Asan Medical Center Ophthalmology: Eye Care for International Patients
What does Asan Medical Center's eye department offer?
The hospital's English site lists five ophthalmology subspecialties: Cataract and Cornea, Glaucoma, Retina, Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Neuro-ophthalmology. Doctor listings also mention Pediatric Ophthalmology, a Laser Cataract Clinic, an IPL Dry Eye Clinic and a Marfan Clinic.
For cataract patients, the department states that it performs femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery as well as conventional phacoemulsification. Read our laser-assisted cataract surgery guide and cataract surgery in Korea overview for how these differ.
Laser vision correction: the English department page we reviewed does not name LASIK, LASEK, SMILE or ICL. If you are looking specifically for refractive surgery, ask the International Healthcare Center directly whether it is available and with which doctor before you travel. Many visitors choose a specialist private clinic for routine LASIK or SMILE; a university hospital is often chosen for complex eye disease.
What equipment does the hospital name?
The department page names the following technology. It does not give model names.
| Area | Equipment stated by the hospital |
|---|---|
| Cataract | Ultrasonic emulsifier (phaco); femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery system |
| Glaucoma | Latest glaucoma imaging system; intraocular pressure monitoring technology |
| Dry eye | IPL (intense pulsed light) dry eye clinic |
Asan Medical Center describes itself as the largest medical institution in Korea, with about 2,700 beds, and states that it performs around 57,000 highly complex surgeries a year. These are hospital-wide figures, not eye-department figures.
How do international patients book?
Foreign patients are handled by the International Healthcare Center (IHC). The hospital describes this process:
- Request an appointment through the online appointment site (recommended for first visits), or by phone or email.
- Give as much detail as you can: symptoms, diagnosis, medical history, current medications and the treatment you are seeking.
- Attach test results and images from other hospitals taken within the past three months – the IHC says this speeds up its reply.
The IHC states that coordinators provide translation, escort and counselling in English, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Arabic and Mongolian, and that it offers one-stop help with appointments, billing, admission and discharge, medical reports and imaging CDs. It can arrange direct billing to embassies or insurers for many organisations. See our guide to getting medical records in English.
Where is it and how do I get there?
The hospital is at 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, near the Han River and Olympic Park. The IHC is on the 4th floor of the New Building: take the elevator to 4F, walk straight and turn right.
| From | Route stated by the hospital |
|---|---|
| Jamsillaru Station (Line 2), Exit 1 | Hospital shuttle bus, or about a 10-minute walk |
| Jamsillaru Station, Exit 3 | Bus 4318 to the East Building stop |
| Jamsil Station, Exit 7 | Bus 4318 |
| Incheon Airport | Airport Railroad to Hongik Univ., transfer to Line 2 to Jamsillaru; or airport bus 6705 to Jamsil Lotte World Hotel (about 80 min) then taxi |
What does it cost?
The hospital does not publish refractive or cataract surgery prices on the English pages we reviewed. Ask the IHC for a written estimate. For typical Seoul ranges see cataract surgery cost in Korea and eye exam costs.
What should I ask before booking?
- Which subspecialty clinic and doctor will see me, and will an interpreter be present?
- Is the procedure I want (for example laser-assisted cataract surgery, or any refractive surgery) offered for international patients, and what tests are needed first?
- How many days must I stay in Seoul for exams, surgery and follow-ups?
- Can I get an itemised estimate, English medical records and a discharge summary for my home doctor?
More questions: questions to ask your eye surgeon and what the pre-op eye exam involves. Any eye surgery carries risks; only a full examination by an ophthalmologist can tell you which option, if any, suits you.
Sources
Clinic at a glance
- Type: Tertiary university-affiliated general hospital, Department of Ophthalmology
- Address: 88 Olympic-ro 43-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul
- Nearest subway: Jamsillaru Station (Line 2), Exit 1 – shuttle or about 10 minutes on foot
- Foreign patients: International Healthcare Center, New Building 4F, +82-2-3010-5001, int@amc.seoul.kr
- Hours (IHC): Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–5:30 PM
- Compare: Private clinic vs university hospital
Related guides
Independent profile. Facts are taken from the clinic's own website and official listings on the review date shown above. Inclusion is not an endorsement and we accept no payment from clinics. Confirm prices, equipment and doctors directly with the clinic before booking.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does Asan Medical Center do LASIK or SMILE?
Its English ophthalmology page does not list LASIK, LASEK, SMILE or ICL. Contact the International Healthcare Center at int@amc.seoul.kr to ask whether refractive surgery is available before planning a trip.
Does Asan Medical Center offer laser cataract surgery?
Yes, the hospital states that it performs femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and lists a Laser Cataract Clinic. Suitability depends on a full eye examination.
Which languages does the International Healthcare Center support?
The hospital says its coordinators support English, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Arabic and Mongolian.
How do I get to Asan Medical Center by subway?
Take Line 2 to Jamsillaru Station, Exit 1, then the hospital shuttle or walk about 10 minutes.
What are the International Healthcare Center's hours?
The hospital lists Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Planning vision correction in Seoul?
Compare clinics by district, check 2026 price ranges, and read our step-by-step planning guide for international patients.