ICL Surgery in Seoul Korea |
Cost & Reviews | KRW 5.3mil
"Experience crystal-clear vision with ICL surgery in Seoul, Korea— a safe, reversible, and high-definition alternative to LASIK!"
EVO ICL Surgery in Seoul — Led by Dr. Jong-Ho Lee, 56,000+ ICL Eyes
An implantable collamer lens corrects high myopia and astigmatism without removing corneal tissue. BGSS has performed 66,000+ ICL procedures; both eyes cost ₩5.2M–₩7.0M including the exam.
- Both eyes ₩5.2M–₩7.0M (≈ $3,670–$4,950), exam included
- Clear vision usually within 24 hours
- Removable lens — no corneal tissue removed
What is ICL surgery and how much does it cost in Korea?
ICL (implantable collamer lens) surgery places a thin, flexible lens behind the iris and in front of your natural lens to correct myopia and astigmatism, without reshaping the cornea. At BGSS Eye Clinic, EVO ICL costs ₩5.2M–₩7.0M (about $3,670–$4,950) for both eyes, including the exam. Most patients see clearly within 24 hours.
- Price (both eyes)
- ₩5.2M – ₩7.0M
- Lens
- EVO ICL / V-Toric ICL
- Clear vision
- Usually within 24 h
- Best for
- High myopia, thin cornea
How does ICL correct vision?
An ICL is a phakic intraocular lens : it works alongside your natural lens rather than replacing it. Made of collamer, a soft collagen-copolymer material, it is folded and inserted through a small incision, then unfolds and rests in the posterior chamber behind the iris.
Because no corneal tissue is removed, ICL is used for prescriptions or corneas that are unsuitable for laser. The EVO design has a tiny central port that supports natural fluid flow, which removed the need for a routine peripheral iridotomy with earlier designs. V-Toric ICL also corrects astigmatism.
- Corrects: moderate to high myopia, with or without astigmatism
- Reversible: the lens can be removed or exchanged
- Sizing: lens length chosen from your eye's internal measurements
- Regulation: EVO ICL received FDA approval in 2022
Key point: ICL success depends heavily on correct lens sizing and vault — the gap between the ICL and your natural lens. This is where surgeon experience matters most.
Who is a good candidate for ICL?
General criteria from published guidance; your surgeon decides after measurement.
Usually suitable
- Adults, typically 21–45, with a stable prescription
- Moderate to high myopia, with or without astigmatism
- Thin corneas or dry eye that make laser less suitable
- Adequate anterior chamber depth and healthy endothelial cell count
Usually better with another option
- Shallow anterior chamber or low endothelial cell count
- Early cataract or age-related lens changes → lens surgery
- Uncontrolled glaucoma, uveitis or other active eye disease
- Mild myopia with good corneas → LASIK or SMILE Pro may be simpler
Your treatment plan and price within 24 hours
- 1 Send a photo of your glasses or prescription
- 2 Get a likely procedure and estimated cost
- 3 Reserve an exam slot for your trip
No obligation · English · 中文 · 日本語 · Tiếng Việt · Монгол · Bahasa Indonesia
Why ICL experience matters: Dr. Jong-Ho Lee
BGSS has performed more than 66,000 ICL procedures across Seoul and Busan (as of December 2025). Founder Dr. Jong-Ho Lee has personally implanted ICL in 56,000+ eyes.
Dr. Lee was a keynote speaker for STAAR Surgical at the EVO ICL APAC Experts Summit 2024 and presented at the Korea EVO ICL Forum 2025 . His focus includes complex cases and custom lens positioning for astigmatism , where rotation and vault must be precise.
- Korea's pioneer of ICL, alongside first-generation LASIK and LASEK
- Complex and high-astigmatism cases
- Custom toric lens alignment
- Speaker at the Korea EVO ICL Forum 2025
ICL vs laser vision correction
Why ICL is often chosen when laser is not ideal.
| EVO ICL | LASIK | SMILE Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tissue removed | None | Corneal stroma | Corneal lenticule |
| Reversible | Yes — lens removable | No | No |
| High myopia | Well suited | Limited by corneal thickness | Limited by corneal thickness |
| Recovery | Clear vision usually within 24 h | Next day | 1–2 days |
| BGSS price, both eyes | ₩5.2M–₩7.0M | ₩1.9M–₩2.4M | ₩2.5M–₩4.0M |
Typical characteristics, not guarantees. Sources: AAO EyeWiki; FDA (see references).
Risks of ICL and how they are monitored
As an intraocular procedure, ICL has different risks from laser. AAO EyeWiki describes these as uncommon with proper sizing and follow-up.
Intraocular pressure
Pressure can rise temporarily after surgery; it is checked on the day and the next day.
Vault & sizing
A lens that sits too close or too far from the natural lens may need repositioning or exchange.
Cataract
Long-term, ICL is associated with a small risk of cataract; regular check-ups monitor this.
Glare & halos
Some patients notice halos at night, especially early on; most adapt over time.
BGSS Eye Clinic 2026 prices
Every package includes the pre-operative exam, the surgery and standard post-op medications.
| Procedure | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| LASIK (both eyes) | ₩1,900,000 – ₩2,400,000 | $1,340 – $1,690 | 1 day |
| LASEK / PRK (both eyes) | ₩2,200,000 – ₩2,800,000 | $1,550 – $1,980 | 3–5 days |
| SMILE / SMILE Pro (both eyes) | ₩2,500,000 – ₩4,000,000 | $1,760 – $2,830 | 1–2 days |
| EVO ICL (both eyes) | ₩5,200,000 – ₩7,000,000 | $3,670 – $4,950 | 1 day |
| Cataract / presbyopia lens (per eye) | ₩1,500,000 – ₩7,250,000 | $1,060 – $5,120 | 1–2 days |
USD values are approximate and vary with exchange rates. Final pricing is confirmed after your pre-operative exam.
- Full pre-operative diagnostic exam (2–3 hours)
- Surgery performed by a board-certified ophthalmologist
- Standard post-op eye drops and check-ups before you fly
- Medical interpreter and English medical records
Which procedure fits your eyes?
Answer 3 quick questions to see the procedure most often suited to people like you, with the 2026 starting price. Then send it to a coordinator for a free personal review.
- FREE No obligation, no deposit to ask
- 24h Reply from our international team
- MD Final plan confirmed by an ophthalmologist after your exam
How old are you?
Written and reviewed by the surgeons who perform it
Every figure on this page is a published BGSS total or a public credential you can check.
- 160,000+ SMILE / SMILE Pro
- 66,000+ ICL lens implants
- 49,000+ presbyopia & cataract
- Many with M.D., Ph.D. research backgrounds
- Founder Dr. Jong-Ho Lee: 56,000+ ICL eyes
- Complex-case and toric ICL positioning
- STAAR Surgical EVO ICL APAC Experts Summit (2024)
- Korea SMILE Forum (2025)
- Korea EVO ICL Forum (2025)
- Among Korea's first to introduce LASIK & LASEK
- Ministry of Health & Welfare–designated regenerative medicine institution
- 2026 prices published openly
- Medical content reviewed by an ophthalmologist
Dr. Jong-Ho Lee, M.D., Ph.D.
Dr. Lee is a pioneer of first-generation LASIK, LASEK and ICL in Korea and is known internationally for complex-case ICL and custom lens positioning for astigmatism. He reviews the medical content on this website.
Editorial policy: clinical statements on this page are checked against the sources below and BGSS outcome data, and are reviewed at least once a year. Prices are the clinic's published 2026 rates.
How surgery in Korea works, step by step
Most international patients plan a stay of about one week. Your coordinator confirms the exact timeline after reviewing your records.
Send your details
WhatsApp, LINE, WeChat or KakaoTalk your prescription and preferred dates. Free, with no obligation.
Get a personal plan
Receive a likely procedure, an estimated cost and a reserved exam slot.
Exam & surgery in Seoul
A 2–3 hour exam with your surgeon. If suitable, surgery can often be the same or next day.
Follow-up & fly home
Post-op checks before departure, then remote follow-up. Your surgeon confirms when it is safe to fly.
Frequently asked questions
How much does ICL cost in Korea?
At BGSS, EVO ICL costs ₩5,200,000–₩7,000,000 (about $3,670–$4,950) for both eyes, including exam, surgery and standard medications. Toric lenses and complex sizing can affect where you fall in the range.
Is ICL permanent?
ICL is designed to stay in place long-term, but unlike laser it is reversible: the lens can be removed or exchanged if needed, for example at the time of future cataract surgery.
Can I feel the ICL in my eye?
No. The lens sits inside the eye behind the iris, so you cannot feel it and it is not visible to others.
How long do I need to stay in Korea for ICL?
Most patients plan about a week, allowing for the exam, surgery, pressure checks on the next day and a review before departure.
Is ICL better than LASIK for high myopia?
For high myopia or thin corneas, ICL is often preferred because it removes no tissue. For mild myopia with healthy corneas, laser is usually simpler and cheaper.
Who performs ICL at BGSS?
ICL is performed by BGSS ophthalmologists, with Dr. Jong-Ho Lee leading the program. See our ophthalmologists.
Ready to see clearly? Start with a free consultation.
Send your prescription today and get a personal treatment plan and price estimate within 24 hours.
- Free consultation
- No obligation
- Reply within 24 hours
- Korea's first JCI-accredited eye clinic
Medical information on this page is for general education and does not replace a consultation with an ophthalmologist. Results vary by individual, and suitability is determined after a full pre-operative eye examination. Statistics: BGSS Seoul + Busan cumulative totals as of December 2025.
“Director Lee Jong-ho, an educator in ICL lens implantation surgery for doctors — BGSS Eye Clinic’s lens implantation surgery is the standard in South Korea.”
Globally Recognized ICL Results Proven by Numbers
66,000+ ICL Procedures Completed
Since introducing ICL in 2002, BGSS Eye Clinic has successfully performed over 66,000 cases
(As of December 2025, combined Seoul & Busan data)
Our ICL program is led by Dr. Jong-Ho Lee, Korea's first certified ICL instructor. To know what to expect afterwards, read the day-by-day ICL recovery timeline, or compare ICL surgery cost at our Busan clinic.
Setting Global Standards Beyond ICL Surgery
Dr. Jong-Ho Lee – Korea’s No.1 Specialist Training Doctors
- First in Korea to present clinical results of EVO ICL Viva
- Published research on toric ICL for astigmatism correction
- Leading advancements that go beyond ICL implantation to establish global surgical standards
Global Leader in ICL Lens Implantation:
24 Years of Achievement
2002
First introduction of ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery in Korea – Director Lee Jong-ho
2005
Reached 500 ICL surgeries
2006
Director Lee Jong-ho appointed as an official ICL instructor by STAAR Surgical
Achieved 1,000 ICL surgeries and participated in Japan ICL approval clinical trials
2007
Reached 1,500 ICL surgeries
2011
Reached 10,000 ICL surgeries
Invited speaker at the global “Experts Symposium”
Recognized as a leading global ICL surgeon
2013
First to introduce toric ICL (for astigmatism correction) in Korea
Appointed as a key figure in ICL advancement and awarded by STAAR
2014
Presented nationwide data on ICL outcomes and complications
2015
Published clinical results on ICL safety
2016
Participated in STAAR Surgical APAC Visian ICL Expert Symposium
Presented long-term surgical outcomes at “World’s Most Surgery Awards”
Global Recognition & Innovation
2017
Reached 30,000 ICL surgeries
Participated as a key speaker at international ICL symposiums
Introduced EVO Aquaport ICL in Korea
2020
Developed vertical (V-Toric) ICL for astigmatism correction
2022
Reached 40,000 ICL surgeries
2023
Received APAC Best Poster Award (ICL research)
Awarded Best Academic Paper (Korean Cataract & Refractive Society)
Reached 56,000 ICL surgeries
Invited to STAAR headquarters
Selected as global ICL Key Opinion Leader (KOL)
2024
Received Global Outstanding Contribution Award
Reached 70,000 ICL surgeries
Presented at STAAR EVO ICL APAC Experts Summit
“Over 15 years of ICL clinical data published”
2024
Selected as top global ICL Key Opinion Leader
Participated in international ICL forums as a leading expert
2025
Recognized as “Viva ICL Pioneer”
Presented clinical results of EVO Viva ICL (presbyopia correction lens)
Astigmatism-Correcting V-Toric ICL
(Lens Implant Surgery)
- Designed to correct both myopia and astigmatism simultaneously based on each patient’s vertical corneal axis
- Maintains stable visual quality with minimal lens rotation and reduced astigmatic changes
- Minimizes lens rotation even without excessive sizing, providing excellent correction for both nearsightedness and astigmatism
- V-Toric ICL reduces the risk of lens rotation caused by blinking pressure, ensuring long-term stable vision
- Customized lens design optimized for vertical corneal diameter allows precise implantation and minimal intraocular damage
- Since the vertical corneal diameter is typically longer than the horizontal, V-Toric ICL enables implantation of a larger, more stable lens, reducing complications and improving safety
ICL Surgery in Seoul, Korea: A Vision Correction Alternative
ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens) surgery is a popular vision correction procedure in Seoul, Korea, for those who are not ideal candidates for LASIK. This advanced treatment involves implanting a biocompatible lens inside the eye to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.
Why Choose ICL Surgery in Seoul?
- Ideal for Thin Corneas – A great alternative for those who cannot undergo LASIK.
- Reversible & Removable – Unlike LASIK, the ICL can be removed or replaced if needed.
- Sharp & Clear Vision – Provides high-definition vision with minimal side effects.
- Quick Recovery – Most patients experience improved vision within a day.
- World-Class Clinics – Seoul has top-tier ophthalmology centers specializing in ICL procedures.
ICL Surgery Procedure
- Pre-Surgery Consultation – A thorough eye exam determines eligibility for ICL.
- Lens Insertion – A micro-incision is made to implant the ICL behind the iris.
- Vision Adjustment – The lens corrects refractive errors immediately.
- Recovery & Follow-Up – Most patients resume daily activities within 24-48 hours.
Best Clinics for ICL Surgery in Seoul
- BGSS Eye Clinic Seoul – Offers advanced ICL implantation with English-speaking services.
- BGSS Eye Clinic Busan – Specializes in personalized vision correction procedures.
ICL surgery in Seoul, Korea, is an excellent option for those seeking a safe, effective, and reversible vision correction solution. With state-of-the-art technology and expert ophthalmologists, Korea remains a leading destination for high-quality eye care.
