SMILE LASIK in Gangnam, Seoul, Korea — flapless, keyhole vision correction
Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) corrects myopia and astigmatism through a 2–4 mm opening, with no corneal flap. Apgujeong Eye Clinic has performed SMILE in Gangnam since it was first introduced in Korea in 2011.
Board-certified ophthalmologist · Updated October 2026
What is SMILE LASIK and where can I get it in Seoul?
SMILE LASIK is a flapless laser vision correction for nearsightedness (myopia) and astigmatism. A femtosecond laser shapes a thin lenticule inside the cornea, which is removed through a 2–4 mm keyhole incision. At Apgujeong Eye Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul (1 minute from Sinsa Station Exit 4), board-certified ophthalmologists have performed SMILE since 2011, with English-speaking coordinators for international patients.
- Incision
- 2–4 mm, no flap
- Treats
- Myopia & astigmatism
- Time in OR
- About 15 min
- Back to work
- Usually 1–3 days
Why many patients choose SMILE over LASIK
In traditional LASIK, a hinged flap about 100 µm thick is cut across the cornea. SMILE leaves the strong front layers of the cornea largely intact: the laser works inside the cornea and the reshaping tissue is removed through a tiny side opening.
Because fewer surface nerves are cut, many patients experience less post-operative dry eye, and there is no flap that can be dislodged by a knock — a reason SMILE is popular with athletes, military personnel and people with active lifestyles.
- No flap — lower risk of flap-related complications
- Smaller incision, typically less dry eye than LASIK
- Quick visual recovery; most people see well within 1–3 days
- Performed on the ZEISS VisuMax femtosecond laser platform
Who is a good candidate for SMILE LASIK?
Final eligibility is confirmed only after a full diagnostic exam with your surgeon.
Usually a good fit if you…
- Are 18 or older with a stable prescription for at least a year
- Have myopia (nearsightedness), with or without astigmatism
- Have adequate corneal thickness and a healthy corneal shape
- Play contact sports or want a flap-free procedure
- Have mild dry eye and want to minimise post-op dryness
We may suggest another option if…
- You are mainly farsighted (hyperopia) — LASIK or lens options may suit better
- Your corneas are very thin or irregular (e.g. keratoconus)
- Your prescription is very high — ICL may be safer
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have uncontrolled autoimmune disease or active eye infection
Your SMILE journey in Seoul
Free pre-assessment
Send your prescription on WhatsApp for an initial suitability check.
50+ diagnostic tests
Corneal topography, thickness, tear film, wavefront and retina exam on day one.
Surgeon consultation
Your ophthalmologist confirms SMILE or recommends a safer alternative.
Same-day surgery
About 15 minutes for both eyes in a transparent operating room.
Follow-up
Next-day check, a pre-departure check, then remote aftercare in English.
SMILE vs LASIK vs LASEK at a glance
Every option has trade-offs — your corneal measurements decide which is safest for you.
| SMILE | LASIK | LASEK | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flap | None (2–4 mm incision) | Yes (~20 mm flap) | None (surface) |
| Visual recovery | 1–3 days | About 1 day | 5–7 days |
| Post-op discomfort | Low | Low | Moderate for 2–3 days |
| Dry eye tendency | Lower | Higher | Moderate |
| Best for | Myopia, astigmatism, active lifestyles | Myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism | Thinner corneas, contact sports |
Jun Hyun Kim, M.D.
Representative Director · Board-Certified Ophthalmologist. Former Professor & Head of Ophthalmology, Hanyang University Hospital; Clinical Fellow, Harvard Medical School / Mass Eye and Ear; reviewer for the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery; ZEISS Global Partnership Award. Member of American Academy of Ophthalmology, ASCRS, ESCRS, Korean Ophthalmological Society.
Watch our surgeons explain
Straight answers from the doctors of Apgujeong Eye Clinic, Gangnam, Seoul.
Frequently asked questions
Is SMILE LASIK painful?
No. Numbing eye drops are used, and most patients feel only light pressure for a few seconds. Mild scratchiness for a few hours after surgery is normal.
How long does SMILE take?
The laser itself takes under a minute per eye; you are usually in the operating room for about 15 minutes in total.
How soon can I fly home after SMILE in Korea?
Most patients fly after their pre-departure check, typically 3–5 days after surgery. We recommend planning a stay of about 5–7 days in Seoul.
Is SMILE better than LASIK?
Neither is universally better. SMILE avoids a flap and tends to cause less dry eye; LASIK can treat farsightedness and has the fastest recovery. Your surgeon recommends the option your corneal data support.
Can SMILE correct astigmatism?
Yes. SMILE treats myopia with astigmatism. Very high or irregular astigmatism may be better suited to another procedure.
What is the difference between SMILE LASIK and SMILE Pro?
Both use the same keyhole technique. SMILE Pro runs on the newer ZEISS VisuMax 800, which shortens the laser time to under 10 seconds per eye.
Explore other options
SMILE Pro
The same keyhole technique on the ZEISS VisuMax 800, under 10 seconds of laser per eye.
Learn more → Fastest recoveryLASIK
Flap-based correction with sharp vision often the next day.
Learn more → High myopiaEVO ICL
An implantable lens when laser surgery is not suitable.
Learn more →Get a free assessment before you fly
Send your current prescription on WhatsApp. An English-speaking coordinator replies with suitability notes and available dates.
Closed Thu, Sun & public holidays