SMILE LASIK Cost in Korea: 2026 Prices & What's Included
How much does SMILE LASIK cost in Korea?
SMILE LASIK in Korea costs about ₩2.2 million to ₩3.2 million for both eyes. That is roughly $1,600 to $2,400 USD. Premium clinics may charge slightly more, depending on the laser brand, the surgeon's experience or the location, such as Gangnam.
| Option | Price (KRW) | Approx. price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMILE LASIK, both eyes | ₩2,200,000–₩3,200,000 | $1,600–$2,400 | Typical Korean range |
| Premium clinic or surgeon | Slightly above range | Slightly above range | Laser brand, surgeon experience, Gangnam location |
| SMILE in the US or Canada | — | $4,000–$6,000+ | For comparison |
USD figures are approximate and move with the exchange rate. Korean-language readers can also see 스마일라식 가격.
What's included in the SMILE price
- Full diagnostic testing: corneal thickness, topography, eye pressure and more
- Pre-surgery consultation
- The SMILE laser procedure
- Protective goggles and post-op eye drops
- One or more follow-up appointments
Many clinics also bundle services for international patients, such as hotel recommendations, airport pickup and English-speaking coordinators.
What changes the price
| Factor | Effect on cost |
|---|---|
| Laser brand | Clinics using top-tier lasers such as the ZEISS VisuMax may charge more |
| Surgeon experience | Highly experienced surgeons may charge more |
| Clinic location | Gangnam clinics are often at the top of the range |
| Very high prescription | Additional correction may add cost |
| Travel services | Hotel, travel and translation add cost if not included |
Extra costs to plan for
- Prescription sunglasses or blue-light glasses
- Extra follow-ups beyond the first month
- Additional correction for extremely high prescriptions
- Travel, hotel and translation services, if not included
What SMILE is and why it costs less in Korea
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) corrects myopia and astigmatism without a corneal flap. A femtosecond laser creates a small lenticule inside the cornea, which is removed through a tiny incision. It causes less dry eye than LASIK, heals faster and carries a lower risk of flap complications. SMILE is FDA-approved and widely offered in Seoul. For a full comparison, read SMILE vs LASIK in Korea.
Korea charges less because of high patient volume, efficient clinic workflows, competition among private eye clinics, lower overall healthcare costs and streamlined processes for international visitors. Many Korean surgeons have performed thousands of procedures.
How long to stay in Korea
- Day 1: Eye exams and consultation
- Day 2: Surgery
- Days 3–5: Recovery and follow-up check
- Day 5 onward (optional): Sightseeing or flight home
Most patients see clearly within 24 to 48 hours.
Is SMILE right for you?
SMILE suits adults aged 18–45 with stable vision, myopia up to -10.00D and astigmatism, active lifestyles or dry-eye concerns. A pre-surgery screening is essential. Compare clinics in top SMILE LASIK clinics in Seoul, or compare costs with LASIK cost in Korea(₩1.5M–₩2.5M) and LASEK cost in Korea(₩1.5M–₩2.5M).
Price at a glance
- Price range: ₩2.2M–₩3.2M (about $1,600–$2,400 USD), both eyes
- Stay in Korea: 3–5 days
- Recovery: Most see clearly within 24–48 hours
- Best for: Ages 18–45 with stable myopia (up to -10.00D) and astigmatism
- Compared with: $4,000–$6,000+ USD in the US or Canada
- Procedure details: SMILE LASIK in Korea guide
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
How much is SMILE LASIK in Seoul?
SMILE LASIK in Korea typically costs ₩2.2 million to ₩3.2 million for both eyes, roughly $1,600–$2,400 USD. Premium Gangnam clinics may charge slightly more.
Is SMILE more expensive than LASIK in Korea?
Yes, usually. Standard LASIK costs about ₩1.5M–₩2.5M, while SMILE costs ₩2.2M–₩3.2M. See LASIK cost in Korea for details.
How many days do I need in Korea for SMILE?
Most international patients need 3 to 5 days: exams on day 1, surgery on day 2 and a follow-up check before flying home.
What extra costs come with SMILE in Korea?
Possible extras include prescription or blue-light glasses, follow-ups beyond the first month, extra correction for very high prescriptions, and travel or translation services if not bundled.
Who is a good candidate for SMILE?
Adults aged 18–45 with stable myopia up to -10.00D and astigmatism are typical candidates. Learn more in our SMILE LASIK treatment guide.
Planning vision correction in Seoul?
Compare clinics by district, check 2026 price ranges, and read our step-by-step planning guide for international patients.