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7-day ICL trip itinerary in Seoul (2026)

How long do I need in Seoul for ICL?

Plan about a week. ICL is surgery inside the eye, so surgeons usually want a careful exam with lens sizing, a check the day after surgery, and at least one more check before you fly. Seven days covers that with rest in between. If your exact lens has to be ordered, the clinic may need your measurements in advance or more time.

This plan suits ICL, EVO ICL and toric ICL. Entry rules and transport were checked on official sources on 1 November 2026.

What does the 7-day plan look like?

Day 1: what happens at the ICL exam?

The exam decides whether ICL is safe and which lens size and power you need. Expect refraction, corneal scans, measurements of the space inside the front of the eye, eye pressure and a dilated retina check. The EVO ICL's US label requires an anterior chamber depth of at least 3.00 mm and a prescription stable within 0.50 D for a year. Its US range is −3.00 to −20.00 D of myopia, with toric lenses for 1.00 to 4.00 D of astigmatism; in 2026 the FDA widened the age range to 21–60.

Stop contact lenses beforehand as instructed; the FDA advises 2 weeks for soft lenses and at least 3 for toric or rigid lenses before an evaluation. Read pre-op eye exam in Korea and contact lens break before LASIK.

Day 2: what is ICL surgery day like?

The surgeon places the folded lens through a small incision so it sits in front of your natural lens. You are awake with numbing drops. Afterwards you rest at the clinic before a check, then go back to your accommodation with a shield. Ask in advance whether both eyes will be done the same day, and arrange someone to accompany you.

Can I shorten the trip?

Sometimes, but plan for a week. A shorter stay is more realistic if the clinic has your lens in stock, treats both eyes on one day and is happy with your checks. Things that can stretch the trip:

• A lens that must be ordered, common with toric lenses or unusual powers
• Eyes treated on separate days
• Raised eye pressure at the day-one check that needs treating and rechecking
• A lens that is not sitting as planned and needs adjusting

Ask the clinic before you book flights which of these apply to you, and send any previous measurements in advance if it accepts them. Book refundable flights and accommodation so you can stay longer if your surgeon advises it. Compare ICL with laser options in ICL vs LASIK and ICL vs SMILE.

Days 3 to 6: checks and rest

The day after surgery the clinic checks your vision, the lens position and your eye pressure. Raised eye pressure is one of the known risks of ICL and is why early checks matter. Other risks to understand before you go include cataract, inflammation, a lens that needs exchanging if sizing is not right and, rarely, infection.

Between checks, keep to low-strain activities:

• Rest with eyes closed for part of each day
• Short walks, wearing sunglasses
• A museum or indoor gallery from day 5 if cleared
• No saunas, jjimjilbang, pools or hot tubs
• No rubbing the eyes, and the shield on to sleep

See ICL recovery timeline and what to do in Seoul after LASIK.

Day 7: can I fly home after ICL?

Usually, once your surgeon is satisfied at the follow-up. Use lubricating drops on the flight. Before leaving, ask for an English summary with lens model, size and power, measurements and your drop schedule, and arrange a check at home. See getting medical records in English and follow-up care after returning home.

How much does a 7-day ICL trip cost?

Ask whether the quote includes the exam, lens, drops and follow-ups. See cost of ICL in Korea, cost of EVO ICL in Korea and ICL cost Korea vs USA.

What do I need to enter Korea?

Nationals of 22 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Japan, are exempt from K-ETA until 31 December 2026. A week-long ICL trip is within normal visa-free stays for most visitors. See K-ETA and medical visa for Korea. This itinerary is general information; your surgeon's plan comes first.

Sources

• STAAR Surgical – US FDA approval of EVO Visian ICL
• Healio – FDA expands age indication for EVO ICL
• FDA – What should I expect before, during and after surgery?
• Consulate General of Korea in Seattle – K-ETA temporary exemption to 31 December 2026
• VisitKorea – Airport transportation guide

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need in Korea for ICL?

About a week: exam, surgery, a day-one check, rest days and a follow-up before flying. Ask your clinic for its usual schedule.

Are both eyes done on the same day for ICL?

Some clinics treat both eyes the same day, others on separate days. Ask in advance, as it affects how long you need to stay.

When can I fly after ICL surgery?

Usually after your surgeon is happy at the follow-up check, often within a week. Use lubricating drops during the flight.

Why is eye pressure checked after ICL?

Raised eye pressure is a known risk after ICL. Checking it the day after surgery lets the surgeon treat it early if needed.

Does the ICL lens need to be ordered?

Sometimes. Common powers may be in stock, while others, especially toric lenses, may need ordering after your measurements. Ask the clinic before booking flights.

Planning vision correction in Seoul?

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