Best Eye Clinics in Gangnam, Seoul: LASIK, SMILE & ICL (2026)
Medical Clinical Review by MTK Editorial Team | Updated: June 2026
Booking note: All advanced ophthalmic configurations detailed below are bookable via MTK (Medical Travel Korea) — an official Google Reserve partner that exclusively indexes Registered Foreign Patient Attraction Institutions. Every session guarantees transparent upfront pricing matrices with no foreign markups, and dedicated language support with interpreters experienced in clinical terminology is provided upon request.
Quick answer: Gangnam is home to Korea's highest concentration of vision correction specialists, and searches for SMILE Pro Korea consistently point back to this district. For high-volume international patient workflows with top safety certifications, Bright Eye Clinic and BGSS Eye Clinic lead the network. For academic credentials, ZEISS certification, or specialized procedures, EYEREUM, Apgujeong Eye Clinic, and Keye Eye Clinic offer manufacturer-reference-level expertise.
Understanding Your Options: LASEK, LASIK, SMILE, and ICL
Modern vision correction in Korea spans four main categories, each suited to different corneal profiles and lifestyles — with LASIK Seoul clinics in particular offering the widest range of platforms and specialist experience.
- LASEK: An excimer laser reshapes the corneal surface. Best for thin corneas or high-contact sports. Recovery takes 3-to-5 days.
- LASIK: A femtosecond laser creates a corneal flap for internal ablation. Rapid recovery — typically under 24 hours. Limited by corneal thickness.
- SMILE Pro: A 200kHz ZEISS Visumax 800 laser extracts a tiny lenticule through a 2mm incision without creating a flap. Less dry-eye risk, under 10 seconds of laser time, next-day clearance for most patients.
- EVO+ ICL: A biocompatible lens is inserted behind the iris without altering the cornea. The standard for high myopia (-6.0D to -18.0D) or thin corneas. Fully reversible.
| Procedure | Device | Incision | Recovery | Best Indication |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMILE Pro | ZEISS Visumax 800 | 2mm micro-tunnel | Next-day clearance | Mild to severe myopia, low dry-eye risk priority |
| LASIK | Femtosecond + Excimer laser | 20mm flap | 24 hours | Standard myopia/astigmatism, normal corneal thickness |
| EVO+ ICL | STAAR Surgical Collamer | 3mm sutureless | 24-to-48 hours | High myopia, thin corneas, reversibility needed |
| Multifocal IOL | Alcon PanOptix / Catalys | Micro-incision | Multi-week adaptation | Cataract, presbyopia, age-related vision loss |
How Clinics Select the Right Procedure
Board-certified ophthalmologists in Gangnam determine procedure suitability through comprehensive pre-operative diagnostics — not patient preference alone. If corneal thickness falls below safe thresholds post-ablation (typically under 300 microns), laser options are suspended and EVO+ ICL is recommended instead. Patients with concurrent skin or aesthetic treatments planned should schedule eye surgery first and allow corneal recovery before any energy-based facial procedures.
Registered Foreign Patient Attraction Institution
Under Korea's Act on Support for Overseas Expansion of Healthcare System and Attraction of International Patients, any medical institution receiving international patients must hold government registration as a Registered Foreign Patient Attraction Institution — receiving international patients without it is illegal in Korea. All 19 clinics featured in this guide are Registered Foreign Patient Attraction Institutions.
MTK Safety & Transparency
- Transparent, hospital-standard pricing — no foreign markups, no hidden administrative fees
- Every clinic in this guide is a Registered Foreign Patient Attraction Institution under Korean law
- MTK's consultation, booking, and coordination services are completely free for patients
19 Verified Eye Clinics in Gangnam
Every clinic below is bookable through MTK with transparent upfront pricing matrices and dedicated language support with interpreters experienced in clinical terminology available upon request. Please note that the facilities featured in this guide are selected based on strict safety benchmarks and are featured in no particular order of ranking or preference.
Glory Seoul Eye Clinic
Ophthalmology & Vision CorrectionSeoul National University School of Medicine Alumni100,000+ Surgeries
Glory Seoul Eye Clinic is staffed by a specialized medical team composed entirely of Seoul National University School of Medicine alumni and former SNU Hospital attending fellows. The center holds a confirmed history exceeding 100,000 successful surgeries, deploying advanced fourth-generation architectures including Smart LASIK and custom SMILE procedures. Ophthalmic surgeons use a permanent post-operative safety tracking matrix to guarantee long-term corneal biological stabilization.
- Best for: Patients seeking SNU-trained senior specialists, proven long-term tracking history, and advanced corneal tissue ablation precision.
- Address: 3, Seocho-daero 74-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul
- Hours: Confirm via MTK booking
BGSS Eye Clinic Seoul
Ophthalmology — Seoul-Busan Integrated NetworkJCI Internationally AccreditedMinistry of Justice Award Winner
BGSS Eye Clinic holds full Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation and collaborates directly with STAAR Surgical on the clinical design of custom V-Toric ICL systems. Its integrated cross-city framework allows patients to access flexible care coordination between major regional centers.
- Best for: Patients prioritizing verified JCI safety credentials, seamless follow-up care between cities, and precision astigmatism ICL engineering.
- Address: 823, Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul — Hanyang Town 2F, 6F & 7F
- Hours: Confirm via MTK booking
Bright Eye Clinic
Ophthalmology — Mega Vision CenterKAHF & Ministry of Justice CertifiedSame-Day Diagnostic-to-SurgeryPrime Minister's Commendation
Bright Eye Clinic operates as one of the largest single-facility vision centers in Seoul. Holding a rare Prime Minister's Commendation alongside KAHF state-level accreditation, the center specializes in high-throughput international patient care with same-day examination and surgery available.
- Best for: International patients demanding rapid same-day examination and surgery processing, verified state-level certifications, and large-scale medical infrastructure.
- Address: 531, Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul — B722 Tower 1F
- Hours: Confirm via MTK booking
B&VIIT Eye Center
Ophthalmology — 30 Years | AI Vision Correction600,000+ Completed ProceduresBig-Data AI Matching System15-Stage Safety Protocol
B&VIIT Eye Center has delivered vision correction since 1994, completing over 600,000 clinical procedures across 30 years. The center features a proprietary big-data AI planning architecture that maps individual patient eye parameters against millions of past surgeries. A mandatory 15-stage, 60-item diagnostic matrix is performed on every patient to cross-check structural safety lines.
- Best for: Advanced AI-driven surgical modeling, extensive long-term history tracking, and exhaustive pre-operative safety screening.
- Address: 411, Seocho-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul — B2F
- Hours: Confirm via MTK booking
EYEREUM Eye Clinic
Ophthalmology — Academic Research Leader65 SCI PublicationsYonsei University School of Medicine AlumniExclusive Plasma SMILE Licensed
EYEREUM Eye Clinic is staffed entirely by board-certified specialists from the Yonsei University School of Medicine and Severance Hospital. The team has published 65 peer-reviewed SCI research papers. EYEREUM is the exclusive certified provider of Plasma SMILE protocols in Korea — a low-energy laser configuration designed to optimize tissue smoothing and minimize post-operative transient glare.
- Best for: Complex keratoconus interventions, academic-level clinical evaluations, and patients seeking low-energy Plasma SMILE configurations.
- Address: 388, Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul — 6F & 7F
- Hours: Confirm via MTK booking
Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic
Ophthalmology — University Hospital Alumni TeamTrusted by Professional Athletes & CelebritiesNight Care Available
Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic operates under a premium team of university hospital-trained ophthalmologists. The clinic is trusted by prominent public figures including LPGA golfers, vocalists, and K-pop stars. Night care is available across its dual-floor complex. Read the full Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic profile →
- Best for: Patients needing evening appointment flexibility, university hospital alumni credentials, and a highly rated team trusted by sports and entertainment professionals.
- Address: 115, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul — 7F & 14F
- Hours: Night care available — confirm via MTK
Apgujeong Eye Clinic
Ophthalmology — ZEISS Global Reference CenterZEISS Global Invited PresenterVisuMax 500 & 800 Both AvailableSTAAR ICL Official Reference Doctor
Apgujeong Eye Clinic functions as an official global reference center for Carl Zeiss Meditec, representing the exclusive tier of Korean institutions invited directly by German headquarters to present clinical data internationally. The clinic operates both Visumax 500 and Visumax 800 hardware layouts concurrently and is certified as an official STAAR ICL reference doctor clinic.
- Best for: Direct access to global manufacturer reference specialists, premium multi-platform ZEISS laser allocations, and certified STAAR ICL expertise.
- Address: 597, Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul — 3F & 4F
- Hours: Confirm via MTK — examination fee applies
Keye Eye Clinic
Ophthalmology — ZEISS Official Certified CenterOfficial ZEISS Germany HQ CertificationOptos Silverstone Retinal Imaging
Keye Eye Clinic holds official Carl Zeiss Germany HQ certification, utilizing university hospital-tier diagnostic systems. The clinic deploys the Optos Silverstone Ultra-Widefield system to execute 200-degree retinal scans without mandatory dilation, identifying peripheral retinal issues before surgery.
- Best for: High-risk myopia cases requiring advanced peripheral retinal safety scanning, university-tier diagnostic depth, and certified ZEISS hardware.
- Address: 326, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul — 2F
- Hours: Night care available — confirm via MTK
SNU Eye Clinic
Ophthalmology — SMILE PioneerKorea's First SMILE at Samsung Seoul HospitalSMILE Pro VisuMax 800 Available
SNU Eye Clinic's director performed South Korea's first SMILE procedure during a past tenure at Samsung Seoul Hospital. The clinic maintains a high-density equipment ecosystem, operating two Visumax 500 units alongside two active SMILE Pro VisuMax 800 units simultaneously to ensure flawless technical execution.
- Best for: Patients seeking foundational SMILE expertise, maximum platform redundancy, and high-frequency laser technology.
- Address: 624, Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Hours: Night care available — confirm via MTK
BSM Eye Clinic
Ophthalmology — Long-Term Vision StabilityLong-Term Vision Stability PhilosophySuitability-First Philosophy
BSM Eye Clinic enforces a strict Suitability-First diagnostic model across its multi-floor Cambridge Building complex. The medical board prioritizes long-term corneal structural integrity and avoids over-treatment. A dedicated foreign patient coordinator with language support in English, Chinese, and Taiwanese handles all international bookings.
- Best for: Patients prioritizing conservative clinical judgment, defensive tissue boundaries, and dedicated coordination support.
- Address: 110, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul — Cambridge Building 3F, 16F, 17F, 18F
- Hours: Confirm via MTK booking
Gangnam Brand Eye Clinic
Ophthalmology — Personalized Vision CareDedicated Eye Specialists TeamAdvanced Presbyopia Surgery
Gangnam Brand Eye Clinic specializes in managing age-related vision changes, presbyopia, and structural cataract conditions. Directed by Dr. Han Seung-soo and Dr. Lee Seong-hoon, the facility specializes in complex multifocal intraocular lens implantations and customized laser corrections engineered to restore sharp visual focus for patients over 40.
- Best for: Advanced multifocal lens replacements, presbyopia laser corrections, and patients over 40 requiring deep structural diagnostic profiling.
- Address: 519, Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul
- Hours: Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri + Sat mornings — confirm via MTK
Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic
Ophthalmology — Cataract & Laser CorrectionOne-Stop Care SystemPatient-Centered Protocols
Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic operates a streamlined one-stop system that integrates diagnostic tracking, consultation, and active laser surgery into a single efficient visit. This makes it well-suited for patients managing tight travel schedules who need cataract surgery or standard laser vision correction.
- Best for: Travelers requiring streamlined medical pathways and an efficient one-stop experience for cataract surgery or standard laser vision correction.
- Address: 405, Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul — 6F
- Hours: Confirm via MTK booking
First Eye Center
Ophthalmology — Sunday Surgery AvailableSunday Surgery AvailableSame-Day Surgery AvailableSeoul National University Alumni Director
First Eye Center provides an invaluable clinical resource for international travelers by breaking the standard regional protocol of Sunday medical closure. Directed by an alumnus of the Seoul National University School of Medicine, the center operates full-scale digital diagnostic arrays and executing active femtosecond laser treatments on Sundays, offering key flexibility for weekend travel templates.
- Best for: Travelers constrained by weekday schedules, patients seeking an SNU alumnus director, and those needing Sunday diagnostic and surgical availability.
- Address: 332, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul — HJ Tower 5F
- Hours: Sunday surgery available — confirm via MTK
Gangnam Cube Eye Clinic
Ophthalmology — Glaucoma SpecialistDedicated Glaucoma SpecialistConscience-First Treatment Philosophy
Gangnam Cube Eye Clinic represents a critical safety option within our network, standing as a premium provider hosting a dedicated, full-time glaucoma specialist, Director Yoon Sang-won. Highly myopic eyes frequently mask sub-clinical intraocular pressure changes; here, candidates receive university-level evaluation. The clinic adheres strictly to a conscience-first philosophy, recommending only what is clinically indicated.
- Best for: Patients requiring glaucoma evaluation alongside vision correction, thin cornea parameters, and conservative clinical judgment over aggressive surgery.
- Address: 703, Seolleung-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul — H&S Tower 6F
- Hours: Closed Sun & Mon — confirm via MTK
Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic
Ophthalmology — 18 Years Vision Correction Experience18+ Years Clinical ExperienceGangnam Station Exit 12 AccessFull Procedure Range Available
Operating from the landmark Meditower medical hub for 18 continuous years, Gangnam Joeunnun Vision Clinic provides deep institutional stability. The clinic has managed multiple technology generations while maintaining a consistent safety record, and is located directly at Gangnam Station Exit 12.
- Best for: Patients seeking an experienced, highly accessible clinic with the full range of vision correction options at Gangnam Station.
- Address: 107, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul — Meditower 7F & 9F
- Hours: Confirm via MTK booking
Gangnam Bright Smile Eye Clinic
Ophthalmology & Vision CorrectionNational Athletes & Pro Baseball Players TreatedSame-Day Surgery Available
Gangnam Bright Smile Eye Clinic is trusted by South Korean national team athletes and professional baseball players who require excellent dynamic vision tracking. The clinic offers same-day examination and surgery, full language support including English, Chinese, and Malay, and night care availability.
- Best for: Active sports professionals, individuals requiring optimized visual acuity, or patients seeking same-day surgery with dedicated coordination support.
- Address: 408, Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul — YBM Gangnam Center 3F
- Hours: Night care available — confirm via MTK
Gangnam St. Mary's One Eye Clinic
Ophthalmology — University Hospital AlumniUniversity Hospital Alumni Medical TeamOne-Stop Diagnosis to Surgery SystemPersonalized Treatment Planning
Gangnam St. Mary's One Eye Clinic operates under a premium studio model, deliberately limiting its daily surgical intake to protect patient personalization. The university hospital-trained director directly handles every touchpoint — from diagnostics to laser execution — in a quieter, less crowded clinical setting.
- Best for: Comprehensive one-stop eye care from a university hospital-trained team in a quieter, more personalized setting.
- Address: 5, Gangnam-daero 85-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul — Daeyu Building 2F
- Hours: Confirm via MTK booking
Gangnam Seoul Bright Eye Clinic
Ophthalmology — Physician-Proven Safety CasesOphthalmologists Personally Underwent Surgery1:1 Personalized Surgeon Consultation
Situated directly at Gangnam Station Exit 1, Gangnam Seoul Bright Eye Clinic delivers maximum transit convenience. Every board-certified ophthalmologist on staff has personally undergone the identical refractive surgery procedures they perform on patients — providing direct surgeon-proven evidence and 1:1 consultation with the operating surgeon.
- Best for: Patients seeking real-world surgical validation, direct surgeon consultation, and maximum transport convenience from Gangnam Station.
- Address: 390, Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul — 18F
- Hours: Confirm via MTK booking
OLIM Eye Clinic
Ophthalmology & Aesthetic — SKT T1 Partner ClinicOfficial SKT T1 Partner ClinicT1 Faker's Clinic
OLIM Eye Clinic serves as the official medical partner of SKT T1, Korea's legendary esports organization — home to Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok). It uniquely offers both certified vision correction and aesthetic skin treatments (Shurink, skin boosters, Botox) alongside ophthalmic care, making it ideal for patients combining eye surgery with skin treatments in one trip.
- Best for: Vision correction combined with aesthetic treatments, SKT T1 fans, and patients wanting to address both eye and skin concerns in a single clinic visit.
- Address: 546, Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul — 2-5F
- Hours: Night care available — confirm via MTK
How MTK's Patient Safety Framework Works
- Pricing Transparency Matrix: MTK evaluates all connected clinics to confirm transparent upfront pricing matrices with no foreign markups or hidden administrative surcharges.
- Doctor Responsibility Mandate: The board-certified specialist who conducts your consultation is the same doctor who performs your procedure. No physician substitution after consultation.
- Original Product Verification: Patients have the right to verify manufacturer serial codes on any device consumable before the procedure begins.
- Dedicated Language Support: MTK coordinates dedicated language support with interpreters experienced in clinical terminology, covering consultation, surgical briefing, and aftercare.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after SMILE Pro or ICL surgery can I board an international flight?
For SMILE Pro (a term some patients search for as "SMILE LASIK Korea") or EVO+ ICL, most patients are cleared to fly 24 to 48 hours post-operation following their mandatory next-day check. SMILE Pro uses a 2mm micro-tunnel rather than a large flap, so cabin pressure differentials are not a structural concern. For standard LASIK, 3-to-5 days is advisable to ensure complete flap stability.
What is the functional difference between high-volume centers and academic studios?
High-volume centers optimize diagnostic workflows and maximize scheduling options, making them well-suited for standard same-day turnarounds. Academic studios and verified centers specialize in customized parameter designs for complex corneas, thin geometries, or specialized low-energy laser modulations (Plasma SMILE).
Are pre-operative examination fees covered under MTK pricing structures?
Yes. Under MTK's transparent upfront pricing framework, basic pre-operative multi-spectral screening fees are generally credited toward your final procedure cost if you proceed with surgery. Certain clinics — such as Apgujeong Eye Clinic — charge a separate examination fee that is disclosed upfront before confirmation. Your MTK coordinator will clarify fees before you book.
Can an ICL lens be removed if my prescription changes?
Yes. One of the key advantages of EVO+ ICL is complete reversibility. Because no corneal tissue is permanently altered, a board-certified specialist can safely extract or replace the lens through a micro-incision if needed due to natural age-related changes.
What if I need surgery on a weekend?
Most Gangnam eye clinics close on Sundays, but First Eye Center operates full diagnostic and surgical blocks on Sundays — a rare exception in the region. Several clinics also offer Saturday morning slots. Confirm weekend availability with your MTK coordinator when booking.
What happens if my cornea is too thin for SMILE or LASIK?
If pre-operative topography scans show that your residual stromal bed after ablation would fall below safe thresholds (typically under 300 microns), the clinic will suspend laser options and recommend EVO+ ICL instead. This is standard clinical practice at all MTK-verified clinics.
Is laser eye surgery Korea safe for foreigners?
Yes. Laser eye surgery Korea clinics perform procedures under some of the strictest pre-operative diagnostic protocols in the world — multi-spectral corneal mapping, topography scans, and structural safety thresholds are standard at every MTK-verified clinic in this guide, regardless of nationality. LASIK in South Korea specifically benefits from an unusually high procedure volume, meaning surgeons across Gangnam accumulate more hands-on experience per year than in most other countries. Board certification, doctor responsibility guarantees, and dedicated language support with interpreters experienced in clinical terminology further reduce risk for international patients booking through MTK.
Explore Seoul Medical Hubs
Considering additional treatments in the capital? Review our verified directories for Seoul:
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Post-Op Recovery & Eye-Specific Guides
Already booked your procedure? Review these companion guides:
- LASEK Korea: Makeup, Swimming & Flying Home Timeline (2026) →
- Jeju Medical Travel: Skin, Dental & Wellness Clinics Guide (2026) →
Regional Deep-Dive: Busan Medical Travel Guides
Expanding your itinerary beyond Seoul? Review our verified regional directories for Busan:
Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Treatment suitability varies by individual. Always consult with a licensed medical professional before booking any procedure. All clinic data is verified through the MTK network; clinics are featured in no particular order of ranking or preference.
Ready to plan your Gangnam vision trip? Visit medicaltravelkorea.com to book verified eye clinics with transparent upfront pricing.
