Specialty

안과 in Gangnam range from small clinics for prescriptions and dry eye to large vision correction centers that perform LASIK, LASEK, SMILE and ICL lens implants every day. Several of the larger centers are along Gangnam-daero and around Sinsa and Apgujeong, and many have English-speaking staff for foreign patients.

Vision correction starts with a pre-op exam of about 2 hours that measures corneal thickness, shape and pupil size, often including dilating drops that blur your vision for several hours. You need to stop wearing soft contact lenses for about a week before the exam and hard lenses for longer. If you are a candidate, surgery can be the same day or the next, and you return the next day for a check.

LASIK, LASEK, SMILE and ICL are non-covered by NHIS. Cataract surgery with a standard monofocal lens is covered for insured patients, while premium multifocal or presbyopia lenses add a non-covered charge. Visitors without NHIS pay the full fee for exams and surgery.

What to expect

Remove soft contact lenses about 7 days before the pre-op exam, and hard or toric lenses for 2 to 3 weeks, unless the clinic says otherwise.
Bring your passport and current glasses. Do not drive after the exam, since dilation affects vision for 4 to 6 hours.
Expect a written quote with the surgery type, laser platform (for example VisuMax for SMILE) and post-op drops included.
Most large centers have English coordinators, and the surgeon explains suitability after the test results.
A next-day check is standard. Some clinics also want a 1-week check before you fly long-haul.

Tips for international patients

Plan at least 4 to 7 days in Seoul for vision correction so you can attend the next-day and 1-week checks.
Bring sunglasses for after surgery and avoid swimming and eye makeup for about a week.
Ask for your topography and pre-op data to take home, so a local doctor can follow up.

Last reviewed October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. A doctor confirms what suits you at consultation.

Eye Clinic treatments

LASIK: A thin corneal flap is lifted and an excimer laser reshapes the cornea underneath. Most people see clearly the next day; needs enough corneal thickness.
LASEK: The surface layer of the cornea is removed and the laser works on the surface, so there is no flap. Recovery is slower: 4 to 5 days with a bandage lens.
SMILE LASIK: A femtosecond laser cuts a small disc inside the cornea, removed through a 2 to 4 mm opening. No flap, quick recovery; SMILE Pro uses the faster VisuMax 800.
ICL Lens Implant: A thin collamer lens placed behind the iris and in front of your own lens. For high myopia or thin corneas; it can be removed later if needed.
Cataract Surgery: The cloudy natural lens is broken up with ultrasound and replaced with an artificial lens. Day surgery, about 15 to 20 minutes per eye.
Dry Eye Treatment: In-clinic treatments for dry eye from blocked oil glands: IPL, heat and gland expression, plugs and drops. Usually 3 to 4 IPL sessions a few weeks apart.
Presbyopia Lens Surgery: Swaps the eye's natural lens for a multifocal or extended-depth lens to reduce reading glasses. Same operation as cataract surgery, usually 50 and up.

Eye Clinic clinics near Apgujeong

Apgujeong St. Mary's Eye Clinic (압구정성모안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 7 min walk from Apgujeong Station
Seoul Balgeun Sesang Eye Clinic (서울밝은세상안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 4 min walk from Apgujeongrodeo Station
The One Seoul Eye Clinic (더원서울안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 6 min walk from Sinsa Station
I Love Eye Clinic (아이러브안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 3 min walk from Apgujeong Station
Seoul Samsung Eye Clinic (서울삼성안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 6 min walk from Apgujeongrodeo Station
Apgujeong Balgeun Eye Clinic (압구정밝은안과의원)
Eye Clinic, 8 min walk from Apgujeong Station

Eye Clinic in Korea: questions

Which is quicker to recover from, LASIK, SMILE or LASEK?

LASIK and SMILE usually give clear vision within 1 to 2 days. LASEK takes 3 to 7 days for the surface to heal and is more uncomfortable early on.

Can I fly the day after SMILE or LASIK?

Many surgeons allow it after the next-day check if the eyes look normal. Use your drops on the flight because cabin air is dry.

Why was I told I'm not a candidate for LASIK?

Thin corneas, high prescriptions, irregular corneal shape or dry eye can rule it out. LASEK or ICL may be offered instead.

What is ICL and when is it recommended?

ICL is a lens implanted inside the eye in front of your natural lens. It is used for high myopia or thin corneas where laser surgery would remove too much tissue.

Is cataract surgery covered for a foreign resident with NHIS?

Yes, cataract surgery with a standard lens is covered. Multifocal or extended depth-of-focus lenses carry an extra non-covered charge.

Do I need to stop contact lenses before a dry eye consultation?

Usually not. The lens rule applies to vision correction tests, where lenses change the corneal shape.

Questions before you visit?

Specialty · 안과

Eye Clinics in Apgujeong and Gangnam

At a glance