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Eye Surgery & Ophthalmology

Cataract Surgery in Korea

Cataract surgery removes the clouded natural lens by ultrasound and replaces it with an intraocular lens, and the lens choice determines whether you still need glasses afterwards.

56 listed clinics · Updated 2026-08-09

Eye Surgery & Ophthalmology treatment room in Korea
In short. Cataract surgery removes the clouded natural lens by ultrasound and replaces it with an intraocular lens, and the lens choice determines whether you still need glasses afterwards.
Indicative price
1,500,000 - 6,000,000 per eye depending on lens KRW
Procedure time
15 - 30 minutes per eye
Anesthesia
Topical with sedation
Recovery
Vision improves over days, full stabilization 4-6 weeks
Minimum stay in Korea
10-14 days for both eyes
Also known as
Phacoemulsification, 백내장 수술

A monofocal lens is covered by Korean national insurance for residents and gives excellent distance vision with reading glasses. Multifocal and extended depth of focus lenses reduce spectacle dependence but are not covered, cost several million won per eye, and carry a higher rate of halo and glare at night.

The eyes are operated a week or two apart rather than the same day. For an international patient, that means either a longer stay or two trips.

Clinics offering Cataract Surgery

Showing 56 clinics

By location

Cataract Surgery in Apgujeong (5)Cataract Surgery in Gangnam (5)Cataract Surgery in Cheongdam (3)Cataract Surgery in Sinsa (2)Cataract Surgery in Seocho (4)Cataract Surgery in Jamsil (5)Cataract Surgery in Yeouido (5)Cataract Surgery in Myeongdong (5)Cataract Surgery in Jongno (2)Cataract Surgery in Songdo (5)Cataract Surgery in Busan (5)Cataract Surgery in Daegu (5)Cataract Surgery in Jeju (5)

Frequently asked questions

Should I choose a multifocal lens?

Multifocal lenses reduce dependence on glasses but increase night-time halo and glare, and they are not suitable for eyes with macular or corneal disease. Night drivers and photographers often prefer monofocal with reading glasses.

Can both eyes be done on the same day?

Korean practice is to separate the two eyes by one to two weeks so that the outcome of the first can inform the second. Plan a stay of at least ten days if you need both.

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Further reading

Recovery Time and When You Can Fly

The length of your trip is set by the mandatory follow-up interval, not by how quickly you feel well, and flying too early raises the risk of swelling, bleeding and thrombosis.

Medical Costs and Payment in Korea

Foreign patients without Korean national health insurance pay the full private rate, which is still typically 30 to 70 percent below US pricing for the same procedure, and card payment is accepted almost everywhere.

Source: Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, medical institution information https://www.hira.or.kr/eng/main.do