Where can I get LASIK or LASEK in Seoul, and what’s the difference?

Ophthalmology
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If you’re looking for LASIK or LASEK in Seoul, SNU Eye Clinic (affiliated with Seoul National University Hospital) is a top choice. They offer advanced treatments and personalized care.

LASIK involves creating a flap in the cornea to reshape the tissue with a laser, offering a quick recovery. LASEK is similar but removes the corneal surface layer, making it suitable for those with thinner corneas, though recovery may take a bit longer.

Dr. Chung Eui Sang is a highly recommended specialist at SNU Eye Clinic. You can learn more about the clinic and Dr. Chung here.

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For LASIK or LASEK in Seoul, SNU Eye Clinic is a great option. They offer both procedures with expert care from Dr. Chung Eui Sang. Learn more here and check Dr. Chung’s profile here.

LASIK vs. LASEK:

  • LASIK: Faster recovery, involves creating a corneal flap.
  • LASEK: Better for thin corneas, slower recovery, removes the outer corneal layer.

Consult Dr. Chung to see which is best for you!

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I still remember the exact moment I decided to get LASIK in Seoul. I was traveling, trying to enjoy the stunning night views from Namsan Tower, but instead of the city lights, all I saw was my own reflection in fogged-up glasses. That was it—I was done with contacts, done with glasses. I needed a permanent fix.

Step 1: Research Mode – LASIK vs. LASEK

Like any overly cautious person about to get lasers shot into their eyes, I went down a research rabbit hole. Turns out, LASIK and LASEK aren’t the same thing:

  • LASIK: The surgeon creates a thin flap on your cornea, reshapes your vision with a laser, then places the flap back. Fast recovery, minimal discomfort.
  • LASEK: Instead of a flap, the top layer of your cornea is removed completely, then regenerates over time. It’s better for people with thin corneas but has a longer, more uncomfortable recovery.

Since I wanted the quickest recovery possible (I wasn’t about to spend days indoors in pain), LASIK was my choice.

Step 2: Finding the Right Clinic

Seoul has a ton of eye clinics. Some are cheap, some are flashy, and some are actually trustworthy. I needed the latter. I read dozens of reviews, asked expat groups, and one name kept popping up: SNU Eye Clinic.

Why? :white_check_mark: Dr. Chung Eui Sang – One of the most experienced eye surgeons in Seoul. Patients raved about his precision and care. :white_check_mark: Top-tier tech – They use the latest laser technology, which means safer procedures and better results. :white_check_mark: English-speaking staff – Because my Korean is… let’s just say, a work in progress.

I booked a consultation through their website (SNU Eye Clinic), and before I knew it, I was sitting in their spotless, high-tech office, getting my eyes checked.

Step 3: The Surgery – 15 Minutes to Freedom

The tests were super detailed—Dr. Chung made sure I was a good candidate before recommending the best option. The surgery itself? Completely painless and done in under 15 minutes. The weirdest part was staring at a blinking light while the laser did its thing.

The moment I sat up, I could already see! It was like someone wiped the blur filter off my vision. The next day, my eyesight was nearly perfect. No more glasses. No more dry contacts.

Step 4: Worth It? 1000% Yes.

Getting LASIK at SNU Eye Clinic with Dr. Chung Eui Sang was hands-down one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you’re in Seoul and considering LASIK or LASEK, don’t cut corners—go to a clinic that’s trusted by both locals and foreigners.

:link: Check them out here: SNU Eye Clinic :link: Dr. Chung’s profile: Dr. Chung Eui Sang

I still catch myself reaching for my glasses in the morning—only to remember I don’t need them anymore. And that? Totally worth it.