Korea is already well known for skincare, beauty, and other medical treatments. But lately, another trend has been quietly gaining attention: getting prescription glasses while traveling in Seoul.
More and more tourists are stopping by local optical shops to get eye exams and glasses made on the spot. Here's why it’s quick, affordable, and surprisingly convenient, even for first-time visitors!
Planning to get beauty & medical treatments during your trip?
Check out how you can get 10% of what you spend back!
Why Glasses Are So Easy to Get in Korea
Korea’s optical industry has a unique background. Cities like Daegu were once major hubs for glasses frame manufacturing, and as the industry expanded, regulations around eye exams and prescriptions developed differently from those in many Western countries.
In many countries, including the U.S., you typically need to visit an eye doctor first, pay separately for an exam, receive a prescription, and then take that prescription to an optician to order glasses.
In Korea, this process is much simpler. Most optical shops have licensed professionals on-site who can perform eye exams, issue prescriptions, and fit lenses and frames all in one place.
Because everything is handled under one roof, the process feels fast, straightforward, and far more convenient to many travelers.
U.S. vs Korea: What’s Actually Different?
United States | Korea | |
|---|---|---|
Eye exam | Around $50–$250 | Usually included |
Prescription | Separate doctor visit required | Done on-site |
Frames & lenses | Purchased separately | One-stop purchase |
Total cost | $200–$500+ | Often under $100 |
Wait time | Several days to weeks | 1–2 hours (same day) |
Appointments | Required | Walk-ins common |
Why You Might Want to Get Glasses in Korea
Even if you didn’t plan to buy new glasses, many visitors take advantage of the quick, affordable, and convenient one-stop system to get prescription glasses during their trip. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- You’re short on time and want glasses ready the same day
- Need a replacement because your glasses broke or were lost while traveling
- Want an affordable option compared to U.S. prices
- Looking for prescription sunglasses to wear while sightseeing
- Curious to try Korea’s efficient, one-stop optical shops
Top 3 Places to Get Glasses in Seoul
1. OPTIC LIFE
OPTIC LIFE is a popular optical shop in Korea with branches in Hongdae, Gangnam, and Seongsu. While most people in Korea usually spend around ₩100,000–150,000 for a decent pair of prescription glasses, Creatrip users can enjoy an exclusive 30% discount available on glasses and frames with a voucher purchase!
Benefits (available at all 3 branches):
- Free eye exam
- Free fitting
- Same-day pick-up
- 30% discount voucher available only on Creatrip
- Free travel buddy service available only on Creatrip
Hongdae Branch
Address: 서울 마포구 와우산로23길 50 3F
Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00-19:30 KST
Grab your discount voucher below!
[스팟] ✨Creatrip Only✨ OPTIC LIFE | Hongdae - Free fitting, 30% off on lenses and frames
Gangnam Branch
Address: 서울 강남구 강남대로78길 24 4F
Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00-19:30 KST, Closed on Sun
Grab your discount voucher below!
[스팟] ✨Creatrip Only✨ OPTIC LIFE | Gangnam - Free fitting, 30% off on lenses and frames
Seongsu Branch
Address: 서울 성동구 아차산로7길 15 2F
Hours: Mon-Sun 10:00-19:30 KST
Grab your discount voucher below!
[스팟] [Creatrip Only] OPTIC LIFE Seongsu Branch | Free fitting, 30% off on lenses and frames
You can also purchase the voucher by scanning the QR code available in-store in Seongsu branch. (You can use it the same day.)
Check out our visit to Seongsu branch!
2. DAVICH OPTICAL
Davich Optical is another famous optical chain in Korea with 500+ frame options from luxury to trendy K-fashion styles. Creatrip users can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount available on glasses and frames with a voucher purchase!
Benefits:
- Free eye exam (10 different tests usually worth $200 in the US)
- Free fitting
- Same-day pick-up
- 10% discount voucher available only on Creatrip
- Free travel buddy service available only on Creatrip
* This exclusive 10% discount is ONLY available through Creatrip. Not available at the store without pre-purchase.
* Contact lenses are excluded from the discount.
Myeongdong Branch
Address: 서울 중구 소공로 62 1F
Hours: Mon-Sun 09:30-20:30 KST
Grab your discount voucher below!
[스팟] ✨Creatrip Only✨ Davich Optical | Myeongdong Branch
3. MANOMOS
MANOMOS is a premium Korean eyewear brand known for its custom-fit glasses created through 3D facial scanning technology. Designed around Classic, Modern, and Stylish concepts, the brand offers high-quality frames for a precise and comfortable fit.
With a Creatrip-exclusive voucher, you can enjoy 10%–20% off on lenses and frames.
Benefits:
- Free eye exam
- Free fitting (including nose pad, temple length, and frame balance adjustments, services that usually cost ₩30,000–50,000)
- Same-day pick-up
- 10% or 20% discount voucher available only on Creatrip
Konkuk Univ. Flagship Store
Address: 서울 광진구 능동로 92 롯데백화점 별관
Hours: Mon-Sun 10:30-20:30 KST
Grab your discount voucher below!
[스팟] [Creatrip Exclusive] MANOMOS Konkuk Univ. Flagship Store
Seongsu Showroom ROOM84
Address: 서울 성동구 성수이로 84 1층
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00-20:00 KST
Grab your discount voucher below!
[스팟] [Creatrip Exclusive] MANOMOS Seongsu Showroom ROOM84
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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!
