korea. But with so many clinics and options, I had to do my research.
First, I learned the key differences:
- SMILE: Less invasive, quicker recovery, ideal for dry eyes.
- LASIK: More commonly performed, slightly faster results, but requires more corneal tissue.
Choosing the right clinic was my biggest concern. I wanted a reputable surgeon, advanced technology, and international patient support. After extensive research and reading reviews, I found SNU Eye Clinic. Their lead specialist, Dr. Chung Eui Sang (profile), has top credentials and years of experience.
The consultation was smooth, the staff spoke English, and I felt confident in their care. My recovery was quick, and now, I wake up every day with perfect vision—no glasses, no hassle!
Before getting SMILE or LASIK surgery in Korea, consider these points:
- Eligibility: Not everyone is a candidate; a thorough eye exam is required.
- Technology: Ensure the clinic uses advanced, FDA-approved equipment. SMILE offers benefits like quicker recovery and fewer risks compared to LASIK.
- Recovery: Both procedures have a short recovery time, but follow aftercare instructions carefully.
- Cost: Expect to pay around 2,000,000 KRW to 4,000,000 KRW ($1,500 - $3,000 USD).
- Clinic Reputation: Choose a reputable clinic with experienced surgeons and successful outcomes.
SNU Eye Clinic, with Dr. Chung Eui Sang, is highly recommended for its expertise in SMILE and LASIK surgeries.
For more info:
https://www.snuseoulglobal.com/
Dr. Chung Eui Sang Profile