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Eye Surgery & Ophthalmology

LASIK & LASEK in Korea

LASIK creates a corneal flap before reshaping the tissue underneath, while LASEK removes the surface epithelium instead, trading faster recovery for a thinner tissue requirement.

56 listed clinics · Updated 2026-08-09

Eye Surgery & Ophthalmology treatment room in Korea
In short. LASIK creates a corneal flap before reshaping the tissue underneath, while LASEK removes the surface epithelium instead, trading faster recovery for a thinner tissue requirement.
Indicative price
1,200,000 - 3,000,000 both eyes KRW
Procedure time
15 minutes for both eyes
Anesthesia
Anesthetic eye drops
Recovery
LASIK 1-2 days, LASEK 4-7 days
Minimum stay in Korea
7 days
Also known as
Laser eye surgery, 라식 라섹

LASIK gives usable vision within a day and comfort within hours, but leaves a permanent flap that is a consideration for contact sports and military service. LASEK has no flap, suits thinner corneas, and costs three to five days of blurred, uncomfortable vision while the surface heals.

Dry eye is the most common side effect of both and is usually temporary, lasting three to six months. Existing severe dry eye is a reason to consider ICL instead.

Clinics offering LASIK & LASEK

Showing 56 clinics

By location

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

Frequently asked questions

LASIK or LASEK, which is better?

LASIK recovers in a day and is preferred when corneal thickness allows. LASEK avoids a permanent flap and suits thin corneas or people in contact sports and military service, at the cost of several uncomfortable days.

Is dry eye permanent after laser eye surgery?

It usually resolves within three to six months as corneal nerves regenerate. Pre-existing dry eye should be treated before surgery, and severe cases are generally directed to ICL instead.

Related procedures

SMILE Eye Surgery

SMILE corrects myopia by extracting a lenticule of tissue through a small side incision, with no flap created ...

ICL Surgery

ICL places a soft collamer lens inside the eye behind the iris without removing corneal tissue, and it is the ...

Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery removes the clouded natural lens by ultrasound and replaces it with an intraocular lens, and ...

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