Seoul National University Hospital Eye Care: International Patients
What does SNUH's eye department cover?
Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) lists these major diseases and research fields for its Department of Ophthalmology: cornea and refractive disorders, cataract, glaucoma, retina and vitreous disease, uveal disease, strabismus, optic nerve disease, ocular genetic disease, ophthalmic evaluation related to rare disease, and oculoplastic disease. Pediatric ophthalmology is listed separately under SNUH Children's Hospital.
Laser vision correction: the English department page lists "cornea/refractive disorders" as a field but does not name LASIK, LASEK, SMILE or ICL procedures. Confirm with the International Healthcare Center whether the specific surgery you want is offered to visitors. For background, see LASIK in Korea, ICL in Korea and cataract surgery in Korea.
What happens at an SNUH eye appointment?
SNUH publishes the outpatient workflow for its eye clinic:
| Stage | What the hospital describes |
|---|---|
| Reception | Register at the Ophthalmology reception desk |
| Basic tests | Uncorrected and corrected vision, intraocular pressure (tonometer), interview and basic checkup |
| Eye examination | Tests chosen by your main symptoms, e.g. fundus photography and OCT; anaesthetic or dilating drops if needed |
| Consultation | Doctor reviews results and decides on further tests or procedures |
| After the visit | A nurse explains eye drops and medication; you book the next visit and pay at reception; prescriptions are collected at an outside pharmacy |
Dilating drops blur near vision for several hours, so don't plan to drive or read fine print straight after. See what a pre-op eye exam involves.
How do international patients book?
The International Healthcare Center (IHC) serves foreign patients without Korean National Health Insurance. SNUH describes five steps:
- Appointment by phone, email, office visit, fax or online registration.
- Consultation first with an IHC doctor, then with a department specialist.
- Payment – English receipts are available on request.
- Examination, treatment and prescriptions – medicines can be filled at SNUH or local pharmacies.
- Departure or follow-up.
The IHC lists language support in English, Chinese, Mongolian, Russian and Arabic, and a 24-hour emergency contact service. For overseas referrals, SNUH says IHC staff reply with a treatment plan and a medical fee estimate, and that cashless billing can be coordinated with embassies and international insurers. See paying for eye surgery in Korea and travel insurance for eye surgery abroad.
Where is it and how do I get there?
SNUH is at 101 Daehak-ro in Jongno-gu, north of the city centre near Daehak-ro. The IHC is on the 2nd floor of the Main Hospital building: take the escalator on your left or the elevator next to the Hollys Coffee cafe.
| From | Route stated by the hospital |
|---|---|
| Hyehwa Station (Line 4), Exit 3 | Main recommended subway route |
| Jongno 3-ga Station (Lines 1, 3, 5) | Shown on the hospital map as an alternative |
| Incheon Airport | Airport limousine 6011 (T1 stop 5B-3, T2 stop 31), about 68–73 minutes; SNUH shows two different fares, so confirm before travelling |
| Gimpo Airport | Line 5 to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, transfer to Line 4, Hyehwa Exit 3 |
What should I ask before booking?
- Is the refractive or lens procedure I want offered to international patients, and by which specialist?
- How many visits are needed for tests, surgery and follow-up, and over how many days?
- Can the IHC send a written fee estimate, and is cashless billing possible with my insurer?
- Will I receive English medical records to take home?
Use our questions to ask your eye surgeon. Eye surgery carries real risks; only a full examination and an ophthalmologist's advice can determine what suits you.
Sources
Clinic at a glance
- Type: National university hospital, Department of Ophthalmology (Main Hospital)
- Address: 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Nearest subway: Hyehwa Station (Line 4), Exit 3
- Foreign patients: International Healthcare Center, Main Hospital 2F, +82-2-2072-0505
- Hours (IHC): Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:30 PM, excl. holidays
- 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 Seoul National University Hospital do LASIK?
SNUH lists cornea and refractive disorders among its ophthalmology fields but does not name LASIK, SMILE or ICL on its English page. Contact the International Healthcare Center on +82-2-2072-0505 to confirm.
Where is the International Healthcare Center at SNUH?
On the 2nd floor of the Main Hospital building at 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu.
What languages does SNUH's IHC support?
The hospital lists English, Chinese, Mongolian, Russian and Arabic.
Can SNUH give me a cost estimate before I travel?
SNUH says that for overseas referrals, IHC staff reply with a treatment plan and a medical fee estimate.
What subway station is closest to SNUH?
Hyehwa Station on Line 4, Exit 3.
Planning vision correction in Seoul?
Compare clinics by district, check 2026 price ranges, and read our step-by-step planning guide for international patients.