Cost guide · LASIK trip budget

Total Trip Budget for LASIK in Korea (2026 Cost Breakdown)

A LASIK trip to Seoul typically costs about $2,500–$4,500 in total, including surgery at ₩1.5M–₩2.5M ($1,100–$1,900, both eyes), a round-trip flight, 4–5 hotel nights, transport, exam and drops. Our worked example from Los Angeles comes to about $3,600 (2026).
Reviewed November 2026 · Seoul LASIK Clinic Directory
Total Trip Budget for LASIK in Korea (2026 Cost Breakdown)

How much does a LASIK trip to Korea cost in total?

Most international patients spend about $2,500 to $4,500 for the whole trip. Surgery itself is about ₩1.5 million to ₩2.5 million for both eyes (approximately $1,100–$1,900); the rest is mostly your flight and 4–5 hotel nights. Where you fly from changes the total more than anything else.

What does each part of the trip cost?

Cost item Typical range Notes
LASIK, both eyes ₩1.5M–₩2.5M ($1,100–$1,900) See LASIK cost in Korea
Pre-op exam ₩0–₩100,000 ($0–$75) Often free or deducted; see exam cost
Post-op drops ₩50,000–₩150,000 ($35–$110) Often included in packages
Protective glasses ₩10,000–₩30,000 Usually provided
Round-trip flight See regional table Largest variable
Hotel, 4–5 nights About $350–$750 Mid-range Gangnam hotels; seasonal
Airport transfers ₩9,500–₩26,000 round trip by AREX Plus subway to Gangnam
K-ETA ₩0–₩10,000 Depends on nationality

USD figures are approximate at roughly ₩1,350–₩1,400 per dollar. Treatment ranges come from 2026 Korean price guides; hotel figures are estimates based on recent HotelsCombined search data for Gangnam-gu, which showed 4-star rooms from about $85–$118 a night in late October 2026 and monthly averages from about $100 to over $400.

How much are flights to Seoul from my region?

Flights usually make up a third or more of the total. These are the lowest round-trip economy fares Korean Air displayed for each route in late October 2026; real prices depend on dates and change constantly.

From Round trip from Approx. USD
Los Angeles USD 956 $956
New York USD 1,096 $1,096
Vancouver / Toronto CAD 1,220 / CAD 1,505 About $880 / $1,080
London GBP 736 About $980
Paris EUR 841 About $970
Sydney / Auckland AUD 1,138 / NZD 1,507 About $740 / $870
Singapore SGD 611 About $470
Hong Kong / Taipei / Manila HKD 2,724 / TWD 9,160 / USD 377 About $350 / $285 / $377

USD conversions for non-USD fares are rough and only for comparison. Booking early and avoiding peak holidays usually helps.

If someone travels with you, add their flight, meals and a share of the room. A companion is useful on surgery day, because your vision is usually blurry for some hours afterwards and finding your way back to the hotel alone is harder. Choosing a hotel within a short walk or taxi ride of your clinic keeps the next-day check simple and cuts local transport costs.

What does a worked example budget look like?

Here is an example for one traveler flying from Los Angeles for LASIK on both eyes, staying 5 nights in a mid-range Gangnam hotel. Allowances marked as estimates are assumptions, not quoted prices.

Item Amount Basis
Round-trip flight LAX–ICN $1,100 Estimate a little above the $956 lowest fare
K-ETA $0 US citizens exempt through 31 Dec 2026
Hotel, 5 nights at about $120 $600 Estimate from Gangnam search data
Airport rail, both ways $20 AREX express (about ₩13,000 each way)
Local transport $75 Estimate: subway and taxis
Meals $220 Estimate: about ₩50,000 a day for 6 days
Pre-op exam $40 Mid-point; often free
LASIK, both eyes $1,450 About ₩2,000,000
Drops and extras $75 About ₩100,000
Total About $3,580 Compare with $3,000–$10,000 for US LASIK alone

A traveler from Singapore or Hong Kong could spend under $2,500 in total; one from New York or Toronto at peak season could exceed $4,500. See LASIK cost: Korea vs USA for the US comparison.

How many nights should I book?

Four to five nights suits most LASIK patients. A typical plan is exam and surgery on day 1 or 2, a check the next day, and a final check before flying. Ask your clinic about its follow-up schedule, and don't fly until your surgeon clears you. Our 3-day itinerary and flying after LASIK guide help you plan. SMILE trips are similar; surface treatments such as LASEK or PRK usually need 5–7 days.

Do I need a visa or K-ETA?

Many visitors only need a K-ETA, and some need nothing. Korea has exempted nationals of 22 countries and territories from K-ETA through 31 December 2026, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and several European countries. Others pay ₩10,000 by card. Rules change, so check the official K-ETA site before you go; our K-ETA and medical visa guide explains the options.

How do I get from Incheon Airport to Gangnam?

The AREX airport railroad is the cheapest fast option. The all-stop train costs ₩4,750 from Terminal 1 to Seoul Station by transport card (about 59 minutes); the non-stop express takes about 43 minutes and costs around ₩13,000 or more. You then change to the subway for Gangnam. See Incheon Airport to Gangnam and where to stay near Gangnam eye clinics.

Can I get a VAT refund on LASIK?

Don't build one into your budget. Korea ended its VAT refund for foreign patients' cosmetic procedures on 31 December 2025, and we could not confirm that vision correction qualifies for any refund now. Our medical tourism VAT refund guide has the details.

What costs do people forget?

Plan for travel insurance that covers medical treatment abroad, sunglasses, extra artificial tears, phone data, card foreign-transaction fees, a home eye check after you return, and a buffer for an extra night if your surgeon wants another check. LASIK has real risks, including dry eye, glare and rare flap problems; have a full exam and follow your ophthalmologist's advice.

Sources

Price at a glance

  • Surgery: ₩1.5M–₩2.5M both eyes (approx. $1,100–$1,900)
  • Stay: Typically 4–5 nights in Seoul
  • Flights: Korean Air round trips from about $956 (LA), £736 (London), A$1,138 (Sydney)
  • K-ETA: ₩10,000 if required; 22 countries exempt through 31 Dec 2026
  • Airport rail: AREX all-stop ₩4,750 to Seoul Station
  • Plan your days: 3-day LASIK trip itinerary

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 does a LASIK trip to Korea cost in total?

Most international patients spend about $2,500–$4,500 all-in. Surgery is about $1,100–$1,900 for both eyes; flights and hotel make up most of the rest.

How many days do I need in Seoul for LASIK?

Four to five nights is typical, covering the exam, surgery and follow-up checks. Fly only when your surgeon clears you.

Is it cheaper to get LASIK in Korea including flights?

For many travelers from the US, Europe and Australia, yes. Our Los Angeles example totals about $3,600, versus $3,000–$10,000 for US LASIK alone.

Do Americans need a K-ETA for Korea in 2026?

No. US nationals are among the 22 exemptions through 31 December 2026. Check official sources before travel, as rules can change.

Where should I stay for LASIK in Seoul?

Near your clinic, usually in Gangnam, to keep follow-up visits easy. Recent searches showed 4-star Gangnam rooms from about $85–$118 a night, with prices much higher in peak months.

Planning vision correction in Seoul?

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