Gangnam Severance Hospital Ophthalmology: Guide for International Patients
What is Gangnam Severance Hospital?
Gangnam Severance Hospital is a university hospital that Yonsei University Health System opened in 1983 in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. It is a separate hospital from Severance Eye Hospital in Sinchon, which is Yonsei's dedicated eye hospital, so check which one a referral or booking refers to.
Korea's official medical tourism listing (VisitKorea Medical & Wellness) states that the hospital has 47 medical departments and includes Ophthalmology among them.
Does it offer LASIK, SMILE or ICL?
We could not confirm this. The official English pages and listings we checked in November 2026 name Ophthalmology as a department but do not list refractive procedures such as LASIK, LASEK, SMILE or ICL, nor the eye-care subspecialties, equipment or doctors. If laser vision correction is your goal, ask the International Health Care Center which refractive procedures the eye department offers to visitors before you plan travel.
A university hospital eye department can be a sensible choice when you have other eye or health conditions, or want a second opinion. For a straightforward myopia correction, compare private refractive clinics in our Gangnam LASIK clinic guide and read private clinic vs university hospital.
How do international patients book?
Foreign patients go through the hospital's International Health Care Center, which the hospital says opened on 1 August 2004 to serve foreign residents, travellers and visitors. The hospital describes these steps for overseas patients:
- Appointment – contact the hospital by phone or email.
- Preparation – give your preferred appointment date.
- Treatment – fast-track treatment scheduled around your stay, with an interpretation service.
- Billing and follow-up – payment, then continued follow-up.
Contacts listed by the hospital: appointments +82-2-2019-3600 / 3690 and gnseverance2@yuhs.ac.
VisitKorea's listing adds that the hospital offers interpretation coordinators (English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Vietnamese and Mongolian), a fast-track programme, a lounge and consultation room for international visitors, and airport pick-up and send-off. See also booking a medical interpreter in Seoul.
Where is it and how do I get there?
The hospital is at 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, in the Dogok area of south-east Gangnam – not near Gangnam Station, so allow travel time if you stay around Gangnam Station or Sinsa.
| From | Route stated by the hospital |
|---|---|
| Dogok Station (Line 3), Exit 2 | Hospital shuttle; the stop is behind Exit 2, under the bus bridge |
| Hanti Station (Suin–Bundang Line), Exit 7 | Hospital shuttle about 10 m in front of the bus stop, or about a 10-minute walk from Exit 6 |
| City bus | Blue buses 141, 147, 340, 420, 461 or green bus 3422 |
Gangnam-gu's medical tourism listing gives the hospital's hours as weekdays 08:30–17:30, closed weekends and public holidays. Confirm hours for international appointments when you book.
What does it cost?
The hospital does not publish eye-treatment prices on the English pages we reviewed. Ask the International Health Care Center for an estimate. Visitors without Korean National Health Insurance usually pay the full fee. For typical Seoul ranges, see cataract surgery cost in Korea and LASIK cost in Korea.
What should I ask before booking?
- Which eye conditions and procedures does the Ophthalmology department treat for international patients, and are refractive procedures (LASIK, SMILE, ICL) among them?
- Is an interpreter present during the consultation and the procedure?
- Which tests are needed before treatment, and how many days should I stay for follow-ups?
- Can I get an estimate in advance and English medical records for my home ophthalmologist?
Read questions to ask your eye surgeon and follow-up care after returning home. All eye surgery carries risk; a full examination and an ophthalmologist's advice are essential.
Sources
Checked November 2026.
- Yonsei University Health System – Gangnam Severance Hospital
- Gangnam Severance Hospital – IHC Center overview
- Gangnam Severance Hospital – Treatment service
- Gangnam Severance Hospital – Contact us
- Gangnam Severance Hospital – Location
- VisitKorea Medical & Wellness – Gangnam Severance Hospital
- Gangnam-gu Medical Tourism – Gangnam Severance Hospital
Clinic at a glance
- Type: University hospital (Yonsei University Health System) with an Ophthalmology department
- Address: 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06273
- Nearest subway: Dogok Station (Line 3), Exit 2, or Hanti Station (Suin–Bundang Line), Exit 7 – hospital shuttle from both
- Foreign patients: International Health Care Center; appointments +82-2-2019-3600 / 3690, gnseverance2@yuhs.ac
- Interpreting: coordinators listed for English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Vietnamese and Mongolian
- Refractive surgery: not confirmed on the official pages we checked – ask before booking
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 Gangnam Severance Hospital do LASIK or SMILE?
The official pages we checked list Ophthalmology as a department but do not name LASIK, SMILE or ICL. Contact the hospital (+82-2-2019-3600, gnseverance2@yuhs.ac) and ask the International Health Care Center which refractive procedures it offers before you travel.
Is Gangnam Severance the same as Severance Eye Hospital?
No. Both belong to Yonsei University Health System, but Gangnam Severance Hospital is in Gangnam-gu (211 Eonju-ro), while Severance Eye Hospital is on the Sinchon campus in Seodaemun-gu.
Does the hospital provide interpreters?
The hospital lists an interpretation service for overseas patients, and VisitKorea lists coordinators for English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Vietnamese and Mongolian.
What is the nearest subway station?
Dogok Station (Line 3), Exit 2, or Hanti Station (Suin–Bundang Line), Exit 7. The hospital runs shuttles from both.
Planning vision correction in Seoul?
Compare clinics by district, check 2026 price ranges, and read our step-by-step planning guide for international patients.