Travel guide

What to bring to your eye surgery in Korea: checklist

Bring your passport, glasses and old prescriptions, a list of medicines and conditions in English, sunglasses, button-front tops, a payment card plus some cash, and travel insurance details. Stop contact lenses as instructed (FDA: 2–4 weeks) and skip creams, makeup and perfume from the day before surgery.
Reviewed November 2026 · Seoul LASIK Clinic Directory
What to bring to your eye surgery in Korea: checklist

What should I bring to eye surgery in Korea?

Bring three groups of things: travel documents, medical information, and comfort items for recovery. The most commonly forgotten are old glasses prescriptions and an English list of your medicines, both of which help the surgeon judge whether you are a safe candidate.

This checklist suits LASIK, SMILE, LASEK, PRK and ICL trips to Seoul. Entry rules mentioned were checked on 1 November 2026; confirm again before you fly.

Which documents do I need?

Item Why
Passport, valid for your whole stay Entry, clinic registration and payment
K-ETA or visa, if required Nationals of 22 countries are K-ETA-exempt until 31 Dec 2026; others need one
Clinic booking confirmation and address in Korean Immigration questions and taxi drivers
Accommodation address in Korean Getting home after surgery
Travel insurance policy and emergency number In case of illness or complications
Payment card and some Korean won Clinic fees, pharmacy, taxis

If you hold a C-3-3 medical visa, carry the clinic's invitation and reservation documents. See K-ETA and medical visa for Korea.

What medical information should I bring?

The surgeon needs to know your history to judge whether surgery is safe. Bring:

  • Your current glasses and their prescription
  • Older prescriptions, to show the FDA's key test: no change in the past year
  • Contact lens type and the date you stopped wearing them
  • A list in English of all medicines, eye drops and supplements, with doses
  • Conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune disease, glaucoma or previous eye surgery
  • Any previous corneal scans or eye reports

The FDA lists pregnancy, breastfeeding, some medicines and certain conditions as reasons LASIK may not suit you, so be open. See pre-op eye exam in Korea and contact lens break before LASIK.

What should I prepare before I leave home?

A few tasks are easier at home than in Seoul:

  • Contact lens break: start it on time, counting back from your exam date. The FDA advises 2 weeks for soft lenses, at least 3 for toric or RGP and at least 4 for hard lenses.
  • Spare glasses: make sure your current pair is up to date, as you will wear them every day until surgery.
  • Phone numbers: save the clinic, your accommodation, the Korea Travel Hotline (1330) and the Medical Korea call center (1577-7129).
  • Translation of key facts: have your allergies and medicines written in English; the clinic coordinator can help with Korean.
  • Payment: tell your bank you will make a large payment abroad, and confirm the clinic's payment terms in writing.
  • Follow-up at home: book a check with your own eye doctor for after you return.
  • Flexible bookings: choose refundable flights and rooms in case the exam changes the plan.

For budgeting, see paying for eye surgery in Korea and travel insurance for eye surgery abroad. If you need language help during your stay, see medical interpreters in Seoul.

What should I pack for surgery day?

  • Comfortable button-front or zip tops, so you do not pull clothes over your face
  • Sunglasses: light sensitivity is normal at first, according to the FDA
  • A phone with the clinic's after-hours number saved
  • A charged power bank, as you may wait at the clinic for a few hours
  • A companion, if possible: the FDA advises arranging for someone to bring you home

From the day before surgery, the FDA advises stopping creams, lotions, makeup and perfume. Remove eye makeup thoroughly. See makeup after LASIK.

What should I have for recovery?

  • The eye shield the clinic gives you, for sleep; the FDA graphic suggests nights for 4 weeks after LASIK
  • All prescribed drops, plus preservative-free lubricants
  • A soft eye mask and earplugs for daytime naps
  • Audio entertainment, since screens and reading strain the eyes early on
  • Hand sanitiser, so you do not touch your eyes with dirty hands

Read eye drops after LASIK and LASIK recovery checklist.

What should I bring home from the clinic?

Ask for these before your last visit, so your doctor at home can continue your care:

  • An English summary of your procedure, measurements and lens or laser used
  • Your drop schedule in English
  • Itemised receipts
  • Contact details for questions after you return

Requesting full records can take time and may need forms signed in person; see getting medical records in English and follow-up care after returning home.

What should I keep in hand luggage for the flight home?

Keep drops, the eye shield, sunglasses and your English summary in your hand luggage. Use lubricating drops often on the plane because cabin air is dry. See flying after LASIK. This checklist is general information; follow your clinic's instructions.

Sources

Key facts

  • Entry: passport; K-ETA exemption for 22 countries runs to 31 Dec 2026
  • Medical: old prescriptions, glasses, medicines list in English
  • Day before surgery: no creams, lotions, makeup or perfume (FDA)
  • Aftercare: sunglasses, eye shield for sleep, drops in hand luggage
  • Entry rules: K-ETA and medical visa for Korea

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

What documents do I need for LASIK in Korea?

Your passport, any K-ETA or visa you need, your clinic booking and accommodation address in Korean. Bring old glasses prescriptions and a medicines list for the exam too.

Should I bring my old glasses prescriptions?

Yes. Surgeons want to see that your prescription has been stable, and the FDA flags any change in the past year.

What should I wear on LASIK surgery day?

Comfortable clothes with buttons or a zip, no makeup, face cream or perfume. Bring sunglasses for the trip back.

Do I need someone with me for eye surgery in Korea?

It is strongly recommended. The FDA advises arranging for someone to bring you home, as your vision may be blurry and you may be given a relaxing medicine.

What records should I get before leaving Korea?

An English procedure summary, your drop schedule, itemised receipts and the clinic's contact details. Your doctor at home will need them for follow-up.

Planning vision correction in Seoul?

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