SMILE LASIK in Seocho, Seoul: Clinics, Cost & Patient Guide
Why look at Seocho for SMILE?
Because two clinics on the Seocho-gu side of Gangnam-daero list both SMILE and SMILE Pro, and a third offers similar keyhole surgery on a different laser, stretched along one subway line from Gangnam Station north to Sinsa. That makes it easy to get several opinions in one day: the Shinbundang Line connects Gangnam, Sinnonhyeon, Nonhyeon and Sinsa stations in a few minutes.
Seocho itself is a mostly residential and institutional district (Banpo's apartment estates, the courts around Seocho and Gyodae, the Seoul Arts Center and the Express Bus Terminal), so hotels on this side tend to be quieter than those in Gangnam-gu's nightlife blocks.
Which Seocho clinics list SMILE and SMILE Pro?
B&VIIT and Apgujeong Eye Clinic list SMILE and SMILE Pro on the official or listing pages we checked in November 2026; Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic lists lenticule surgery on the SCHWIND ATOS. Ordered roughly south to north, not ranked.
| Clinic | Location | Also listed |
|---|---|---|
| B&VIIT Eye Center | GT Tower, 411 Seocho-daero; ~180 m from Gangnam Station (Exit 9) | LASIK, LASEK, phakic lenses, refractive cataract surgery |
| Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic | 405 Gangnam-daero; Gangnam Station Exit 10 | Lenticule surgery on SCHWIND ATOS (SmartSight, not ZEISS SMILE), all-laser LASEK, ICL, cataract |
| Apgujeong Eye Clinic | 597 Gangnam-daero, Jamwon-dong; ~180 m from Sinsa Station | LASIK, lens implants; site names ZEISS VisuMax 800 |
Ask each clinic about surgeon experience, which laser and software version you will be treated on, and the enhancement policy. Profiles: B&VIIT, Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic, Apgujeong Eye Clinic. BGN Eye Clinic, sometimes listed at a Gangnam-daero address, gives only Jamsil (Lotte World Tower) and Busan branches on its official site; see the BGN profile.
How do I get to Seocho's SMILE clinics?
From Gimpo, the Line 9 express reaches Sinnonhyeon in about 35 minutes, one or two stops from all three clinics on the Shinbundang Line. From Incheon, limousine 6009 stops at Sinsa, Sinnonhyeon and Gangnam Station in about 70 minutes. A taxi from Incheon takes 70–90 minutes.
What if a Seocho clinic says SMILE is not right for me?
Take it seriously and ask why. A clinic that turns down SMILE is usually responding to something in your measurements, and all three Seocho clinics list other options, so you can often be treated on the same trip with a different procedure.
| Finding at screening | Why SMILE may be unsuitable | Alternatives to ask about |
|---|---|---|
| Farsightedness (hyperopia) | SMILE is generally used for myopia | LASIK or surface treatment |
| Thin cornea | Not enough tissue for the planned lenticule | LASEK/PRK or an implantable lens |
| Very high myopia | Too much tissue would be removed | ICL |
| Irregular or keratoconus-like topography | Laser removal could weaken the cornea | Further tests; possibly cross-linking rather than vision correction |
| High astigmatism | May exceed the comfortable treatment range | LASIK or toric ICL |
A second opinion from another clinic on the same street is easy to arrange here. If two clinics independently reach the same conclusion, that is useful information. See thin cornea and keratoconus.
What is SMILE, and how is SMILE Pro different?
SMILE uses a femtosecond laser to shape a thin lenticule inside the cornea, which is removed through a small incision. No flap is cut, which is why many surgeons consider it for people worried about flap injury. SMILE Pro is performed on ZEISS's VISUMAX 800, which creates the lenticule in under 10 seconds and is FDA-approved for nearsightedness with or without astigmatism. Read SMILE Pro in Korea and VisuMax 500 vs 800.
Am I a good candidate?
SMILE suits stable myopia, with or without astigmatism, in healthy corneas. It is generally not used to treat farsightedness. Very high prescriptions or thin corneas may point to a lens implant. You will need corneal tomography, thickness mapping, tear tests and a dilated exam. Risks include dry eye, glare and halos, under-correction and, rarely, problems removing the lenticule. See SMILE recovery timeline and SMILE vs LASIK.
How much does SMILE cost in Seocho?
Seoul ranges apply: SMILE ₩2.2M–₩3.2M for both eyes (approximately $1,600–$2,350) and SMILE Pro ₩3M–₩5M for both eyes, typically around ₩4M (approximately $2,200–$3,700). Ranges were checked in 2026 at about ₩1,350–1,400 per dollar. See SMILE Pro cost.
How does Seocho compare with Gangnam and Myeongdong for SMILE?
Seocho's three clinics and Gangnam-gu's clinics near Gangnam Station form one cluster around Gangnam-daero; together they give you the widest SMILE choice in Seoul. Myeongdong had no SMILE provider we could verify, so central-Seoul visitors usually come here or to Sinsa. See SMILE in Gangnam and SMILE for Myeongdong visitors.
Where should I stay?
For B&VIIT or Gangnam Smile, stay around Gangnam Station; for Apgujeong Eye Clinic, Sinnonhyeon or Sinsa. Large hotels around Express Bus Terminal are on Line 9 for an easy Gimpo departure. Plan 2–4 nights after SMILE.
Sources
Key facts
- Clinics listing SMILE Pro: B&VIIT, Apgujeong Eye Clinic (Gangnam Smile uses SCHWIND ATOS)
- All on: Gangnam-daero / Seocho-daero, Seocho-gu side
- Price: SMILE ≈₩2.2M–₩3.2M; SMILE Pro ≈₩3M–₩5M, typically around ₩4M (both eyes)
- Stay: 2–4 nights after surgery
- Compare: SMILE vs SMILE Pro
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
Which Seocho clinics offer SMILE Pro?
B&VIIT and Apgujeong Eye Clinic list SMILE Pro on the pages we checked in November 2026. Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic uses the SCHWIND ATOS rather than the ZEISS VisuMax.
Can I visit all three clinics in one day?
Usually yes. They sit along Gangnam-daero between Gangnam and Sinsa stations, a few stops apart on the Shinbundang Line. Book consultations in advance.
Does SMILE Pro hurt?
The eye is numbed with drops; most people feel pressure rather than pain. Some scratchiness for a few hours afterwards is common.
How long after SMILE can I fly?
Many patients fly after the next-day and early checks, but your surgeon decides. See flying after eye surgery.
Planning vision correction in Seoul?
Compare clinics by district, check 2026 price ranges, and read our step-by-step planning guide for international patients.