How much does LASEK cost in Korea?

LASEK in Korea typically costs around 890,000~1,500,000 KRW, though the exact price varies by clinic, your case, and what's included. Seoul prices reflect surgeon experience, technique, and aftercare — always confirm whether anesthesia, follow-ups, and post-op care are bundled in your quote. Because every body and goal is different, your final cost can only be confirmed at an in-person or video consultation with a board-certified doctor.

What is the recovery time for LASEK?

Most patients need about 3 days of downtime for LASEK before returning to daily activities. Initial swelling and bruising usually peak in the first few days, then settle gradually, while full results can take several weeks to months to show. Recovery depends on the technique used and your individual healing, so follow your surgeon's aftercare plan and confirm your personal timeline with the clinic.

Is LASEK painful, and what kind of anesthesia is used?

LASEK is generally well-tolerated, with anesthesia chosen to keep you comfortable throughout. Depending on the procedure, Korean clinics use local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, and most discomfort afterward is managed with prescribed medication. Pain tolerance is personal, so discuss anesthesia options and pain management with a board-certified anesthesiologist or surgeon before your treatment.

How do I choose the right clinic for LASEK in Korea?

Choose a clinic with board-certified specialists, transparent pricing, and strong patient reviews. On K-Dia, 2 clinics offer LASEK, so you can compare doctor credentials, before-and-after results, and English-language support side by side. Verify the surgeon's specialty board certification, ask about complication rates and revision policies, and book a consultation before committing — this is a medical decision, not just a price comparison.

Can foreigners get LASEK done in Korea?

Yes — Korea is a top destination for international patients seeking LASEK. Many Seoul clinics offer English, Chinese, and Japanese interpretation, medical tourism coordinators, and help with scheduling around your trip. Plan for at least 3 days of recovery before flying, bring your medical history, and consult a board-certified doctor to confirm you're a suitable candidate and to arrange follow-up care.

LASIK/LASEK

LASEK

Price Range

₩990,000~₩1,490,000 (≈ $710–$1,070)

Final price may vary after consultation

Duration

30min

Recovery

3days

Anesthesia

Anesthesia eye drops

Effect Duration

Semi-permanent (possibility of myopia regression)

Pain Level

Moderate

Overview

LASEK is a vision correction surgery that improves refractive errors such as myopia and astigmatism by precisely correcting the cornea with an excimer laser after separating the corneal epithelium from the surface. Unlike LASIK, it does not create a corneal flap, making it a surface ablation method that preserves the corneal structure more while correcting vision. Vision recovery may be slightly slower than LASIK or SMILE LASIK because a period is needed for the corneal epithelium to heal after surgery. Features of LASEK Vision correction surgery without creating a corneal flap Can be considered even for relatively thin corneas, depending on examination results No concerns about corneal flaps related to external impact Precise correction tailored to individual eye conditions such as myopia and astigmatism Corneal epithelium heals over approximately 3-4 days post-surgery, during which a protective lens may be worn. LASEK may be considered for the following individuals: Those for whom LASIK is not suitable due to corneal thickness, individuals engaged in strenuous exercise or physically demanding occupations, and those who prefer a vision correction method that does not involve creating a corneal flap can consider LASEK after a detailed examination. ※ The actual possibility of surgery and the most suitable surgical method will be determined through detailed examinations of corneal thickness and shape, refractive error, ocular condition, and consultation with medical professionals.

Related Ongoing Events

Raum Smile Ophthalmology Today LASEK

₩900,000 (≈ $650)라움스마일안과

Pain DOWN, Recovery UP, Fast Today LASIK

₩1,090,000 (≈ $780)강남아이원스안과

Today LASIK: Return to daily life in two days, rapid recovery

₩1,400,000 (≈ $1,010)밝은성모안과

LASIK/LASEK Event Commemorating the 2021 Presidential Commendation and 2023 Ministry of the Interior and Safety Commendation

49%₩900,000 (≈ $650)하늘안과

Gangnam I-One's Premium LASIK

₩890,000 (≈ $640)강남아이원스안과

Recommended For

People with thin corneas for whom LASIK is difficult
For those who are concerned about external impact due to high levels of exercise and activity
occupational groups with high levels of physical activity, such as soldiers and police officers

Procedure Steps

1
Precision inspection
We check suitability by examining corneal thickness, topography, etc.
2
epithelial removal
Gently remove the corneal epithelium after topical anesthesia.
3
Laser correction
It corrects refractive errors by irradiating the surface of the cornea with a laser.
4
Protective lens · Recovery
Wear the protective lens for 3 to 5 days to regenerate the epithelium.

Pros

Strong against external impact due to the absence of a corneal flap
Secures ample remaining corneal thickness (advantageous for high myopia)
Long-term stability verified

Things to Consider

Pain and foreign body sensation for 3 to 5 days until epithelial regeneration
It takes 1 to 3 months for vision to stabilize.
Risk of corneal opacity if UV protection is neglected

Side Effects & Precautions

Strictly protect yourself from UV rays (wearing sunglasses) for 3 to 6 months after surgery — this is key to preventing corneal opacity.
Please be sure to follow the prescribed eye drop (anti-inflammatory) application schedule.
You may experience pain and tearing during the first 3 to 5 days, so please avoid excessive use of your eyes.

This is general guidance; details vary by individual and clinic. Always consult a medical specialist.

Hospitals offering this procedure

Lowest

₩890,000 (≈ $640)

Average

₩940,000 (≈ $680)

Highest

₩1,500,000 (≈ $1,080)

Based on listed prices from 2 clinics

Local currency amounts are approximate, for reference only. All payments are in Korean won (KRW).

Gangnam Eye Ones Ophthalmology

서초구₩890,000~₩1,500,000 (≈ $640–$1,080)VAT incl.

Clear Seoul Ophthalmology

서초구₩990,000~₩1,490,000 (≈ $710–$1,070)

Often Viewed Together

투데이LASEK

₩1,090,000~₩1,900,000 (≈ $780–$1,370)

스마트스마일LASIK

₩2,300,000~₩3,000,000 (≈ $1,650–$2,200)

실크LASIK

₩3,300,000~₩3,800,000 (≈ $2,400–$2,700)

SmileNova (Pro)

₩4,000,000~₩4,500,000 (≈ $2,900–$3,200)

SmartNovaPro

₩4,000,000~₩4,500,000 (≈ $2,900–$3,200)

SMILE LASIK

₩2,500,000~₩2,900,000 (≈ $1,800–$2,100)

아마리스레드 LASIK

₩990,000~₩1,790,000 (≈ $710–$1,290)

뉴스마일 LASIK

₩2,200,000~₩3,500,000 (≈ $1,580–$2,500)

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