SILK Laser Eye Surgery in Korea — 7th-Gen J&J ELITA, Next-Day Recovery Goal in Gangnam
7th-generation SILK SMILE — correcting myopia and astigmatism through a small incision, by university-hospital-trained surgeons.
Both eyes ₩3,500,000 (≈US$2,590)Eye exam fee included with same-day surgeryPlan about 1 week in Seoul · departure possible from day 3 after surgery if your surgeon confirms
Exam-only visit on a separate day: ₩80,000 (≈US$60). Final plan and price are confirmed after your exam. US$ amounts are approximate and vary with the exchange rate.
21,000+
Presbyopia & cataract surgeries
14,000+
Vision correction surgeries
70+
SCI-indexed papers published by our doctors
Registered patent
No. 10-2700173 · intraocular lens support & support assembly (2024)
Surgery counts are cumulative cases performed by all doctors at our clinic.
✔ Medical institution registered to attract foreign patients · Reg. No. M-2022-01-08-6564 (Issued by the Mayor of Seoul)★ Read our Google reviews
What is SMILE?
SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) corrects nearsightedness and astigmatism through a small corneal incision, without the larger flap used in traditional LASIK. We perform the 7th-generation SILK SMILE procedure using J&J’s ELITA system, with an incision of about 2 mm.
- A femtosecond laser creates a thin, lens-shaped piece of tissue (lenticule) within the cornea.
- The surgeon removes the lenticule through a small corneal incision.
- Removing the lenticule changes the corneal curvature to correct the refractive error and help light focus on the retina. No corneal flap is created.
Simplified illustration.
Who may be a candidate?
People with myopia and/or astigmatism who want a minimally invasive option. Suitability — and the right procedure for you — is always determined after a thorough eye examination.
Pricing
| 7th-generation SILK SMILE (both eyes) | ₩3,500,000 |
| Eye exam on the day of surgery | Included |
| Eye exam only (separate day before surgery) | ₩80,000 (≈US$60) |
Final plan, lens, and price are confirmed after your examination.
Prices abroad, for referenceFor general context, NVISION Eye Centers reports that SMILE costs about US$2,000–3,000 per eye in the United States (checked October 2026). Our SILK SMILE price above is for both eyes. Source
Prices vary by clinic and by what is included. These are independently published ranges, not quotes.
Prices vary by clinic and by what is included. These are independently published ranges, not quotes.
Your treatment trip, step by step
- Before you flyMessage us on WhatsApp or chat. We can help you plan your visit and answer questions about your examination and treatment. Share your glasses prescription or previous eye records if you have them. Stop wearing contact lenses before the exam — soft lenses 5 days before, hard (RGP) lenses 2 weeks before, ortho-k lenses 4 weeks before.
- Arrival in SeoulFrom Incheon Airport, Gangnam is typically about 1–1.5 hours away by airport limousine bus or AREX + subway, depending on traffic and your route. We are a 5-minute walk from Gangnam Station Exit 5. Airport pickup can be arranged on request (transfer cost paid by the patient).
- Examination & consultationA comprehensive eye examination and one-to-one consultation with your surgeon usually take about 2 hours in total, although the timing may vary. English and Mongolian interpretation is free; for other languages, please ask at least 3 days before your visit.
- SurgeryIf your examination confirms that you are suitable and your eyes are ready, surgery may be possible on the same day. Otherwise, we will arrange another date. You rest at the clinic for a while before returning to your hotel.
- Follow-up & flying homeWe generally recommend allowing about one week in Seoul for follow-up care. Your surgeon will advise you when it is appropriate to fly.
- After you return homeMessage us any time with questions. We can provide a written record of your surgery for your local eye doctor.
For International Patients
- Free online consultation, 24/7, in your language. Use the chat button at the bottom-right of this page.
- On-site interpretation available — tell us your language in advance (no language limit when pre-arranged).
- Airport pickup on request — for patients who cover the transfer cost.
- Plan your stay: most patients can fly home after a follow-up check about one week after surgery.
Why St. Mary’s Jin Eye Center
- University-hospital-trained surgeons — our two directors trained at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital and serve as Adjunct Professors at The Catholic University of Korea.
- A full-service eye center — vision correction, cataract & presbyopia, retina, glaucoma, dry eye, and pediatric care.
- Multilingual support — Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese, Mongolian, and Indonesian via our 24/7 chat.
- Rated 4.8 on Google.
- 5-minute walk from Gangnam Station, Exit 5.
Visit Us
- Address: 4F–5F, 337 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea
- Subway: Gangnam Station (Line 2 / Sinbundang), Exit 5 — 5-minute walk
- Hours: Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00 (lunch 13:00–14:00) · Sat 09:00–15:00 · Closed Sun & public holidays (KST)
FAQ
- Do you offer consultations in English?
- Yes — 24/7 via our multilingual chat.
- How long does the surgery take?
- The procedure itself is short; total time at the clinic on the day is longer due to preparation and post-surgery rest.
- What examinations are needed first?
- Corneal thickness, refraction, eye pressure, and a fundus check, among others. Stop wearing contact lenses before the exam — soft lenses 5 days before, hard (RGP) lenses 2 weeks before, ortho-k lenses 4 weeks before.
- Does it hurt?
- Numbing eye drops are used. Most patients feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure.
- When can I get back to normal activities?
- Many patients can resume many daily activities within about a day, but recovery varies. Follow your surgeon’s instructions on eye rubbing, swimming and dusty places.
- What are the possible risks?
- As with any eye surgery, risks exist — for example temporary dry eye, glare or halos at night, under- or over-correction and, rarely, infection. Your surgeon explains the risks for your eyes before you decide.
- Can I have surgery on the same day as my exam?
- Same-day surgery may be possible for some procedures if the examination confirms that you are suitable, you have stopped contact lenses for the required time, the necessary lens or equipment is available, and the schedule allows. Otherwise, we will arrange another date.
- How long should I stay in Seoul?
- We generally recommend allowing about one week in Seoul for follow-up care. Your surgeon will advise you when it is appropriate to fly.
- What is not included in the price?
- Flights, accommodation and local transport are not included. The final plan and price are confirmed after your examination.
- How can I pay?
- Credit cards, including international cards, and cash are accepted.
- How do I contact you before my trip?
- WhatsApp +82-2-577-7782, the 24/7 chat on this page, or email jin.eye.center@gmail.com.
Patient reviews
You can read independent reviews on Google. Individual experiences vary, and reviews do not guarantee a particular treatment outcome.
Book Your Consultation
Message us 24/7 in your language using the chat at the bottom-right, or:
WhatsApp us — Free consultation Book online Call +82-2-577-7782
Or email jin.eye.center@gmail.com · WhatsApp / LINE / WeChat / Messenger available
