Severance Eye Hospital, Sinchon: Eye Care for International Patients
What is Severance Eye Hospital?
Severance Eye Hospital is the ophthalmology hospital of Yonsei University Health System, on the Severance campus next to Yonsei University in Sinchon. The hospital states that ophthalmic care at Severance began in 1908, that the department became Korea's first independent ophthalmology department in 1923, and that the eye hospital was rebuilt and reopened on 1 September 2019. It says it sees about 700 patients a day on average.
Which eye services does it list?
The English site lists these specialty clinics:
| Clinic | Relevant for |
|---|---|
| Myopia Correction Clinic | Vision correction enquiries |
| Cataracts Clinic | Cataract and lens surgery |
| Glaucoma Clinic | Glaucoma diagnosis and treatment |
| Retina and Vitreous Clinic | Macular and retinal disease |
| Laser Clinic | Laser eye treatments |
| Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus | Children and eye alignment |
| Ophthalmoplasty; Low Vision Rehabilitation; Behçet's Disease Specialist Clinic | Eyelid/orbit surgery, low vision, Behçet's eye disease |
The English pages do not name specific refractive procedures (LASIK, LASEK, SMILE or ICL) or laser models, so ask the International Health Care Center which procedures the Myopia Correction Clinic performs for visitors. For background see LASIK in Korea, SMILE in Korea and ICL in Korea.
The hospital also states that the department developed photodynamic treatment for macular degeneration, runs a one-day hospitalisation system and a Visual Function Development Laboratory, and has an education and research exchange with Wills Eye Hospital (Thomas Jefferson University, USA).
How do international patients book?
Foreign patients go through Severance Hospital's International Health Care Center (IHCC), which Severance describes as Korea's first international clinic (opened 1962). Contacts listed by the hospital:
- IHCC: +82-2-2228-5800 / 5810, email ihcc@yuhs.ac, 3rd floor of Severance Hospital
- Appointment Center: +82-2-2228-1004
Severance states that the IHCC offers English-fluent staff, interpretation in Japanese, Russian and Chinese (other languages on request), fast-track scheduling around your itinerary, an estimated treatment cost on request before you consent to treatment, and follow-up after you return home. It notes outpatients usually pay and then claim from their insurer, while hospitalisation can be billed directly to overseas insurers. See paying for eye surgery in Korea and getting medical records in English.
Where is it and how do I get there?
The hospital is on the Severance campus at 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, a short ride from Hongdae and Sinchon's hotels.
| From | Route stated by the hospital |
|---|---|
| Sinchon Station (Line 2), Exit 1 | Hospital shuttle, weekdays about every 7 min, 07:30–18:40 |
| Sinchon Station (Line 2), Exit 3 | About 8 minutes on foot |
| Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3), Exit 1 | Shuttle about every 30 min, 07:30–18:00 (weekdays), or buses 272, 710, 606 |
| Incheon Airport | Airport bus 6011 to Yonsei University, then about 5 minutes on foot |
Shuttles run on weekdays only.
What should I ask before booking?
- Which procedures does the Myopia Correction Clinic offer to international patients, and which tests decide candidacy?
- Can I get a written cost estimate before consenting?
- How many days of follow-up should I plan in Seoul?
- Will I receive English records and a summary for my home eye doctor?
More in questions to ask your eye surgeon. Eye surgery has real risks; a full examination and an ophthalmologist's advice are essential.
Sources
Clinic at a glance
- Type: Dedicated eye hospital of Yonsei University Health System (rebuilt and reopened September 2019)
- Address: 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
- Nearest subway: Sinchon Station (Line 2) – shuttle from Exit 1 or about 8 minutes on foot from Exit 3
- Foreign patients: International Health Care Center, Severance Hospital 3F, +82-2-2228-5800, ihcc@yuhs.ac
- Clinics listed: Cataracts, Myopia Correction, Glaucoma, Retina & Vitreous, Laser and more
- 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 Severance Eye Hospital do LASIK or SMILE?
It lists a Myopia Correction Clinic, but its English pages do not name LASIK, SMILE or ICL. Ask the International Health Care Center (ihcc@yuhs.ac) which procedures are offered to visitors.
Where is the international centre at Severance?
The International Health Care Center is on the 3rd floor of Severance Hospital, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu.
Can Severance give me a cost estimate?
Severance says its international centre can provide an estimated treatment cost on request before you consent to treatment.
How do I get to Severance Eye Hospital from Sinchon Station?
Take the hospital shuttle from Line 2 Sinchon Station Exit 1 on weekdays, or walk about 8 minutes from 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.