Quick answer: Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic Gangnam is a Seoul ophthalmology clinic for international patients comparing SMILE Pro, SMILE, EVO+ ICL, LASIK/LASEK, cataract and presbyopia surgery. The clinic uses the ZEISS VISUMAX 800 for SMILE Pro, offers a clinic-developed ambidextrous SMILE technique, provides EVO+ ICL, and uses its proprietary patent-pending “Miracle Formula” for cataract and IOL planning. The Gangnam branch is led by three ophthalmologists and is located near Gangnam Station Exit 12.
Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic — Gangnam, Seoul
View Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic on MTK →
- Medical field: Ophthalmology — vision correction, ICL, cataract and presbyopia care.
- Key procedures: SMILE Pro, SMILE, EVO+ ICL, LASIK, LASEK/PRK, Contoura Vision, corneal cross-linking, cataract and presbyopia surgery.
- Current public language support: English and Chinese are publicly listed; confirm the exact arrangement for other languages when booking.
- Address: 115, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul — 7F consultation/reception, 14F surgery.
- Subway: Gangnam Station Exit 12, approximately 150 meters away.
Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic Reviews & MTK Platform Snapshot
MTK platform snapshot — September 29, 2026: Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic's MTK profile shows a 5.0 rating, 1,264 recorded visits and 200 reviews. These are dated platform metrics and can change over time.
Booking note: Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic is a Registered Foreign Patient Attraction Institution and is bookable through MTK. MTK can coordinate consultation, appointment booking and language support. Before treatment, confirm the exact procedure, whether pricing is for one or both eyes, what diagnostics and medications are included, the postoperative schedule and the final written quote.
Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic at a Glance
The Gangnam branch of Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic in Seoul focuses on refractive surgery and cataract care for both Korean and international patients. The current medical team includes Dr. Kim Jin-chul, Dr. Cho Yoon-jung and Dr. Cho Sung-won. The clinic's public treatment menu includes corneal laser vision correction, implantable collamer lenses, cataract and presbyopia procedures, and diagnostic screening.
- International-patient registration: listed in Gangnam's official medical-tourism directory; registration no. M-2022-01-08-6527.
- Same-day workflow: the clinic offers examination-to-surgery planning for selected international patients, subject to diagnostic clearance.
- Thursday: regular appointments are paused for the clinic's “Clean Day.”
- Follow-up: postoperative review timing should be confirmed before booking flights.
What Treatments Does Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic Offer?
- SMILE Pro: lenticule-extraction vision correction using the ZEISS VISUMAX 800.
- SMILE: small-incision lenticule extraction using the earlier ZEISS platform.
- EVO+ ICL: implantable collamer lens surgery for refractive correction without reshaping the cornea.
- LASIK / LASEK / PRK: corneal laser vision-correction options for patients who meet the relevant diagnostic criteria.
- Contoura Vision: topography-guided corneal laser treatment using individualized corneal mapping.
- Corneal cross-linking: riboflavin plus UVA treatment offered for selected corneal-strengthening indications.
- Cataract & presbyopia: cataract surgery, monofocal and premium IOL planning, and presbyopia-related treatment options.
SMILE Pro at Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic
Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic performs SMILE Pro with the ZEISS VISUMAX 800. ZEISS describes SMILE Pro as a minimally invasive lenticule-extraction procedure performed through a small corneal opening. For myopic treatment, ZEISS states laser exposure on the VISUMAX 800 is under 10 seconds; actual treatment parameters depend on the individual prescription and approved regional indications.
The VISUMAX 800 also includes CentraLign for centration assistance and OcuLign for cyclotorsion alignment. These are equipment functions; they do not replace the surgeon's examination or determine whether SMILE Pro is the right procedure for a particular patient.
Samsung Miracle's Ambidextrous / Bimanual SMILE Pro Technique
The clinic describes its own surgical approach as Ambidextrous SMILE Pro: the surgeon uses the corresponding hand for each eye during lenticule extraction. Samsung Miracle presents this as a clinic-specific technique intended to improve handling symmetry and procedural control. It should be understood as the clinic's surgical method rather than evidence that the technique is medically superior for every patient.
Who can be evaluated for SMILE Pro?
SMILE Pro candidacy cannot be decided from prescription alone. A refractive-surgery evaluation typically considers prescription stability, corneal thickness and shape, astigmatism, pupil characteristics, ocular-surface health, dry-eye findings and other eye conditions. Patients with high refractive error or thin corneas may also be evaluated for ICL instead of, or alongside, corneal laser options.
SMILE Pro vs LASIK vs LASEK vs EVO+ ICL at Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic
No procedure is universally best. The practical choice depends on diagnostic measurements, lifestyle, recovery needs and the surgeon's assessment.
| Procedure | How it works | Key planning considerations | Travel / follow-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMILE Pro | A corneal lenticule is created with ZEISS VISUMAX 800 and removed through a small opening. | Prescription, corneal shape/thickness, astigmatism, ocular surface and surgeon assessment. | Often planned for a short stay; confirm the first postoperative review before departure. |
| LASIK | A corneal flap is created and the underlying cornea is reshaped with an excimer laser. | Corneal thickness/shape, dry-eye status, prescription and flap-related considerations. | Early functional recovery can be quick, but travel clearance remains individualized. |
| LASEK / PRK | A surface-based procedure reshapes the cornea without a LASIK flap. | Surface healing, discomfort, corneal suitability and longer recovery planning. | Usually requires a more conservative recovery window than LASIK or SMILE. |
| EVO+ ICL | A phakic Collamer lens is implanted inside the eye without reshaping the cornea. | Eye anatomy, lens sizing, refractive error, astigmatism and surgeon assessment. | Requires postoperative review; travel timing should be confirmed after surgery. |
EVO+ ICL at Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic
Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic offers EVO+ ICL, an implantable Collamer lens option made by STAAR Surgical. Unlike corneal laser surgery, ICL changes refractive power by placing a lens inside the eye rather than removing corneal tissue.
Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic states that it is recognized by STAAR Surgical as a Reference Doctor Clinic in Korea for ICL care. Patients considering EVO+ ICL should still confirm the exact lens model, whether a toric lens is needed for astigmatism, sizing measurements, one-eye versus two-eye pricing, medication and required follow-up.
Contoura Vision and Corneal Cross-Linking at Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic
Contoura Vision is Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic's topography-guided laser option. The clinic uses VARIO corneal mapping and an EX500 excimer laser, with the treatment pattern based on each patient's measured corneal surface. This is different from choosing a procedure simply by prescription: topography-guided treatment still requires a full refractive evaluation.
The clinic also offers corneal cross-linking for selected patients. Cross-linking uses riboflavin (vitamin B2) and UVA exposure to strengthen corneal collagen. Whether it is appropriate as an adjunct to refractive surgery or for another corneal indication should be determined by the ophthalmologist after testing.
Cataract Surgery and the Miracle Formula at Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic
For cataract and presbyopia cases, Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic uses a proprietary IOL power-calculation approach called the Miracle Formula. The clinic identifies Dr. Kim Jin-chul as the developer of this in-house method, which focuses on IOL power selection and Asian eye characteristics. The clinic's doctor and history pages describe the technology as patent pending, so this guide uses that more conservative status.
The clinic offers multiple intraocular-lens options, including monofocal and premium lenses. Lens choice should be based on examination findings, visual priorities, ocular health and discussion of trade-offs such as near vision, night-vision symptoms and adaptation.
Can International Patients Have Same-Day Exam and Surgery at Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic?
Sometimes, for selected patients. Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic advertises a one-day workflow in which international patients can complete consultation, diagnostic testing and vision-correction surgery on the same day. This is a scheduling pathway, not a guarantee of surgery before examination.
Same-day eligibility depends on the diagnostic results, your contact-lens history, ocular-surface condition, prescription, procedure availability and the ophthalmologist's assessment. The clinic also recommends postoperative follow-up, so travelers should confirm the first review before booking a return flight.
Before your examination: Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic currently instructs patients to stop soft or toric contact lenses for at least 7 days, hard lenses for at least 14 days, and Ortho-K lenses for at least 1 month before surgery. Confirm your individual measurement schedule with the clinic before booking flights.
Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic Doctors
Dr. Kim Jin-chul
Medical Director — Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic, GangnamDr. Kim graduated from Seoul National University College of Medicine, completed internship at Seoul National University Hospital and ophthalmology residency/fellowship training at Samsung Medical Center. He later completed fellowship training at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. The clinic identifies him as a ZEISS-certified SMILE surgeon and the developer of the Miracle Formula IOL power-calculation method.
- Focus: cataract, ICL and refractive surgery.
- Academic / professional activity: the clinic lists presentations at the 2025 ASCRS meeting, the 2025 IOL Power Club and the 2023 ESCRS meeting.
Dr. Cho Yoon-jung
Medical Director — Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic, GangnamDr. Cho graduated from Hallym University College of Medicine and completed residency at Hallym University Medical Center, where she also served in clinical-instructor / adjunct-faculty roles. Her current clinic profile focuses on personalized ICL and SMILE care.
- Focus: ICL, SMILE and refractive surgery.
- Professional societies listed by the clinic: KOS, KSCRS, AAO, ASCRS, ESCRS and APAO.
Dr. Cho Sung-won
Medical Director — Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic, GangnamDr. Cho graduated from Boston University, completed internship and ophthalmology residency at Korea University Anam Hospital, and previously served as a director at Pureun Sesang Eye Clinic. The clinic lists him as a ZEISS-certified SMILE surgeon with experience in both refractive and cataract surgery.
- Focus: vision correction and cataract surgery.
- Additional role: external consultant, Inha University Hospital.
Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic Location, Hours and Language Support
- Address: 115, Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
- Floors: 7F consultation/reception; 14F surgery.
- Subway: Gangnam Station Exit 12, approximately 150 meters away.
- Mon–Wed: 09:30–18:30.
- Thursday: Clean Day — closed for disinfection.
- Friday: 09:30–19:30.
- Saturday: 09:00–16:00.
- Lunch: 13:00–14:00.
- Closed: Sundays and public holidays.
- International communication: English and Chinese are publicly listed. Confirm other languages with MTK before booking.
How to Book Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic Through MTK
- Send your inquiry: include your prescription, age, contact-lens use and the procedure you are considering.
- Share relevant records: previous refractive-surgery records, eye-test results or medical history can help the clinic plan the consultation.
- Confirm Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic pricing and schedule: use a current written quote and check whether the amount covers one or both eyes, diagnostics, lens model or laser platform, medication and postoperative visits.
- Plan follow-up before flights: confirm the first postoperative examination and when the clinic considers travel appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic registered to receive international patients?
Yes. Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic Gangnam is listed as an international-patient medical provider in Gangnam's official medical-tourism directory. Korea uses a registration system for medical institutions that actively attract foreign patients; this registration is separate from accreditation programs such as KAHF.
What is the difference between SMILE Pro and SMILE at Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic?
SMILE Pro uses the ZEISS VISUMAX 800, while standard SMILE uses an earlier ZEISS platform. ZEISS states that VISUMAX 800 provides a shorter laser time for SMILE Pro and includes digital centration and cyclotorsion-assistance functions. Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic also describes its own ambidextrous or bimanual SMILE technique. Final procedure choice still depends on diagnostic testing and surgeon assessment.
Does Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic offer EVO+ ICL?
Yes. The clinic offers EVO+ ICL and states on its current ICL page that it is recognized by STAAR Surgical as a Reference Doctor Clinic in Korea. ICL is an implantable lens option that does not reshape the cornea and may be evaluated for patients with higher refractive errors, thin corneas, dry-eye concerns, or other reasons that make corneal laser surgery less suitable. Lens sizing and eye anatomy must be assessed before surgery.
How much does treatment at Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic cost?
The final cost depends on the procedure, one-eye versus two-eye billing, diagnostic testing, the exact laser or lens model, medications, follow-up and any additional treatment. Because prices and packages change, use the clinic's current written quote rather than an older promotional price. When booking through MTK, confirm the final payable amount and what is included before paying a deposit.
Can international patients have an eye exam and surgery on the same day?
The clinic offers same-day examination-to-surgery planning for selected international patients. Same-day surgery is not guaranteed before testing: eligibility depends on the examination, contact-lens history, ocular-surface condition, prescription, procedure availability and ophthalmologist assessment. A postoperative review may also be required, so confirm the timing before finalizing travel plans.
How long should I stay in Seoul after SMILE Pro or ICL?
There is no single safe number of days for everyone. The clinic's international-patient materials support short-stay workflows, but departure timing should be based on the first postoperative examination, your symptoms and the surgeon's travel advice. ICL, LASEK, cataract surgery or cases requiring additional testing may need a different schedule.
What language support does Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic offer?
English and Chinese support are publicly listed for international patients, and MTK can confirm the current language arrangement for your appointment. If you need another language, ask in advance whether communication will be provided by clinic staff, an international coordinator or an interpreter.
What is the “Miracle Formula” for cataract surgery?
The Miracle Formula is Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic's proprietary, patent-pending intraocular-lens power calculation method. The clinic describes it as a calculation approach developed for cataract and presbyopia planning, with particular attention to IOL power selection. It should be understood as a clinic-developed method rather than a guarantee of a particular visual outcome.
Why is Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic closed on Thursdays?
Thursday is listed as the clinic's “Clean Day,” when regular appointments are paused for disinfection. Current published hours are Monday to Wednesday 09:30–18:30, Friday 09:30–19:30 and Saturday 09:00–16:00, with lunch from 13:00–14:00. The clinic is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Where is Samsung Miracle Eye Clinic in Gangnam?
The Gangnam branch is at 115 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, with consultation and reception on the 7th floor and surgery facilities on the 14th floor. It is about 150 meters from Gangnam Station Exit 12.
Related Eye Surgery Guides
- Best Eye Clinics in Gangnam, Seoul: LASIK, SMILE & ICL (2026)
- Eye Surgery Recovery Korea: LASIK, LASEK, SMILE & ICL Aftercare
- LASEK Korea: Makeup, Swimming & Flying Timeline
Medical & Technical References
These are the main public references for clinic information, foreign-patient registration, medical devices and ICL technology. MTK ratings, visit counts and review counts are shown as a dated snapshot because they can change over time.
Medical Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and travel-planning purposes only and does not replace professional ophthalmic advice, diagnosis or treatment. Eligibility, risks, recovery, visual outcomes and travel timing vary by individual and procedure. Final treatment decisions should be made after diagnostic testing and consultation with a licensed ophthalmologist. MTK facilitates consultation, booking, language support and coordination but does not provide medical treatment directly.