SMILE LASIK in Seoul Korea |
Cost & Reviews | Price KRW 4.2mil
SMILE LASIK in Korea — Classic SMILE vs SMILE Pro, Explained
SMILE removes a thin lenticule of corneal tissue through a small keyhole incision — no flap. Learn how classic SMILE and the newer SMILE Pro differ, who suits each, and what BGSS charges in 2026.
- Flapless keyhole surgery, 2–4 mm incision
- Both eyes ₩2.5M–₩4.0M (≈ $1,760–$2,830), exam included
- 160,000+ SMILE/SMILE Pro cases at BGSS
What is the difference between SMILE and SMILE Pro?
Both use the same flapless principle: a femtosecond laser shapes a lenticule inside the cornea, which is removed through a 2–4 mm incision. SMILE Pro uses the newer ZEISS VisuMax 800, cutting the laser step to under 10 seconds per eye with a refined centration workflow. At BGSS, SMILE/SMILE Pro costs ₩2.5M–₩4.0M for both eyes, exam included.
- Price (both eyes)
- ₩2.5M – ₩4.0M
- Incision
- 2–4 mm, no flap
- SMILE Pro laser step
- Under 10 s per eye
- Typical recovery
- 1–2 days
What is SMILE LASIK?
SMILE stands for Small Incision Lenticule Extraction . Unlike LASIK, which lifts a corneal flap and vaporises tissue with an excimer laser, SMILE uses only a femtosecond laser to outline a thin, lens-shaped piece of stroma — the lenticule — inside the intact cornea.
The surgeon then removes the lenticule through a small keyhole incision. Taking out this precisely calculated volume flattens the cornea and corrects myopia and astigmatism . Because the front corneal layers stay largely intact, fewer corneal nerves are cut, which is why SMILE is often discussed for patients worried about dry eye.
- Corrects: myopia, with or without astigmatism
- No flap: no risk of flap displacement from a knock to the eye
- Incision: about 2–4 mm
- "SMILE LASIK" is a popular name — technically SMILE is a separate procedure, not a type of LASIK
Key point: SMILE is mainly for myopia and astigmatism. Hyperopia is usually treated with other methods — ask your surgeon.
Classic SMILE vs SMILE Pro
Same flapless principle, different generation of laser platform.
| Classic SMILE | SMILE Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Laser platform | ZEISS VisuMax (earlier generation, e.g. VisuMax 500) | ZEISS VisuMax 800 |
| Laser step | Longer suction/laser time | Under 10 seconds per eye |
| Centration & alignment | Manual centration | Refined centration and cyclotorsion assistance |
| Flap | None | None |
| Incision | 2–4 mm | 2–4 mm |
| BGSS price, both eyes | ₩2.5M–₩4.0M (range covers both; exact price set after exam) | ₩2.5M–₩4.0M |
Clinical outcomes depend mainly on candidacy and surgeon experience. For the technology in depth, see ZEISS VisuMax 800; for cost and recovery, see SMILE Pro in Korea.
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
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Who is a good candidate for SMILE?
General criteria; your surgeon decides after measuring your eyes.
Usually suitable
- Age 18+ (ideally 20+) with a stable prescription
- Myopia with or without astigmatism
- Adequate corneal thickness and regular topography
- Dry-eye concerns, contact sports or occupations where a flap is undesirable
Usually better with another option
- Hyperopia → other options are usually used
- Very high myopia or thin corneas → EVO ICL
- Keratoconus or irregular cornea → not suitable for laser; ask about alternatives
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding or active eye disease → postpone
If SMILE is not right for you, your surgeon will explain LASIK, LASEK or ICL instead.
Recovery and risks of SMILE
Most SMILE Pro patients return to normal activities within 1–2 days . Vision is often slightly hazy for the first hours and sharpens over days to weeks as the corneal interface settles.
Reported risks, according to the AAO EyeWiki review of SMILE, include temporary dry eye, haze, glare or halos, under- or over-correction, and rarely difficulty removing the lenticule. Enhancement after SMILE uses different techniques than after LASIK, so careful planning matters from the start.
- Dry eye: usually temporary; lubricating drops
- Early blur: common for hours to a few days
- Residual prescription: occasionally needs enhancement
- Avoid rubbing eyes and swimming as instructed
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
Is SMILE the same as LASIK?
No. Both reshape the cornea, but LASIK creates a flap and uses an excimer laser, while SMILE removes a lenticule through a 2–4 mm incision with no flap. "SMILE LASIK" is just a common name.
How much does SMILE cost in Korea?
At BGSS, SMILE and SMILE Pro cost ₩2,500,000–₩4,000,000 (about $1,760–$2,830) for both eyes, including the pre-operative exam, surgery and standard post-op medications. Final price is set after the exam.
Is SMILE Pro better than classic SMILE?
SMILE Pro uses the newer VisuMax 800, with a laser step under 10 seconds per eye and refined centration. The underlying procedure is the same; your surgeon recommends the platform after your exam.
Does SMILE cause less dry eye than LASIK?
SMILE disturbs fewer corneal nerves because there is no flap, and studies summarised by the AAO suggest dry eye may be less pronounced early on. Dry eye can still occur and is usually temporary.
How long is recovery after SMILE Pro?
Most people return to everyday activities within 1–2 days. Vision continues to sharpen for several days to weeks.
Can SMILE correct astigmatism?
Yes, SMILE treats myopia with astigmatism within approved ranges. Very high astigmatism may be better treated with another method such as a toric ICL.
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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.
What is SMILE LASIK?
SMILE LASIK (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) is an advanced vision correction procedure in which a laser creates a precise lenticule (corneal tissue) within the cornea. This tissue is then removed through a micro-incision of approximately 2 mm to restore vision.
Unlike traditional LASIK or LASEK, this procedure does not require the creation of a corneal flap. Currently, there are two types: SMILE and SMILE PRO. Developed in Germany, the procedure is performed using the VisuMax laser system and has been fully approved by the FDA after proven safety and effectiveness.
BGSS Eye Clinic & the History of SMILE LASIK
As a pioneer of SMILE LASIK in Korea, BGSS Eye Clinic, led by founder Dr. Jong-Ho Lee, has over 29 years of clinical experience and continues to lead the advancement of SMILE LASIK in Korea.
Key Milestones
2008
Introduction and advancement of the VisuMax laser in Korea
2010
Adoption of flapless refractive surgery techniques
2012
Development of proprietary surgical instruments to improve SMILE procedure speed and safety
Accumulation of stable surgical outcomes using advanced techniques
2014
Recognized as a leading authority in SMILE LASIK in Korea
Presentation of SMILE clinical results at the Asia-Pacific Academy
Published surgical outcomes and expertise, including reduced incision size (2 mm) and laser scanning area (7 mm)
Certified SMILE surgeons and academic contributions
2015
SMILE clinical results published in CRST Europe (European refractive surgery journal)
2016
Presented innovative SMILE surgical approaches at the Asia-Pacific Refractive Laser Symposium in Bangkok
2017
Presented SMILE clinical outcomes at the Korean Ophthalmological Society
2018
Presented at ZEISS Asia-Pacific Refractive & Cataract Symposium
Introduced dual-system SMILE techniques addressing suction loss and surgical precision
2023
Introduction of VisuMax 800 laser and next-generation SMILE procedures
Advancement of surgical techniques based on extensive clinical experience
Collaboration with ZEISS for research and development
Standardized SMILE training programs for consistent surgical outcomes
2024
Expansion of advanced SMILE equipment lineup and certified SMILE surgeons
Presentation at Korea SMILE Forum: “Past, Present, and Future of SMILE”
Clinical results of SMILE PRO for astigmatism correction
2025
Over 160,000 SMILE LASIK cases performed
Presentation of global SMILE vision and leadership by Dr. Jong-Ho Lee (Chair of Korea SMILE Forum)
Key research on SMILE PRO demonstrating improved accuracy, recovery, and safety
Presentation at ZEISS APAC Horizon 2025 on safety and patient satisfaction of SMILE PRO
SMILE LASIK Surgery in Seoul, Korea: A Guide to Clear Vision
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) LASIK surgery is a next-generation vision correction procedure widely performed in Seoul, Korea. As a minimally invasive alternative to traditional LASIK, SMILE LASIK offers faster recovery, improved corneal stability, and a lower risk of dry eyes—making Seoul a leading global destination for this procedure.
Why Choose SMILE LASIK in Seoul?
- Minimally Invasive – Uses a tiny incision, preserving corneal nerves and reducing dry eye risk
- Fast Recovery – Most patients resume daily activities within 24 hours
- Advanced Technology – Clinics utilize the Zeiss VisuMax femtosecond laser system
- Experienced Surgeons – High-volume ophthalmologists specializing in SMILE and SMILE Pro
- Affordable Cost – World-class care at competitive pricing compared to Western countries
SMILE LASIK Procedure Overview
- Pre-Surgery Examination
Comprehensive testing including corneal thickness, biomechanics, pupil size, and ocular health - Laser Incision
A femtosecond laser creates a lenticule inside the cornea - Lenticule Removal
The lenticule is removed through a micro-incision (no flap creation) - Vision Correction
The cornea reshapes naturally, improving vision almost immediately - Recovery & Follow-Up
Vision typically stabilizes within 24–48 hours with scheduled follow-ups
Cost of SMILE LASIK in Seoul
ProcedureEstimated Cost (KRW)Estimated Cost (USD)SMILE LASIK Surgery2,000,000 – 3,000,000$1,500 – $2,300
Prices vary depending on pre-operative testing, surgeon experience, and technology used.
Best Clinics for SMILE LASIK in Seoul
BGSS Eye Clinic Seoul
- High-volume SMILE & SMILE Pro procedures
- Advanced corneal biomechanics and ectasia risk screening
- Customized laser parameters based on individual eye anatomy
- Strong long-term follow-up and complication management protocols
BGSS Eye Clinic Busan
- Dedicated SMILE-focused ophthalmology center
- Extensive experience with high myopia and astigmatism cases
- Structured pre- and post-operative care system
- Consistent outcomes backed by large surgical data sets
SMILE LASIK surgery in Seoul, Korea, is a safe, effective, and globally trusted vision correction option. With cutting-edge technology, experienced surgeons, and transparent pricing, Seoul continues to stand out as a premier destination for SMILE LASIK—especially at clinics such as BGSS Seoul and BGSS Busan.
SMILE surgery is also available at our Busan clinic (SMILE Pro). For a traveller's overview, see this SMILE Pro guide for Gangnam, or read about Dr. Jong-Ho Lee's surgical expertise.
