LASEK in Apgujeong & Sinsa, Seoul: Clinics, Cost & Patient Guide
Is Apgujeong a good base for LASEK recovery?
Yes, if you want a quieter week. LASEK has a slower, more uncomfortable first few days than LASIK or SMILE, and much of that time is spent resting with sunglasses on. Apgujeong's side streets off Nonhyeon-ro and Dosan-daero are residential and calmer than the Gangnam Station blocks, with cafes and the Han River parks nearby for gentle walks once your eyes settle.
The area is better known for luxury fashion and cosmetic clinics, so eye clinics here are fewer and smaller than at Gangnam Station. Two that list LASEK are on the same stretch of Nonhyeon-ro, a few minutes' walk from Apgujeong Station.
Which clinics in Apgujeong and Sinsa list LASEK?
These clinics list LASEK on the listing pages we checked in November 2026. The list is for identification only, not a ranking.
- Apgujeong S&B Eye Clinic – 9F, Apgujeong Building, 842 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, about 280 m from Apgujeong Station. Lists LASEK and "Today LASEK", plus LASIK, SMILE and SMILE Pro.
- Apgujeong Bright Eye Clinic – 5F–6F, Yoonseong Building, 834 Nonhyeon-ro (Sinsa-dong), Gangnam-gu, about 400 m from Apgujeong Station. Lists LASEK, LASIK, SMILE and ICL.
- Apgujeong Eye Clinic – 597 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, beside Sinsa Station. Its official site lists LASEK, but the third-party listing we checked did not, so confirm directly. Profile.
"Today LASEK" and similar names are clinic labels for their own protocol. Ask what they change and how they manage pain and haze.
How do I reach Apgujeong from Incheon and Gimpo?
Limousine 6009 from Incheon reaches Sinsa first in Seoul (about 70 minutes), then it is one stop on Line 3 or a short taxi ride to Apgujeong. From Gimpo, Line 9 express to Sinnonhyeon then the Shinbundang Line to Sinsa takes about 45–50 minutes.
| From | Route | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Incheon | Limousine 6009 to Sinsa + Line 3 or taxi | ~80 min |
| Gimpo | Line 9 express + Shinbundang + Line 3 | ~50–60 min |
| Myeongdong | Line 3 from Chungmuro to Apgujeong | ~12 min |
Which surface-treatment variant will an Apgujeong clinic offer?
"LASEK" is often used in Korea as an umbrella term for surface treatments, so ask which variant you are being offered. The main difference between them is how the epithelium, the thin outer layer of the cornea, is removed before the laser reshapes the tissue underneath.
| Variant | How the epithelium is removed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| LASEK | Loosened with dilute alcohol and moved aside or removed | The classic method |
| Trans-PRK | Removed by the excimer laser itself ("no-touch") | Nothing touches the eye |
| Epi-LASIK | Lifted with a blunt mechanical separator | Less common today |
| PRK | Gently scraped away | Long track record |
Healing times and outcomes are broadly similar between them; the surgeon's experience, haze prevention (such as mitomycin C for higher corrections) and pain control usually matter more than the label. Ask how many days the bandage lens stays in, what pain relief is provided, and what happens if the surface heals slowly. See Trans-PRK, Epi-LASIK and PRK in Korea.
What does the LASEK recovery week look like?
Plan on 2–4 uncomfortable days, bandage-lens removal around days 4–7, and gradually sharper vision over the following weeks.
| Day | Typical plan |
|---|---|
| Surgery day | Numbing drops, about 10–15 minutes for both eyes, bandage lenses placed; rest at your hotel |
| Day 1 | Check-up; watering and light sensitivity are common |
| Days 2–4 | Discomfort usually eases; screens and reading are tiring |
| Days 4–7 | Bandage lens removed once the surface has healed; clinic confirms you can fly |
| Weeks 2–12 | Vision stabilises; use UV protection and prescribed drops |
See LASEK recovery and pain and eye drops after surgery.
Who is LASEK right for?
LASEK reshapes the cornea's surface without cutting a flap: the epithelium is loosened, an excimer laser treats the tissue beneath, and the surface regrows under a bandage lens. It suits people with thinner corneas, contact-sport players and those who prefer no flap. Downsides are more early discomfort and slower visual recovery; risks include haze, delayed healing, infection while the surface heals, dry eye and under- or over-correction. Compare LASIK vs LASEK, PRK and Trans-PRK.
How much does LASEK cost in Apgujeong?
Expect ₩1.5M–₩2.5M for both eyes (approximately $1,100–$1,850, at about ₩1,350–1,400 per dollar, checked in 2026). Confirm whether the exam, bandage lenses, drops and follow-ups are included. See LASEK cost in Korea.
How does Apgujeong compare with Gangnam and Myeongdong for LASEK?
Gangnam Station has more LASEK clinics; Myeongdong has at least one; Apgujeong offers two on one street in a quieter setting. For LASEK, choose by surgeon, protocol and how close your hotel is to the clinic. See LASEK in Gangnam and LASEK in Myeongdong.
Where should I stay?
Boutique hotels and serviced apartments between Apgujeong and Sinsa stations keep both Nonhyeon-ro clinics within a short walk or taxi ride. Choose a room with blackout curtains and a kitchenette, since you will spend the first days mostly indoors.
Sources
Key facts
- Clinics listing LASEK: Apgujeong S&B, Apgujeong Bright (Nonhyeon-ro)
- Nearest station: Apgujeong (Line 3), 280–400 m
- Recovery stay: plan 5–7 days
- Price: ≈₩1.5M–₩2.5M both eyes (≈$1,100–$1,850)
- Guide: LASEK 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
Can I fly home a few days after LASEK?
Usually not before the bandage lens is removed and the surface is checked, typically around days 4–7. Book a flexible flight.
Is LASEK safer than LASIK?
Neither is safer for everyone. LASEK avoids flap risks but has a longer, more uncomfortable recovery and a small risk of haze. Your corneal measurements decide which is better for you.
How far apart are the Apgujeong LASEK clinics?
Apgujeong S&B (842 Nonhyeon-ro) and Apgujeong Bright (834 Nonhyeon-ro) are on the same street, so it is easy to get two opinions in one afternoon.
What is Trans-PRK?
A no-touch surface treatment where the laser removes the epithelium too. See Trans-PRK in Korea.
Planning vision correction in Seoul?
Compare clinics by district, check 2026 price ranges, and read our step-by-step planning guide for international patients.