About Us

BGSS Eye Clinic

Since its establishment in 1997, BGSS (BalGeunSeSang) Eye Clinic has been at the forefront of vision correction surgery in Korea. With the same dedication and care in the same location, in Seoul and Busan, we will continue to protect and support our patients’ eye health.

BGSS Eye Clinic is equipped with advanced ZEISS VisuMax 500 and VisuMax 800 laser systems for precise and safe vision correction surgery. Using this advanced technology, we provide SMILE surgery tailored to each patient’s unique eye condition.

As not every surgery is suitable for every individual, we will recommend the surgical option that is most appropriate for your eyes. The right choice makes all the difference in your vision.

JCI Korea's first JCI-accredited eye clinic

About BGSS Eye Clinic — Vision Correction in Korea Since 1997

BGSS (Bright Eye Clinic, 밝은세상안과) has focused on refractive and lens surgery for 29 years. Korea's first JCI-accredited eye clinic, with 12 ophthalmologists in Seoul and Busan and a dedicated international patient team.

  • Korea's first JCI-accredited eye clinic
  • 12 ophthalmologists across Seoul (Apgujeong) and Busan (Seomyeon)
  • Founder Dr. Jong-Ho Lee still leads medical care
628,000+ vision correction surgeries
29 years since founding
✚ Korea's first JCI-accredited eye clinic ◎ ZEISS VisuMax 800 for SMILE Pro ★ Founded 1997 · 29 years ⚕ Korea's first eye clinic designated for Advanced Regenerative Medicine ◆ Keynote: STAAR Surgical EVO ICL APAC Experts Summit 2024 ◆ Keynote: Korea SMILE Forum 2025 ✓ 628,000+ vision correction procedures ☎ Support in 6 languages
Quick answer

What is BGSS Eye Clinic and why do international patients choose it?

BGSS Eye Clinic (밝은세상안과) is a Korean ophthalmology group founded in 1997 by Dr. Jong-Ho Lee, with clinics in Gangnam, Seoul and Seomyeon, Busan. It was Korea's first JCI-accredited eye clinic and has performed 628,000+ vision correction surgeries. International patients get English-speaking coordinators, interpreters and transparent 2026 prices — LASIK from ₩1.9M for both eyes.

Founded
1997
Accreditation
JCI (Korea's first eye clinic)
Ophthalmologists
12
Locations
Seoul & Busan
628,000+ Vision correction surgeries
160,000+ SMILE / SMILE Pro cases
66,000+ ICL lens implants
49,000+ Presbyopia & cataract
12 Ophthalmologists in Seoul & Busan
Cumulative totals, Seoul + Busan branches, as of December 2025. View statistics
Our story

Twenty-nine years focused on one organ: the eye

Dr. Jong-Ho Lee opened BGSS in 1997, when laser vision correction was still new in Korea. He was among the surgeons who introduced first-generation LASIK, LASEK and ICL to Korean patients, and he still leads the clinic as Founder & CEO and reviews its medical content.

Since then BGSS has grown into a two-city group in Seoul (Apgujeong, Gangnam) and Busan (Seomyeon) , with 12 ophthalmologists. As of December 2025 the clinics have performed more than 628,000 vision correction surgeries, including 160,000+ SMILE/SMILE Pro, 66,000+ ICL and 49,000+ presbyopia and cataract procedures.

  • 1997: founded by Dr. Jong-Ho Lee, M.D., Ph.D.
  • JCI: Korea's first JCI-accredited eye clinic
  • Regenerative medicine: Korea's first ophthalmology clinic designated as an Advanced Regenerative Medicine Institution
  • Two cities: Seoul and Busan, same protocols

Our principle: not every surgery suits every eye. We recommend the option that is safest for your measurements — including no surgery at all.

BGSS Eye Clinic Seoul in Apgujeong, Gangnam
What sets BGSS apart

Safety systems, surgeon experience and research

Three pillars international patients ask about most.

Safety

JCI-standard processes

Joint Commission International accreditation audits patient identification, infection control, medication safety and surgical checklists — the same framework used by leading hospitals worldwide.

Experience

Surgeon-led, high-volume care

Dr. Jong-Ho Lee has implanted ICL in 56,000+ eyes and has given keynote lectures at the EVO ICL APAC Experts Summit 2024 and the Korea SMILE Forum (Feb 2025).

Research

Regenerative eye medicine

Through the BG CELL Center, BGSS researches corneal and retinal/macular regeneration under Korea's Advanced Regenerative Bio Act, led by Dr. Jong-Ho Lee.

Free personal plan

Your treatment plan and price within 24 hours

  1. 1 Send a photo of your glasses or prescription
  2. 2 Get a likely procedure and estimated cost
  3. 3 Reserve an exam slot for your trip
Start on WhatsApp — it's free Take the 30-second check

No obligation · English · 中文 · 日本語 · Tiếng Việt · Монгол · Bahasa Indonesia

Locations

Two clinics, one standard of care

Choose whichever city fits your trip — diagnostic protocols and pricing follow the same 2026 schedule.

Two clinics, one standard of care
Seoul (Gangnam) Busan (Seomyeon)
Address 2F, 6F, 7F Hanyang Town, 823 Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu 8F–11F Ion City, 74 Seomyeon-ro, Busanjin-gu
Nearest station Apgujeong Rodeo (Suin-Bundang Line), Exit 5 Seomyeon Station (Line 1/2)
Directors Dr. Jong-Ho Lee, Dr. Je-Myung Lee, Dr. Il-Young Jung, Dr. Sang-Il An, Dr. Dae-Hyun Park, Dr. Kun-Hae Kim, Dr. Hyun-Ah Kim Dr. Gil-Ho Park, Dr. Jeong-Min Woo, Dr. Hyun-Uk Shin, Dr. Byung-Uk Ko, Dr. Jong-Ho Park
Hours Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9:00–18:30; Sat 9:00–16:00 Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9:00–18:30; Sat 9:00–16:00

Lunch 13:00–14:00. Closed Wednesdays, Sundays and public holidays. WhatsApp +82-10-7632-8782.

International patients

Built for patients who fly in

Most international patients plan about a week in Korea. Before you book flights, you can send your prescription and eye history for a free pre-assessment ; a coordinator replies within 24 hours.

On arrival you have a 2–3 hour diagnostic exam, and surgery is often possible the same or next day. A medical interpreter stays with you on surgery day, and your surgeon checks your eyes before you fly home and confirms when it is safe to travel.

  • Coordinators in English, 中文, 日本語, Tiếng Việt, Монгол and Bahasa Indonesia
  • Airport and hotel guidance
  • English medical records and insurance documents
  • Remote post-op follow-up by messaging
International patient lounge at BGSS Eye Clinic
Transparent pricing

BGSS Eye Clinic 2026 prices

Every package includes the pre-operative exam, the surgery and standard post-op medications.

BGSS Eye Clinic 2026 prices
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
30-second check

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
Question 1 of 3

How old are you?

Verified credentials

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.

Experience 628,000+ procedures since 1997
  • 160,000+ SMILE / SMILE Pro
  • 66,000+ ICL lens implants
  • 49,000+ presbyopia & cataract
Expertise 12 ophthalmologists, Seoul & Busan
  • Many with M.D., Ph.D. research backgrounds
  • Founder Dr. Jong-Ho Lee: 56,000+ ICL eyes
  • Complex-case and toric ICL positioning
Authority Keynote at international ophthalmology forums
  • 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
Trust JCI Korea's first accredited eye clinic
  • Ministry of Health & Welfare–designated regenerative medicine institution
  • 2026 prices published openly
  • Medical content reviewed by an ophthalmologist
Dr. Jong-Ho Lee presenting ICL surgery at a STAAR Surgical international forum
Medical reviewer

Dr. Jong-Ho Lee, M.D., Ph.D.

Founder & CEO since 1997 M.D., Ph.D. 56,000+ ICL eyes STAAR Surgical keynote speaker Korea SMILE Forum

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.

International patients

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.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What does BGSS stand for?

BGSS is short for BalGeunSeSang (밝은세상), meaning "Bright World" — the clinic is also known as Bright Eye Clinic. It was founded in Seoul in 1997 by ophthalmologist Dr. Jong-Ho Lee.

Is BGSS Eye Clinic accredited?

Yes. BGSS was Korea's first eye clinic accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI), and the first Korean ophthalmology clinic designated by the Ministry of Health and Welfare as an Advanced Regenerative Medicine Institution.

Which procedures does BGSS perform?

LASIK, LASEK/PRK, SMILE and SMILE Pro, EVO ICL, and cataract and presbyopia lens surgery, plus research-based regenerative care. See all treatments.

Should I choose the Seoul or Busan clinic?

Both follow the same protocols and 2026 price schedule. Seoul (Apgujeong) suits most travellers arriving at Incheon; Busan (Seomyeon) is convenient if you arrive at Gimhae or are touring the south.

How do I start?

Message us on WhatsApp (+82-10-7632-8782) with your prescription and any eye history. A coordinator replies within 24 hours with suitable options and an estimated timeline.

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.