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LASIK Cost: Korea vs Thailand (2026)

Is LASIK cheaper in Korea or Thailand?

Prices overlap, with Seoul often slightly cheaper for standard LASIK. Seoul clinics charge about ₩1.5 million to ₩2.5 million for both eyes, approximately $1,100–$1,900 at ₩1,350–₩1,400 per dollar. The Medical Tourism Association's April 2026 guide puts Thai LASIK at about $1,200–$2,500 for both eyes, while premium Bangkok hospital packages for bladeless FemtoLASIK cost more.

At roughly 32–35 baht per US dollar, Bangkok Hospital's 88,000 THB package is approximately $2,500–$2,750; baht rates move, so check the day's rate. Bangkok Hospital notes that it may change prices without notice. Bookimed's Thailand page also lists standard LASIK around $2,500–$2,600 and a wider $1,000–$3,500 range across methods.

Why do Thai prices vary so much?

The spread reflects the type of provider and technology. Thailand's refractive surgery market includes large private hospital eye centres, which bundle hospital services and price higher, and smaller standalone clinics. The MTA guide notes that conventional microkeratome LASIK is the most affordable option, femtosecond (bladeless) LASIK costs more, and SMILE sits at the higher end. When comparing, check whether a Thai quote is microkeratome or femtosecond LASIK; most Seoul clinics now quote bladeless LASIK as standard. Our femto-LASIK vs microkeratome guide explains the difference.

When is each country the better value?

Seoul tends to be better value if you want SMILE or SMILE Pro, if you are flying from North-East Asia or North America, or if you want to compare several dedicated refractive clinics within a few blocks of each other in Gangnam. Bangkok can be better value if you are flying from Southeast Asia, South Asia or Australia and want standard LASIK, if you prefer the back-up of a large general hospital, or if you are combining treatment with other medical care in the same building.

For standard femto-LASIK alone, the price difference is often small enough that flights, hotel nights and time off work decide the total. Build a like-for-like budget for both cities before committing, and do not let a promotional price push you into a procedure your exam does not support. A careful clinic in either country will turn you down, or recommend a surface procedure or ICL, if your corneas or prescription make LASIK unsuitable.

How do SMILE and SMILE Pro prices compare?

For newer lenticule procedures, Seoul is often clearly cheaper. Seoul SMILE costs about ₩2.2M–₩3.2M and SMILE Pro about ₩3M–₩5M for both eyes (typically around ₩4M). In Bangkok, Bangkok Hospital lists SMILE at 88,000 THB for both eyes, and Bookimed lists SMILE Pro packages from about $4,300 at Intrarat Hospital to about $4,600–$4,900 at Laser Vision at Bangkok Eye Hospital. See SMILE Pro cost in Korea and SMILE vs SMILE Pro.

What is included in each country's package?

In both countries, ask for written inclusions: exam, both eyes, drops, follow-up visits and enhancement policy. Our LASIK cost guide for Korea explains typical Seoul packages in detail.

Which is cheaper once travel is included?

It depends on where you fly from. For travellers in Southeast Asia, Australia or the Middle East, Bangkok is often closer and flights cheaper; from North-East Asia or North America, Seoul may be closer. Hotel costs near Gangnam clinics and central Bangkok hospitals are broadly comparable for mid-range stays. Use our total trip cost guide for a Seoul budget, and our 3-day LASIK itinerary for timing.

What should I weigh besides price?

Because prices overlap, the decision rests on other factors. Seoul has a large number of dedicated refractive clinics, many with high SMILE and SMILE Pro volumes on ZEISS VisuMax platforms; Bangkok offers large hospital eye centres with broad medical back-up. Consider the surgeon's experience, the specific laser platform, English-language support, how clearly your scans are explained, and who will handle complications once you are home. LASIK risks such as dry eye, glare, under-correction and rare flap problems apply in both countries. Get a full exam and an ophthalmologist's advice. Our LASIK in Korea vs Thailand guide compares the non-price factors, and questions to ask your LASIK surgeon helps you vet either.

How do I compare quotes fairly?

1. Both eyes: confirm every quote covers both eyes.
2. Same method: microkeratome LASIK, femto-LASIK, SMILE and SMILE Pro are priced differently.
3. Currency: convert won and baht on the same day, and note card fees.
4. Extras: add pre-op checks, medicines and any hospital fees.
5. Aftercare: budget for a check at home after you return.

If one quote is far below the others, ask why. Differences usually come down to the laser platform, whether the surgeon or a junior doctor performs the procedure, how many follow-ups are included, and whether enhancement is free within a set period.

Sources

• Bangkok Hospital – LASIK surgery package
• Medical Tourism Association – LASIK cost in Thailand (April 2026)
• Bookimed – Laser eye surgery clinics in Thailand: prices

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is LASIK cheaper in Thailand or Korea?

They overlap: Seoul LASIK is about $1,100–$1,900 for both eyes, and Thai estimates run about $1,200–$2,500. Premium Bangkok hospital packages cost more.

How much is LASIK at Bangkok Hospital?

Bangkok Hospital lists FemtoLASIK at 88,000 THB for both eyes, plus a 2,000 THB pre-op health check. Prices can change without notice.

Is SMILE Pro cheaper in Korea than Thailand?

Usually yes. Seoul SMILE Pro costs about ₩3M–₩5M for both eyes (≈$2,200–$3,700), while Bangkok packages listed on Bookimed start around $4,300.

Are Thai LASIK prices per eye?

The hospital packages we checked are for both eyes, but some listings do not say. Always confirm.

Which country is better for LASIK?

Both have experienced surgeons and modern lasers. Choose by surgeon, technology, aftercare plan and travel convenience rather than country.

Planning vision correction in Seoul?

Compare clinics by district, check 2026 price ranges, and read our step-by-step planning guide for international patients.