For international patients · Updated August 2026
How Much Does SMILE, LASIK or ICL Eye Surgery Cost in Korea?
One of the most common questions we receive from international patients is what vision correction actually costs in Seoul. Unlike many countries, prices for vision correction in Korea are transparent and quoted as a total package for both eyes. This guide brings the current SMILE, LASEK and EVO ICL cost in Korea together in one place: below are the standard prices at St. Mary’s Jin Eye Center in Gangnam, Seoul — the same prices Korean patients pay.
Price list (both eyes, VAT included)
| Procedure | Price (KRW) | Approx. USD* |
|---|---|---|
| All-laser LASEK — standard package | ₩990,000 | $730 |
| All-laser LASEK — mid package | ₩1,290,000 | $950 |
| All-laser LASEK — premium package | ₩1,590,000 | $1,180 |
| 7th-generation SILK SMILE | ₩3,500,000 | $2,590 |
| EVO ICL (non-toric) | ₩4,700,000 | $3,480 |
| EVO ICL (toric, astigmatism) | ₩5,700,000 | $4,220 |
*USD figures are approximate and vary with the exchange rate. Cataract and presbyopia surgery is priced per eye by lens type, from ₩1,500,000 (monofocal) up to ₩6,500,000 (premium multifocal such as PanOptix PRO) — see our cataract & presbyopia page. A comprehensive eye examination is ₩80,000 and a cataract examination is ₩100,000.
What is included in the price?
The package covers the pre-operative examination on surgery day, the procedure itself, post-operative medication, and scheduled follow-up visits during your stay. There are no hidden “surgeon fees” added afterwards. If a full pre-op screening finds you are not a suitable candidate, you do not proceed — and you will be told why.
Which procedure fits which eye?
- SILK SMILE — small-incision laser correction for nearsightedness and astigmatism, fast visual recovery.
- All-laser LASEK — no-flap surface correction, often chosen for thinner corneas or active lifestyles, at a lower cost.
- EVO ICL — an implantable lens for high myopia or corneas unsuitable for laser; the U.S. Visian EVO+ lens, removable if ever needed.
The right choice depends on your corneal thickness, prescription and eye health, which is why every patient starts with a detailed examination before any decision is made.
Why do international patients choose Korea?
Korea performs a very high volume of vision correction procedures, and Seoul clinics work with current-generation equipment — our laser suite uses the SCHWIND AMARIS 1050RS all-laser platform. At St. Mary’s Jin Eye Center, surgery is performed by surgeons trained at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, and consultations are available in English with interpretation arranged on request for other languages.
The 1-week timeline for visitors
Most international patients complete everything in about one week: examination and surgery early in the trip, then scheduled follow-up checks before flying home. We are 5 minutes from Gangnam Station (Exit 5), and airport pickup can be arranged at the patient’s cost. Details are on our International Patients page.
How to keep your total cost predictable
A few practical notes help international patients budget accurately. First, the package prices above are all-inclusive for the procedure itself — surgery, post-operative medication and scheduled follow-up visits during your stay — so the figure you see is the figure you plan around. Second, the exact ICL cost depends on whether you need the non-toric or toric (astigmatism-correcting) lens, which is confirmed at your examination. Third, exchange rates move: prices are fixed in Korean won, so the USD equivalent on your card statement may differ slightly from the estimates above. Finally, if an examination shows you are not a good candidate for your preferred procedure, you only pay the examination fee — you will never be pushed into surgery. For a personal quote before you travel, message our team with your prescription and travel dates.
Frequently asked questions
Do foreigners pay more than Koreans? No — vision correction is a non-insured procedure in Korea, so Korean and international patients pay the same listed prices.
Can I pay by international card? Yes, major international credit cards are accepted.
How do I get an exact personal quote? The listed package prices apply to most cases; your examination confirms which procedures your eyes are suited for. Message us anytime — our team replies in English 24/7.
Free Online Consultation Call +82-2-577-7782
St. Mary’s Jin Eye Center · 337 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul · 5 min from Gangnam Station Exit 5
