2025 South Korea travel journal
Kiki_13
6 days ago
This trip was perfect for me because it combined an 'upgrade to my vision' with a 'favorite Korean itinerary' all at once. I originally just wanted to visit Korea to relax, and in the end I booked a SMILE PRO all-laser procedure through Creatrip’s exclusive reservation discount, which was much cheaper than when I inquired on my own. The moment the surgery was finished, I even felt like my life had switched to high-definition mode — traveling and recovering at the same time felt especially refreshing.
✦ A trip that 'upgrades' your eyesight
The reason I decided to have surgery was simple: I had worn contact lenses for many years, my eyes were noticeably dry, and because I stare at a screen for work every day and don't like wearing glasses, vision problems became a daily hassle. While researching online I saw that Creatrip offers medical appointment services, so I checked it out on a whim, and surprisingly the whole process from booking to on-site interpretation was super smooth.
After arriving at the clinic, the interpreter accompanied me the whole time, helping organize the key points from the examinations to the doctor's explanations — having no language barrier was truly reassuring. The clinic's level of professionalism exceeded my expectations. Although I had already had a comprehensive exam in Taiwan, at Mingmu Eye Clinic they still performed a whole new set of tests: corneal thickness, tear gland secretion volume, prescription for myopia and astigmatism… everything was measured clearly, and they even repeatedly confirmed the data before the surgery. That level of meticulousness really put me at ease.
They also provided a lot of thoughtful post-operative supplies: sunglasses, artificial tears, steam eye masks, lutein, and more, so you don't need to buy anything yourself. After leaving Korea I messaged them with questions and they replied, so you don't become a post-op orphan — that's really great.
✦ A brand-new experience of recovering while traveling
After the surgery, I planned a more relaxed trip with lots of walking and a slow pace, and it unexpectedly turned out to be the most suitable way to travel right after laser treatment.
The day after the surgery when I went back for a follow-up, I arranged to go to Bukchon Hanok Village. The route has gentle slopes and beautiful scenery, which was perfect for someone who had just had surgery. The sunlight wasn’t too harsh, and wearing the sunglasses the clinic gave me as I walked and looked at the hanok made it feel like the world had become clearer, so every tile looked especially distinct.
After walking to Samcheong-dong I stopped at a quiet little coffee shop to rest, sipping a hot drink and watching the pedestrians outside. The feeling of my perspective gradually settling was strange, as if my body were quietly renewing itself.
✦ Han River: The Most Healing Evening
Walking along the Han River is one of the things I look forward to most every time I go to Korea. This time, because I had just had surgery, I chose to sit on the grass and feel the breeze — no exercise, no phone, just quietly watching the river. I really like that aimless, just-emptying-my-mind feeling; the wind that day, the sunlight glittering on the water, the picnic blanket at my feet, and the sound of boats passing by all made me feel like I was being reset.
✦ Ikseon-dong, Dongdaemun, Myeongdong
After a few days, once my vision stabilized, I went back to the routine I prefer:
Wander design shops and take photos in Ikseon-dong, buy stationery and design materials at Dongdaemun, eat street food in Myeongdong, and shop for skincare products
Every place became clearer and more comfortable to see, and I began to feel, 'So traveling in Korea without glasses or contact lenses can be this easy.'
✦ After vision becomes clearer, even travel gets upgraded
On this trip, my strongest feeling was: 'Traveling with upgraded vision is truly a completely different experience.'
You don’t have to worry about your glasses fogging up when you walk, hot soup won’t steam up and blur your vision, you don’t need to adjust your glasses when taking photos, and rainy days are much more comfortable. Also, Creatrip’s booking, translation, and price transparency made the whole medical trip very easy. The surgery is also popular locally, and most people in the clinic were Korean, which made me feel even safer.
✦ For people who want to get laser treatment in Korea and travel
If you also want to improve your eyesight and happen to be traveling to Korea, I highly recommend booking laser eye surgery through Creatrip and combining it with a trip around Korea. The whole process is convenient and safe, and with a relaxed itinerary during recovery, it feels like a vacation for your body and mind. This trip not only gave me wonderful memories but also a clearer, more comfortable daily life going forward. The next time I go to Korea, I'll be the fully high-definition version of myself.
