Laser Vision Correction in Korea –
Advanced Refractive Surgery in Seoul
Laser Vision Correction in Korea — Three Ways to Reshape the Cornea
All laser vision correction works on one tissue — the corneal stroma — but LASIK, LASEK/PRK and SMILE Pro reach it in different ways. This page compares the three methods so you understand what your surgeon is choosing between.
- LASIK, LASEK/PRK and SMILE Pro under one roof
- Laser prices from ₩1.9M for both eyes
- Surgeon chooses method after a 2–3 h exam
What types of laser vision correction are available in Korea?
Three main types: LASIK (a femtosecond flap, then excimer reshaping), LASEK/PRK (surface treatment with no flap) and SMILE Pro (a lenticule removed through a 2–4 mm incision). At BGSS in Seoul and Busan, both-eye prices are ₩1.9M–₩2.4M for LASIK, ₩2.2M–₩2.8M for LASEK/PRK and ₩2.5M–₩4.0M for SMILE Pro, exam included. Corneal measurements decide which is safest.
- LASIK
- ₩1.9M – ₩2.4M
- LASEK / PRK
- ₩2.2M – ₩2.8M
- SMILE Pro
- ₩2.5M – ₩4.0M
- Exam
- Included, 2–3 h
How a laser changes your focus
The cornea provides most of the eye's focusing power. Removing a precisely calculated volume of stromal tissue flattens the centre (for myopia) or steepens it (for hyperopia), moving the focal point onto the retina. The amount removed per dioptre is small, but the cornea must keep enough residual thickness to stay stable.
The three methods differ in how the stroma is accessed : under a flap (LASIK), from the surface after the epithelium is moved (LASEK/PRK), or from inside the stroma through a keyhole (SMILE Pro). This affects recovery speed, nerve disruption and suitability for thin corneas.
- Myopia: central flattening
- Hyperopia: central steepening (not SMILE)
- Astigmatism: differential reshaping
- Safety limit: residual stromal thickness
LASIK vs LASEK/PRK vs SMILE Pro
How the three laser methods differ.
| LASIK | LASEK / PRK | SMILE Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access to stroma | Femtosecond flap | Surface, epithelium removed | 2–4 mm incision, lenticule |
| Laser(s) | Femtosecond + excimer | Excimer | Femtosecond (VisuMax 800) |
| Recovery | Functional vision next day | 3–5 days | 1–2 days |
| Discomfort | Mild, hours | More, first days | Mild, hours |
| Often chosen for | Fast recovery, wide range | Thinner corneas, contact sports | Dry-eye concern, active lifestyles |
| BGSS price (both eyes) | ₩1.9M–₩2.4M | ₩2.2M–₩2.8M | ₩2.5M–₩4.0M |
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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When laser is not the answer
Laser reshapes tissue, so some eyes are better served by a lens.
Laser is usually considered
- Stable prescription for about a year
- Adequate, regular corneal thickness
- Low to moderate myopia, with or without astigmatism
- Healthy eye surface
A lens procedure may be safer
- Very high myopia → EVO ICL
- Thin or irregular cornea, keratoconus signs
- Presbyopia or early cataract → lens surgery
- Severe dry eye not yet treated
BGSS has performed 66,000+ ICL procedures, so a "no" to laser is followed by an alternative where possible.
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 laser vision correction permanent?
The corneal reshaping is permanent, but your eyes can still change with age — presbyopia after the mid-40s and cataract later in life are not prevented.
Which laser method is the most popular?
Popularity varies; the safest method for you depends on your corneal measurements. BGSS performs all three, so the choice is made clinically.
Can laser treat astigmatism?
Yes, within certain limits, using LASIK, LASEK/PRK or SMILE Pro. High or irregular astigmatism may need other approaches.
How long is the laser on?
Laser time is measured in seconds per eye; SMILE Pro on the VisuMax 800 takes under 10 seconds per eye.
What is the minimum age?
Generally 18 or older, ideally 20+, with a prescription stable for about a year.
How do I start?
Send your prescription to +82-10-7632-8782 for a free pre-assessment; a coordinator replies within 24 hours.
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.
Laser vision correction in Korea has become a leading option for patients seeking precise, technology-driven refractive surgery. Seoul—particularly Gangnam—is home to specialized ophthalmology centers offering advanced procedures such as SMILE, LASIK, LASEK, and ICL lens implantation.
Korea is known for:
- High surgical volume and subspecialized refractive surgeons
- Advanced ZEISS and femtosecond laser platforms
- Competitive pricing compared to the US, Canada, Australia, and Singapore
- Structured pre- and post-operative evaluation systems
Types of Laser Vision Correction in Korea
1️⃣ SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)
- Minimally invasive
- No corneal flap
- Reduced dry eye risk in suitable candidates
- Fast visual recovery
2️⃣ LASIK (Femtosecond / Bladeless)
- Precise flap creation using femtosecond laser
- Quick recovery
- Widely performed worldwide
3️⃣ Custom / Wavefront LASIK
- Personalized mapping-based correction
- Addresses higher-order aberrations
- Improved night vision clarity
4️⃣ LASEK / PRK
- Surface-based laser
- Suitable for thinner corneas
- Longer recovery but strong long-term stability
5️⃣ ICL (Implantable Collamer Lens)
- Lens implanted inside the eye
- Suitable for high myopia or thin corneas
- Reversible option
Typical Cost Range (Approximate)
ProcedureEstimated Range (KRW)SMILE₩2.5M – ₩3.8MLASIK₩1.8M – ₩3.0MLASEK₩1.5M – ₩2.5MICL₩4.5M – ₩7.0M
Final pricing depends on prescription strength, technology used, and individual eye conditions.
Are You a Candidate?
You may qualify if:
- Age 18+
- Stable prescription for at least one year
- Healthy corneas
- No advanced eye disease
Final eligibility requires comprehensive diagnostic testing including corneal thickness mapping and ocular surface evaluation.
Recovery Overview
- Functional vision often improves within 24–48 hours (LASIK/SMILE)
- Mild dryness or glare possible initially
- Full visual stabilization typically within weeks to months depending on procedure
