Cataract surgery in Apgujeong & Sinsa, Seoul: Clinics, Cost & Patient Guide
Is Apgujeong a good place for cataract surgery?
It can be, especially if you want a private clinic in a calm, upscale neighbourhood. Apgujeong and Sinsa are residential and shopping districts south of the Han River, with level streets, cafes and riverside parks that suit older travellers better than the crowds at Gangnam Station. The trade-off is that there is no university hospital here, so complex cases may be referred elsewhere.
Which clinics in Apgujeong and Sinsa list cataract surgery?
These clinics list cataract or presbyopia-cataract services on the official or listing pages we checked in November 2026. This is not a ranking.
- Apgujeong S&B Eye Clinic – 9F, Apgujeong Building, 842 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, about 280 m from Apgujeong Station. Lists cataract exams and presbyopia/cataract surgery with monofocal lenses.
- Apgujeong Bright Eye Clinic – 5F–6F, Yoonseong Building, 834 Nonhyeon-ro (Sinsa-dong), Gangnam-gu, about 400 m from Apgujeong Station. Lists presbyopia and cataract services.
- Apgujeong Eye Clinic – 3F–4F, Jinmison Building, 597 Gangnam-daero (Seocho-gu side), about 180 m from Sinsa Station. Its English listing and official site list cataract surgery; one Korean listing we checked did not, so confirm. Profile.
None of these pages gave a full list of lens brands, so ask each clinic which monofocal, toric, EDOF and trifocal lenses it stocks and the price of each.
What if I need a hospital instead?
Choose a hospital if you have glaucoma, retinal disease, previous eye surgery or significant general health issues. The nearest is Seoul St. Mary's Hospital at 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, beside Express Bus Terminal Station: two stops south of Sinsa on Line 3. Its Eye Center runs separate cornea, cataract and refractive, retina and glaucoma clinics. See cataract surgery in Seocho and private clinic vs university hospital.
Is "presbyopia-cataract surgery" the same as cataract surgery?
It is the same operation, marketed for a different goal. Korean clinics often group presbyopia and cataract under one heading, because both are treated by replacing the eye's natural lens with an intraocular lens. If you have a cataract, the surgery removes the cloudy lens; choosing an EDOF or trifocal lens can also reduce your need for reading glasses. If you do not yet have a significant cataract, the same procedure is called refractive lens exchange (RLE), and it is elective.
| Situation | What it is usually called | Main goal |
|---|---|---|
| Cloudy lens affecting vision | Cataract surgery | Restore clear vision |
| Cataract plus wish to read without glasses | Presbyopia-cataract surgery | Clear vision and less dependence on glasses |
| Clear lens, age-related reading problems | Refractive lens exchange (RLE) | Reduce dependence on glasses |
The distinction matters for your decision: removing a clear lens carries the same surgical risks as cataract surgery, so RLE needs a stronger reason. It can also matter for insurance at home. Ask the clinic to state on your records whether a cataract was diagnosed and how dense it was. See refractive lens exchange in Korea, presbyopia surgery cost and presbyopia.
How do I get to Apgujeong and Sinsa?
A limousine bus is easiest with luggage; route 6009 from Incheon stops at Sinsa first in Seoul.
| From | Option | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Incheon | Limousine 6009 to Sinsa | ~70 min |
| Incheon | Taxi | 70–90 min, ~₩70,000–100,000 |
| Gimpo | Line 9 express to Sinnonhyeon, then Shinbundang to Sinsa | ~45–50 min |
| Sinsa → Seoul St. Mary's | Line 3 to Express Bus Terminal (2 stops) | ~5 min |
What lens should I choose?
Cataract surgery removes the clouded natural lens, usually by phacoemulsification through a small incision, and replaces it with an intraocular lens (IOL). Monofocal lenses give sharp vision at one distance and the fewest night-vision side effects. Toric lenses also correct astigmatism. EDOF and trifocal lenses widen the range of clear vision but can cause halos and glare and are not right for every eye. See monofocal vs multifocal IOL, EDOF lenses and presbyopia treatment.
Risks are uncommon but include infection, inflammation, raised pressure, retinal detachment and later capsule clouding, which is treated with a quick laser. Only a full dilated exam can tell you which lens is safe.
How much does cataract surgery cost in Apgujeong?
Seoul prices run about ₩1.5M–₩7.5M per eye (approximately $1,100–$5,500, at about ₩1,350–1,400 per dollar, checked in 2026). Standard monofocal lenses sit at the low end and premium trifocal or toric-trifocal lenses at the top. Korean residents with National Health Insurance pay less for standard surgery; visitors usually pay the full fee. See cataract surgery cost and multifocal lens surgery cost.
How does Apgujeong compare with Gangnam and Myeongdong?
Gangnam has more cataract providers plus large hospitals such as Samsung Medical Center. Myeongdong has a clinic that publishes a long premium lens list. Apgujeong offers a smaller private-clinic option with St. Mary's nearby for complex cases. See cataract surgery in Gangnam.
How long should I stay?
Plan about a week per eye, or 1–2 weeks if both eyes are done a few days apart. Choose a hotel within a short taxi ride of the clinic, with lifts and easy entry.
Sources
Key facts
- Private clinics listing cataract care: 3
- Nearest university hospital: Seoul St. Mary's, 2 stops on Line 3
- Priced: per eye, ≈₩1.5M–₩7.5M
- Trip length: 1–2 weeks for both eyes
- Guide: Cataract surgery in Korea
Related guides
Independent directory. Prices are typical ranges reported by Seoul clinics and change often. Always confirm a written quote and get a full eye exam before booking. This page is general information, not medical advice.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is there a hospital eye department in Apgujeong?
Not that we could verify. The nearest university hospital eye center is Seoul St. Mary's in Seocho-gu, two stops from Sinsa on Line 3.
Is cataract surgery priced per eye?
Yes. Prices are quoted per eye, and the lens is the biggest factor. Ask what the quote includes.
Can I have both eyes done in one trip?
Often yes, usually a few days to a week apart. Plan 1–2 weeks in Seoul.
Should I choose a multifocal lens?
Only after a full exam. Multifocal lenses reduce dependence on glasses but can cause halos, and some eye conditions rule them out.
Planning vision correction in Seoul?
Compare clinics by district, check 2026 price ranges, and read our step-by-step planning guide for international patients.