LASIK Cost: Korea vs UK (2026)
Is LASIK cheaper in Korea than in the UK?
Yes, usually by more than half. 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, or roughly £800–£1,400. UK private clinics typically quote per eye, and a London surgeon-led clinic lists LASIK at £1,950 per eye, £3,900 for both eyes.
| Source / location | Quoted price | Both eyes |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul clinics (house range, checked 2026) | ₩1,500,000–₩2,500,000 both eyes | ≈ $1,100–$1,900 (≈ £800–£1,400) |
| Precision Vision London – LASIK, LASEK or TransPRK (page updated Oct 2026) | £1,950 per eye | £3,900 |
| Precision Vision London – SMILE | £2,550 per eye | £5,100 |
| Medical Tourism Association – US or UK estimate (April 2026) | $4,000–$8,000 | Both eyes |
Sterling conversions for Korea are approximate and move with exchange rates. Always convert a UK per-eye quote to both eyes before comparing; this is the most common reason Korean and British prices look closer than they are. Medical-tourism listings for Korea, such as Bookimed's, show laser surface treatment from about $1,200 for both eyes, consistent with the Seoul range above.
What does the UK price include that a Seoul price might not?
The biggest difference is aftercare. The London clinic in our table says its price is all-inclusive: surgeon-led consultation and diagnostics, the procedure, post-operative medicines and shields, all follow-up appointments for 12 months, and any enhancement within the first year. It also takes a £100 holding fee for the consultation, refunded if you attend and are eligible, and offers 0% finance over 12 months on selected treatments.
| Item | Typical Seoul package | London example |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-op exam | Often free or ₩50,000–₩100,000 | Included (£100 refundable holding fee) |
| Surgery, drops, shields | Included | Included |
| Follow-ups | First visits in Seoul | All visits for 12 months |
| Enhancement | Varies by clinic | Included in first year |
| Care after you leave | Local optometrist or eye doctor at your cost | Same clinic |
Ask Seoul clinics in writing what happens if you need an enhancement after returning to the UK. See our LASIK enhancement cost guide and follow-up care after returning home.
Does the saving survive flights and a hotel?
For most UK travellers, yes. Our 2026 checks found Korean Air London–Seoul round trips from about £736 in economy. Add four or five hotel nights, airport rail and taxis, meals and the exam, and many trips land well under the £3,900 London quote for both eyes, though the margin is smaller if you travel in peak season or stay centrally in Gangnam. Our total trip cost guide has a worked budget.
How do payment and finance compare?
UK clinics commonly spread the cost. The London clinic above offers 0% APR over 12 months on selected treatments, or 9.9% APR over 24–60 months, with a deposit of £250 per eye for LASIK; its example works out at about £141.67 a month over 12 months. Seoul clinics usually expect payment in full on the day of surgery, by card or transfer, and quotes are in won, so your bank's exchange rate and any foreign transaction fee affect the final sterling cost. Some UK travellers use a fee-free travel card for this reason. Ask the clinic for an itemised receipt in English, which you may need for insurance or tax records. Our guide to paying for eye surgery in Korea covers deposits, cards and receipts.
Private medical insurance in the UK rarely covers laser vision correction, and travel insurance usually excludes planned surgery abroad, although some specialist policies cover complications. Check your policy wording before booking.
Why is LASIK cheaper in Seoul?
Volume and competition. Seoul has a dense cluster of private refractive clinics, especially in Gangnam, that perform large numbers of procedures and compete on price, often with seasonal events. Staffing and facility costs are also lower than in central London. Equipment is broadly similar: major Seoul clinics use the same families of femtosecond and excimer lasers, including ZEISS VisuMax and Alcon WaveLight platforms, used in UK clinics. Compare providers at LASIK clinics in Seoul and LASIK clinics in Gangnam.
What about SMILE and other procedures?
The gap is similar for other laser procedures. In Seoul, SMILE costs about ₩2.2M–₩3.2M and SMILE Pro about ₩3M–₩5M for both eyes, against £2,550 per eye (£5,100 both eyes) for SMILE at the London clinic above. LASEK in Seoul is ₩1.5M–₩2.5M for both eyes. See SMILE cost comparisons and SMILE Pro cost in Korea.
How do I compare a Seoul quote with a UK quote fairly?
- Same basis: double UK per-eye prices to get both eyes.
- Same procedure: compare LASIK with LASIK, and note bladeless (femtosecond) or customised treatment.
- Inclusions: list exam, drops, follow-ups and enhancement policy for each.
- Travel: add flights, 4–5 nights, transport, meals and time off work to the Seoul quote.
- Currency: Korean quotes are in won; card fees and exchange rates change the sterling total.
- Home aftercare: budget for at least one optometrist or ophthalmologist check after you return.
What should UK patients weigh besides price?
Price should not be the only factor. Consider the surgeon's experience, how clearly the clinic explains your scans, English-language support, and who will see you if a problem appears after you fly home. LASIK risks such as dry eye, glare, under-correction and rare flap complications apply in both countries. If you have a high prescription or borderline corneas, staying close to your surgeon may be worth paying more for. Get a full exam and an ophthalmologist's advice. Read LASIK in Korea for UK patients and flying after LASIK.
Sources
Price at a glance
- Korea: ₩1.5M–₩2.5M for both eyes (approx. $1,100–$1,900; roughly £800–£1,400)
- UK example: £1,950 per eye, £3,900 both eyes (Precision Vision London, Oct 2026)
- UK SMILE example: £2,550 per eye at the same clinic
- UK range estimate: $4,000–$8,000 for both eyes in the US or UK (Medical Tourism Association, 2026)
- Flights: London–Seoul round trips from about £736 in our 2026 check
- Plan: LASIK in Korea for UK patients
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 cheaper is LASIK in Korea than the UK?
Seoul LASIK costs roughly £800–£1,400 for both eyes, versus £3,900 at a London clinic quoting £1,950 per eye. Savings are often more than £2,000 before travel.
Are UK LASIK prices per eye?
Usually yes. Korean clinics usually quote for both eyes, so double UK prices before comparing.
Is it worth flying to Korea from the UK for LASIK?
For many travellers the total trip still costs less than UK surgery. Weigh the time off work and the cost of aftercare and any enhancement back home.
Is LASIK available on the NHS?
Laser vision correction in the UK is generally paid for privately. Check with your GP or insurer if you think you have a medical reason.
Do UK clinics include enhancements?
Some do; the London clinic in our comparison includes enhancement within the first year. Ask Seoul clinics for their policy in writing.
Planning vision correction in Seoul?
Compare clinics by district, check 2026 price ranges, and read our step-by-step planning guide for international patients.