LASIK
Bladeless, wavefront-guided. Functional vision the next day.
Both eyes
₩1.9M–₩2.4M
LASIK →
SMILE Pro in Gangnam, Seoul | BGSS Eye Clinic
| Price KRW 4.2mil
JCI
Korea's first JCI-accredited eye clinic
SMILE Pro in Gangnam, Seoul — Both Eyes ₩2.5M–₩4.0M
Flapless SMILE Pro on the ZEISS VisuMax 800 at Korea's first JCI-accredited eye clinic. One price covers your exam, surgery and standard medications; most patients are back to normal activities in 1–2 days.
- ₩2.5M–₩4.0M (≈ $1,760–$2,830), both eyes, exam included
- Back to daily activities in about 1–2 days
- Exam and surgery often within one trip
160,000+
SMILE & SMILE Pro cases
29
years of refractive surgery
✚
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
How much does SMILE Pro cost in Korea?
At BGSS Eye Clinic, SMILE Pro costs ₩2,500,000–₩4,000,000 (about $1,760–$2,830) for both eyes. The price includes the 2–3 hour pre-operative exam, surgery on the ZEISS VisuMax 800 and standard post-op medications. Where you fall in the range depends on your prescription and treatment plan; the final price is confirmed after your exam.
- Price (both eyes)
- ₩2.5M – ₩4.0M
- USD (approx.)
- $1,760 – $2,830
- Recovery
- 1–2 days
- Stay in Korea
- About 1 week
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
Cost
What your SMILE Pro price includes
One package price for both eyes — no separate exam or surgery-day fees.
| Item | Included? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-operative exam (2–3 h) | Yes | Corneal thickness, tomography, refraction, tear film, retina |
| SMILE Pro surgery, both eyes | Yes | ZEISS VisuMax 800, laser step under 10 s per eye |
| Standard post-op medications | Yes | Anti-inflammatory and lubricating drops |
| Post-op checks in Korea | Yes | Next day and before departure |
| Interpreter & English records | Yes | Medical interpreter on surgery day; English documents for insurance |
| Flights, hotel, extra medications | No | Coordinators can advise on hotels near the clinic |
Price range ₩2,500,000–₩4,000,000; USD approximate. Card and overseas payment accepted. Final price after your exam.
Candidacy
Is SMILE Pro right for you?
A quick self-check before your free pre-assessment.
Good signs
- Aged 18+ (ideally 20+), prescription stable for about a year
- Short-sighted, with or without astigmatism
- Dry eyes, contact sports or a job where a flap is a concern
- Healthy corneas of adequate thickness
Ask about alternatives
- Long-sighted (hyperopia) → other procedures are usually used
- Very high myopia or thin corneas → EVO ICL
- Keratoconus or irregular cornea → laser usually not advised
- Pregnant or breastfeeding → postpone
Send your glasses prescription or previous results by WhatsApp — a coordinator replies within 24 hours.
Free personal plan
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
Start on WhatsApp — it's free
Take the 30-second check
No obligation · English · 中文 · 日本語 · Tiếng Việt · Монгол · Bahasa Indonesia
Recovery
SMILE Pro recovery, day by day
Typical course; individual healing varies.
Day 0 (surgery)
Vision is hazy for a few hours. Rest with eyes closed; mild watering or grittiness is common.
Day 1
Check-up at the clinic. Most people can read their phone and walk around comfortably.
Days 2–7
Return to desk work and light activity. Use drops as prescribed; avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming and eye make-up as instructed.
Weeks 1–4
Vision continues to sharpen. Final review before your flight; remote follow-up continues after you go home.
Compare prices
SMILE Pro vs other options at BGSS
If your exam shows another procedure is safer, this is what it costs.
Transparent pricing
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
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
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.
Verify it yourself:
Surgical statistics
Doctor profiles
Patient-safety system
Technology
Patient reviews
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
How much is SMILE Pro in Korea in 2026?
At BGSS, SMILE Pro costs ₩2,500,000–₩4,000,000 (about $1,760–$2,830) for both eyes, including exam, surgery and standard medications. Older pages quoting other figures are outdated.
How long should I stay in Korea for SMILE Pro?
Plan about one week. The exam and surgery are often on the same or next day, followed by a next-day check and a review before departure.
When can I go back to work after SMILE Pro?
Most people return to desk work within 1–2 days. Physically demanding work or contact sports may need longer; your surgeon will advise.
When can I fly home after SMILE Pro?
Flying is usually possible within a few days. Your surgeon checks your eyes before departure and confirms when it is safe to fly.
Does SMILE Pro hurt?
Numbing drops are used, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Mild discomfort or watering for a few hours afterwards is common.
Can I pay by card or from overseas?
Yes. BGSS accepts card and overseas payment, and can provide English receipts and medical documents for insurance claims.
How is SMILE Pro different from classic SMILE?
SMILE Pro uses the newer ZEISS VisuMax 800 with a laser step under 10 seconds per eye. See SMILE vs SMILE Pro and the VisuMax 800 explained.
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.
SMILE PRO Authority –
Dr. Jong-Ho Lee
A key opinion leader presenting the future vision of SMILE technology in global ophthalmology,
Dr. Jong-Ho Lee has led the early adoption of SMILE PRO in Korea, establishing long-term safety and predictable surgical outcomes.
Korea SMILE Forum 2024 – Keynote by Dr. Jong-Ho Lee
Delivered a keynote presentation on the theme of “The Past, Present, and Future of SMILE LASIK,”
outlining the direction of technological advancements and expanding academic influence through collaboration with global SMILE experts.
Pioneer of SMILE-Based Technology in Korea (Since 2010)
Built a strong foundation for SMILE surgery through early-stage techniques such as PseudoSMILE (FLEX),
accumulating extensive clinical experience and advancing surgical precision and expertise over time.
Excellent Clinical Outcomes in High Myopia Cases
Achieved over 98% of patients reaching 1.0 vision (20/20 equivalent) in high myopia cases, with stable and reliable vision improvement even in complex refractive conditions.
SMILE Pro at BGSS Eye Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul is an advanced laser vision correction procedure using next-generation femtosecond technology. The clinic provides comprehensive eye screening and English-speaking consultation for international patients. Many visitors complete examination and surgery within a short stay in Korea.
Advanced Laser Vision Correction for International Patients
BGSS Eye Clinic offers SMILE Pro in Gangnam, Seoul — the next-generation evolution of SMILE laser vision correction. Designed for enhanced speed, precision, and patient comfort, SMILE Pro is suitable for patients seeking minimally invasive correction of myopia and astigmatism.
BGSS provides English-language consultation, comprehensive diagnostics, and structured post-operative care for overseas patients visiting Korea.
What Is SMILE Pro?
SMILE Pro (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction – Pro version) is an upgraded femtosecond laser procedure that reshapes the cornea by removing a small lenticule through a micro-incision.
Compared to traditional LASIK:
- No corneal flap creation
- Smaller incision (~2–4 mm)
- Reduced dry eye risk
- Enhanced corneal stability
The latest laser platform allows faster laser time and improved centration tracking for precision correction.
Why Choose SMILE Pro at BGSS Eye Clinic?
✔ Comprehensive Pre-Surgical Screening
Every patient undergoes detailed testing including:
- Corneal thickness measurement
- Corneal topography (Pentacam analysis)
- Pupil size assessment
- Retinal evaluation
- Dry eye screening
Only patients meeting strict safety criteria are approved for surgery.
✔ English-Speaking Coordination
International patients receive:
- English consultation and medical explanation
- Pre-arrival eligibility screening
- Clear post-operative care instructions
- Short-stay scheduling assistance
Many patients complete exam + surgery within 3–4 days in Seoul.
✔ Personalized Vision Planning
Surgical planning is customized based on:
- Degree of myopia
- Astigmatism level
- Corneal biomechanics
- Lifestyle and visual demands
Conservative correction strategies are used to support long-term corneal health.
Who Is a Good Candidate for SMILE Pro?
SMILE Pro may be suitable for:
- Myopia (mild to high)
- Astigmatism
- Active individuals seeking faster recovery
- Patients concerned about dry eye
Patients with thin corneas or extremely high prescriptions may be advised to consider ICL instead.
A full ophthalmologic evaluation is required for final approval.
SMILE Pro Procedure Timeline
1. Consultation & Diagnostics (2–3 hours)
Comprehensive eye exam and candidacy confirmation.
2. Surgery Day (10–15 minutes per eye)
Topical anesthetic drops used. Laser portion completed in seconds.
3. Recovery
- Mild discomfort for 1–2 days
- Functional vision often within 24–48 hours
- Stabilization over several weeks
Follow-up appointments are scheduled before departure.
Safety & Medical Standards
BGSS Eye Clinic follows structured refractive surgery protocols including:
- Sterile operating environment
- Laser calibration verification
- Conservative tissue removal planning
- Post-operative monitoring guidelines
Patients are fully informed about potential side effects including temporary dry eye, glare, or halos.
Location: Apgujeong, Gangnam, Seoul
Located in one of Seoul’s premier medical districts, BGSS Eye Clinic is accessible via subway and major transport routes. The Gangnam area offers convenient accommodations for international medical travelers.
Book an English Consultation
For patients seeking SMILE Pro in Korea, BGSS Eye Clinic provides precision diagnostics, structured eligibility screening, and English-language support throughout the treatment journey.
Read more about Dr. Jong-Ho Lee's SMILE Pro and laser surgery expertise. SMILE Pro is also performed at our Busan clinic, and patients with very high prescriptions may want to compare it with ICL in this ICL vs SMILE guide.
