After wearing glasses for more than 20 years, I recently decided to undergo LASIK surgery in Korea.
Working at Creatrip, a travel platform for foreigners visiting Korea, I often hear what international travelers worry about when choosing clinics, which is exactly why I decided to write this series.
Even as a Korean, I’ve realized through my work how overwhelming the Korean medical system can feel for international visitors.
When I finally went through LASIK myself, I saw a rare opportunity to share the process from both sides: as a Korean patient and as someone who helps foreign visitors navigate these experiences every day. My goal isn’t just to tell my personal story, it’s to create a guide that actually addresses the challenges I see foreigners face all the time.
Check out my experience below!
Why Picking a LASIK Clinic in Korea Isn’t Easy
Korea has countless LASIK clinics, especially in areas like Gangnam, which makes it hard to know which ones are truly safe.
Some buildings around Gangnam are entirely filled with medical clinics.
Most clinics look modern and professional from the outside, but the real differences, like equipment quality, surgeon experience, and certifications, aren’t obvious to foreigners.
English information is often limited or outdated, leaving travelers to rely on scattered reviews or marketing-heavy websites that don’t tell the full story.
On top of that, international patients worry about communication barriers, hidden costs, and long-term follow-ups once they return home.
All of this makes choosing a trustworthy clinic confusing, even though Korea is home to some of the world’s best eye surgeons.
How to book Korean beauty & medical treatments online safely?
[블로그] How to Book Korean Beauty & Medical Treatments Online Safely with Creatrip
How to Pick the Right LASIK Clinic?
Step 1: Check if it's ZEISS Certified
Many travelers coming to Korea for LASIK choose the SMILE procedure. With its super-fast recovery—often in just one day, it’s especially popular for visitors who don’t want their trip interrupted.
But SMILE surgery can only be performed at clinics that are officially ZEISS-certified.
Remember: No ZEISS = No real SMILE surgery.
The clinic where I had my surgery also used ZEISS equipment.
Certification also ensures:
- Clinics meet strict safety and quality standards.
- Surgeons have completed specialized ZEISS training.
- Machines are calibrated to global standards.
Make sure the clinic has an official ZEISS certification plaque on-site or clearly displays its ZEISS accreditation on its website.
So choosing a ZEISS-certified clinic becomes one of the most reliable indicators that a hospital meets high safety standards.
Step 2: Real English Support
Working at Creatrip, I’ve seen how anxious international patients get when communication isn’t clear. With eye surgery, clear communication isn’t optional, it requires medical-level English, not just “someone who can speak a little.”
That’s why a good clinic should have:
- Dedicated English-speaking staff on-site.
- Translated documents for surgery prep and aftercare.
- Clear, step-by-step explanations.
At my clinic, the English coordinator stayed with me throughout the entire process.
Step 3: Transparent Pricing (No Hidden Fees)
This is a big one for me because, through Creatrip, I’ve heard so many stories from travelers confused or misled by unclear pricing. Some were quoted one price online but asked to pay more when they arrived. Others were charged extra just for being foreign patients, or suddenly faced additional fees for basic consultations or English support.
In some cases, patients even felt pressured to upgrade to more expensive procedures they hadn’t planned for.
Experiences like these made me realize just how crucial true price transparency is when choosing a LASIK clinic in Korea.
Looking for clinics that meet all three?
Book through Creatrip!
If you’re looking for a trustworthy LASIK clinic, I genuinely recommend booking through Creatrip. And it’s not just because I work here! The platform is truly designed for foreign visitors.
Creatrip connects you with hospitals that are foreigner-friendly and offer dedicated English support, while guaranteeing the lowest price with zero hidden fees.
When you book through Creatrip, you get:
- No markup, same price as booking directly
- Zero hidden costs
- 100,000 KRW cashback
- An extra 100,000 KRW if you bring a friend
- English support throughout your entire treatment
Eye Clinics Certified by Korean Government
Click to check real reviews and eye surgery prices!
[Spot] Gangnam Bright Eye Clinic (Korea's largest eye/vision correction hospital)
[Spot] Sending eye medicine🎉B&VIIT Ophthalmology (30-year established/AI examination)
[Spot] EYEREUM Eye Clinic (Korea's first Smile Pro procedure hospital)
[Spot] 200,000 KRW off🎉S&B Eye Clinic (Korean celebrities' top choice for LASIK)
[Spot] Song Haifu Sound Wave🎉 Gangnam Good Eyes Ophthalmology (Affordable Smile All-Laser SMILE)
Everything you need to know about getting laser eye surgery in Korea!
[블로그] Full Guide to Laser Eye Surgery in Korea | SMILE LASIK, SMILE PRO, LASEK
Want to learn more about laser eye surgery?
[Blog] Common Questions About Pre/Post Korean Laser Eye Surgery
[Blog] Types of Laser Eye Surgery in Korea / Differences Explained
[Blog] Why get laser eye surgery in Korea?
Book all things trending in Korea on Creatrip! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Youtube to stay updated on all things Korea!
