Paying for eye surgery in Korea: quotes, deposits and tax
How do I pay for eye surgery in Korea?
You normally pay the clinic directly, in Korean won, after your exam confirms which procedure you are having. Some clinics take a booking deposit in advance; most of the fee is settled on or before surgery day. Because LASIK, SMILE and ICL are elective, you pay the full price yourself unless your own insurer or employer has agreed to cover it.
Payment methods, deposit terms and refund rules vary by clinic, so get them in writing. The tax and regulation points below were checked against official and news sources on 1 November 2026.
What should my quote include?
Ask for a written, all-in price for both eyes that lists:
- The pre-op exam fee, and whether it is deducted if you go ahead
- The procedure and device, for example SMILE Pro on the VisuMax 800 or EVO ICL
- Prescription drops and protective shield
- Follow-up visits during your stay
- Any enhancement policy, and for how long
- English records and certificates, if charged separately
Seoul price ranges checked in 2026, for both eyes:
| Procedure | Price (both eyes) | Approx. USD |
|---|---|---|
| LASIK | ₩1.5M–₩2.5M | $1,100–$1,900 |
| LASEK | ₩1.5M–₩2.5M | $1,100–$1,900 |
| PRK | ₩1.3M–₩2.2M | $950–$1,600 |
| SMILE | ₩2.2M–₩3.2M | $1,600–$2,400 |
| SMILE Pro | ₩3M–₩5M | $2,200–$3,700 |
| ICL / EVO ICL | ₩4M–₩6.5M | $2,900–$4,700 |
USD at roughly ₩1,350–1,400 = $1. See cost of LASIK in Korea, cost of SMILE in Korea and cost of ICL in Korea.
Should I pay a deposit before I travel?
Only if you understand the refund terms. The exam may show that a different procedure suits you, or that surgery is not advisable. Before paying, ask in writing whether the deposit is refunded or transferred in that case, and by which method.
How do I compare quotes fairly?
Line the quotes up item by item rather than comparing headline prices. Two clinics quoting the same total may include very different things. Check:
- Same procedure and device: SMILE and SMILE Pro, or ICL and EVO ICL, are priced differently
- Both eyes: laser prices in Seoul are usually quoted for both eyes; lens surgery such as cataract surgery is usually per eye
- What happens if the plan changes: the price if the surgeon recommends a different procedure after the exam
- Follow-up: how many visits are included during your stay, and any charge for questions after you go home
- Enhancement: whether a retreatment is included, for how long and on what conditions
A quote that is far below the ranges above deserves questions, not suspicion alone: ask which laser or lens is used and who performs the surgery. A quote far above them may include extras you do not need, or an agency margin. Compare procedures and prices in LASIK cost in Korea vs the USA and cost of SMILE Pro in Korea.
Can I pay by card or in my own currency?
Ask the clinic before you travel. Questions to settle in writing:
- Which foreign cards are accepted, and is there a surcharge?
- Is payment in won only, or are other currencies accepted?
- Can the fee be split across cards if your card has a limit?
- Is bank transfer needed for anything, such as records requested later?
If paying by card, your bank may add a foreign transaction fee or offer to charge in your home currency at its own rate; paying in won usually avoids a second conversion. Tell your bank you are travelling so a large payment is not blocked. Some hospitals require bank transfer for services requested after you leave, such as copies of records.
Can I get a tax refund on LASIK in Korea?
No. Korea's VAT refund for foreign medical tourists covered cosmetic and dermatology procedures, and expired on 31 December 2025 after the government dropped it from its tax plan. Vision correction was not on the list of VAT-taxed cosmetic procedures, so there was no VAT on it to refund. See medical tourism tax refund in Korea.
Do agencies add to the price?
Clinics may pay registered agencies a commission. A Ministry of Health and Welfare notice in effect since 15 February 2017 caps it at 30% of medical fees for clinics, 20% for hospitals and 15% for tertiary hospitals. If an agency's quote is far above the clinic's own price, ask for a breakdown, and check the agency is registered. See registered medical-tourism clinics (KHIDI).
What receipts should I keep?
Ask for an itemised receipt and an English medical certificate or summary. Some home insurers, health accounts or tax systems allow claims for treatment abroad, though rules on elective vision correction vary. See getting medical records in English and travel insurance for eye surgery abroad.
What if I have a billing dispute?
Raise it with the clinic first, with your written quote. If that fails, KHIDI's Medical Korea Information Center (1577-7129) handles complaints from foreign patients and helps register medical disputes. This page is general information, not financial or tax advice.
Sources
Key facts
- Who you pay: the clinic directly; get an itemised receipt
- VAT refund: ended 31 Dec 2025; never covered vision correction
- Agency commissions: capped at 15–30% of fees by institution type (2017 notice)
- Typical price: LASIK ₩1.5M–₩2.5M both eyes (2026)
- Budget: total trip cost for LASIK in Korea
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
Do I pay for LASIK in Korea before or after surgery?
Usually after the exam and on or before surgery day. Some clinics take a booking deposit in advance; ask how it is refunded if surgery does not go ahead.
Can foreigners get a VAT refund on LASIK in Korea?
No. The medical tourism VAT refund covered cosmetic and skin procedures only, and it ended on 31 December 2025.
Can I pay for eye surgery in Korea with a foreign credit card?
Ask your clinic in advance which cards it accepts, whether a surcharge applies and whether your card limit will cover the full amount. Get the answer in writing.
Is the exam fee included in the LASIK price?
It varies. Some clinics include it or deduct it if you go ahead; others charge it separately. Ask for this in writing.
Does Korean health insurance cover LASIK for tourists?
No. LASIK, SMILE and ICL are elective, so visitors pay the full price. Check whether your home insurer or employer offers any reimbursement.
Planning vision correction in Seoul?
Compare clinics by district, check 2026 price ranges, and read our step-by-step planning guide for international patients.