Cost of ICL surgery in Korea
Why Seoul Is Asia’s Vision Surgery Capital
Seoul is one of the world’s leading destinations for LASIK, SMILE Pro, and ICL eye surgeries.
Thanks to its combination of world-class surgeons, cutting-edge laser technology, and transparent pricing, Korea attracts thousands of international patients each year.
If you’re a foreigner considering LASIK or SMILE surgery in Korea, choosing a clinic with English-speaking staff and reliable after-care is essential. Below are five trusted, foreigner-friendly clinics in Seoul that consistently earn strong reviews from international patients.
1. BGSS Eye Clinic (Seoul Bright World Eye Clinic)
Location: 823 Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Website:
iloveeye.com
BGSS Eye Clinic — also known as Seoul Bright World Eye Clinic — is one of the most established and respected vision centers in Korea.
Founded in 1997, BGSS has performed over 600,000 eye surgeries, including LASIK, SMILE, and cataract procedures.
Why foreigners like it:
- Officially certified as a Foreign Patient Attraction Institution by the Korean Ministry of Health.
- Offers SMILE Pro, the newest generation of flapless laser surgery with minimal recovery time.
- English-speaking coordinators available for consultation, translation, and follow-up guidance.
Travel tip: Plan to stay at least 2 nights after surgery — BGSS offers convenient appointment slots for international patients.
2. B&VIIT Eye Center (Gangnam)
Location: GT Tower B2, 1317-23 Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Website:
english.bnviit.com
B&VIIT is one of Korea’s most recognized laser vision centers, famous for its high patient volume and pioneering role in SMILE, ICL, and LASIK surgery. Established in 1994, it has performed over 590,000 successful procedures.
What makes it ideal for foreigners:
- Full English-language website and multilingual support (English, Chinese, Japanese).
- Offers same-day consultation and surgery options for short-stay travelers.
- Uses ZEISS VisuMax 800 technology for ultra-precise SMILE Pro results.
Bonus: Located right in Gangnam, close to subway Line 2 — easy to reach from anywhere in Seoul.
3. GS Eye Clinic (Gangnam)
Location: 392 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Website:
en.gseyecenter.com
GS Eye Clinic combines advanced diagnostic technology with personalized care. The clinic is popular with foreign patients who want a premium LASIK or SMILE experience without the “mass-clinic” feel.
Why it stands out:
- English-speaking staff and clear explanation of every step in your treatment.
- Offers wavefront-guided and femto-LASIK, SMILE, and LASEK procedures.
- Comprehensive pre-op testing ensures the right procedure for each eye type.
Travel tip: Located in central Gangnam, GS Eye Clinic is surrounded by hotels and cafés — perfect for a short medical trip.
4. Apgujeong Eye Clinic
Location: 597 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Website:
apgujeongeye.com
Apgujeong Eye Clinic is smaller than some of the mega-clinics but is known for its friendly atmosphere and detailed patient care.
It offers LASIK, LASEK, SMILE, and SMILE Pro procedures — all supervised by experienced ophthalmologists.
Why foreigners love it:
- Direct WhatsApp and KakaoTalk contact for English-speaking patients.
- Personalized consultation and minimal wait times.
- Clear English post-surgery instructions and digital reports for your home doctor.
Best for: Travelers who prefer a calm, boutique-style clinic experience over high-volume centers.
5. Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic
Location: 405 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Website:
smile-i.co.kr
Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic specializes in SMILE and SMILE Pro procedures using ZEISS and SCHWIND laser systems.
It’s ideal for patients who specifically want a flap-free, next-generation laser treatment with fast recovery.
Why it’s foreigner-friendly:
- Known for clear English communication and easy scheduling.
- Offers quick, one-day LASIK and SMILE surgery programs for short-term visitors.
- Highly rated for comfort, modern equipment, and attentive after-care.
Best for: Foreign patients flying in specifically for SMILE or SMILE Pro surgery.
How to Choose the Right Clinic for You
Before booking your flight, compare these factors:
- Language support: Make sure the clinic provides English consent forms and post-op guidance.
- Technology used: Ask for the laser model (VisuMax, WaveLight, SCHWIND) and whether it’s SMILE Pro compatible.
- Package inclusions: Check if pre-op tests, medications, and follow-ups are included in the quote.
- Stay duration: You’ll need 2–3 days in Seoul after surgery for a safe checkup before flying home.
- Surgeon’s experience: Ask how many LASIK or SMILE procedures the doctor personally performs each year.
Final Thoughts
Getting LASIK or SMILE Pro in Seoul is one of the best medical tourism options in Asia — combining top-tier technology, affordable pricing, and excellent English-speaking care.
Whether you choose the experience of BGSS and B&VIIT, the personalized attention of Apgujeong Eye Clinic, or the advanced SMILE expertise at Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic, you’ll find Seoul offers world-class eye care for international patients.
