Get LASIK in Korea and experience local student life
Moon
10 days ago
This time in Seoul, my main goal was to go to Gangnam to have SMILE Pro laser vision correction at Myeongmok Eye Clinic. Before and after the procedure, I also took the chance to visit a few places I had been wanting to see, and it unexpectedly turned into a really full, satisfying trip.
Pre-trip prep and planning
Because I was having eye surgery, this itinerary was a bit different from a typical sightseeing trip. I had to stop wearing soft contact lenses for at least seven days before the procedure, so the moment I landed, I had to get around in glasses the whole time. I also needed extra rest on the day of surgery and the day after, so I intentionally kept the schedule very light. In a way, that made the trip better, there was less pressure to rush between attractions, I could stay longer in each place, walk more slowly, and enjoy a travel rhythm that felt very different from my usual trips.
The everyday vibe near Hoegi Station
This time I stayed near Hoegi Station. I originally chose it simply because the price was reasonable, but I ended up unexpectedly loving the area. Hoegi is a well-known university district in Seoul, with several universities nearby. You constantly see college students walking around in small groups, and the whole neighborhood feels young and laid-back, completely different from the touristy vibe of Gangnam or Myeongdong.
The side streets are packed with affordable little shops, big portions and good value, clearly catering to students. It never felt like the kind of place that’s set up to overcharge tourists. Cafes are everywhere too, mostly simple and bright, and it’s easy to feel comfortable no matter where you pop in. In the morning, I’d sip an Americano by the window and watch students bike past or jog by, and it was oddly relaxing. At night the area gets lively, pubs and fried chicken places are full, and even just grabbing something quick outside, the atmosphere feels great.
Surgery day
On the day of the procedure, I took the subway from Hoegi to Gangnam, it took a little over 30 minutes, and getting there was easy. From the exams to the end of the surgery at Myeongmok Eye Clinic, it took about five hours in total. The clinic felt more spacious than I expected, and the waiting process was manageable. After the procedure my vision was extremely blurry, I could barely see my phone. Luckily a friend came to pick me up, and once I got back, I went straight to sleep.
An unexpectedly smooth post-op shopping run
I thought I’d have to rest properly for the first few days after surgery, but by the next afternoon my vision had recovered surprisingly well. There are supermarkets and drugstores all around Hoegi, and in a student neighborhood you can buy basically anything. I used the free time to stock up on some skincare products and snacks that are harder to find in Taiwan. Even though I still needed to use artificial tears constantly, getting around wasn’t affected at all, I even took the subway on my own, so none of the post-op time felt wasted.
A few places that really stayed with me
I didn’t plan any must-see attractions this time, but a few places left a strong impression. Near where I stayed, there was a small alley lined with older buildings and a handful of quirky little shops. It was especially quiet in the early evening, and really pleasant to walk through, completely different from the busy main roads. Another was a tiny bakery I randomly walked into one morning, I ended up going back for breakfast several days in a row. The bread had a light milky aroma, not too sweet or heavy, and it was different from the flavors you commonly find in Taiwan, it suited my taste perfectly.
Overall thoughts
Before leaving, I was just thinking I’d squeeze in an eye procedure while I was there, I didn’t expect the trip to feel this comfortable. Staying in Hoegi, a student district, meant less of the noisy “attractions” vibe. Instead, I had lots of time to simply wander nearby and take in everyday local life. Recovery after the surgery also went more smoothly than expected, I felt more relaxed overall, and it made me feel like what I brought back wasn’t just better vision, but also a rare chance to properly catch my breath.
Next time I come back to Seoul, I want to try staying in just one area, not rushing around, and simply living a few days like a local.
