EYEONCE GANGNAM EYE CLINIC · SEOUL, KOREA
Glasses and contacts get in the way of your life.
SMILE Lasik changes that.
Bladeless, flapless LASIK surgery on the Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8 platform — a smaller incision, a structurally stronger cornea, and clear vision by the next morning. LASIK in Korea, without the guesswork.
Performed by Dr. Baek Dong-won, Medical Director — CEO, EyeOnce Clinic Gangnam.
Why patients choose EyeOnce for SMILE Lasik
No corneal flap, not just a smaller cut
Traditional LASIK creates a corneal flap that can weaken your eye's structure and raise dry-eye risk. SMILE Lasik uses only a 2-4mm keyhole incision — no flap at all — for a structurally stronger cornea afterward.
Clear vision by the next morning
Numbing drops before, the procedure itself takes minutes, and most patients wake up to noticeably clearer vision the next day — zero downtime, built for travel.
A doctor, not a call center
An in-house interpreter and Dr. Baek personally handling every consultation and procedure — no language barrier, no hand-off to someone you've never spoken to. Already have past eye exam results? Share them when you message us for a faster read.
See EyeOnce in action
Real footage from EyeOnce patients and the clinic itself. Individual experiences vary.
SMILE Lasik at EyeOnce — the full story
Fears vs. reality
What surgery day is actually like
A patient's full SMILE Lasik journey
SMILE vs. traditional LASIK — explained
Which vision correction concern sounds like you?
SMILE Lasik was developed to answer concerns traditional LASIK couldn't fully solve. Tell us which one matters most to you.
Active lifestyle / sports+
Worried a corneal flap could be displaced by impact during sports or an active routine.
SMILE Lasik uses no corneal flap — just a small keyhole incision — removing that risk entirely.
Dry eye concern+
Worried about dry eyes afterward — a common complaint after traditional LASIK.
SMILE Lasik carries a significantly lower dry-eye risk than traditional LASIK.
Worried about corneal strength+
Concerned a flap-based procedure could weaken your eye's structure long-term.
The smaller 2-4mm incision leaves your cornea structurally stronger after surgery.
Can't afford downtime+
You need to be back to normal — work, travel, screens — as fast as possible.
Most patients see clear vision by the next morning, with zero downtime.
Worried about the language barrier+
Nervous about discussing your eyes and a procedure in a language you don't speak.
English-speaking staff handle your case from the first message to discharge.
What actually happens, start to finish
The hardest part is booking the appointment. Here's what the visit itself looks like.
Before you fly
Before travelSend your current prescription — or past eye exam records if you have them — and any eye concerns via WhatsApp. Dr. Baek reviews it personally before you book a flight. Plan on 2 nights, 3 days in Seoul.
Day 1 — Pre-op exam
In clinicA full precision eye exam confirms SMILE Lasik is safe for your eyes before anything else happens — they only proceed if it's safe.
Day 1 — Procedure
In clinicNumbing drops first — patients report feeling almost nothing. The SMILE Lasik procedure itself takes minutes.
Day 2 — Check-up
DoneMost patients wake up to noticeably clearer vision, with a same-visit follow-up exam before flying home.
Day 3
DoneComfortable daily activity resumed for most patients.
Week 4
DoneContinued vision stabilization.
1–3 months
DoneMild fluctuation and temporary haziness during this window are normal — this is part of the expected healing curve, not a complication.
How SMILE Lasik surgery actually works
Performed on the Ziemer FEMTO LDV Z8 platform — high-rate, low-energy delivery with real-time OCT scanning. About 10–15 minutes for both eyes.
Clear SMILE LASIK is built for patients with myopia — with or without astigmatism — who specifically want a flapless option.
STEP 1
Detailed eye analysis
STEP 2
Lenticule creation inside the cornea
STEP 3
Small-incision extraction that preserves the cornea's natural strength and nerves
STEP 4
Corneal reshaping
STEP 5
Guided recovery care
SMILE Lasik vs. traditional LASIK — the honest breakdown
Everyone says "get laser eye surgery," but nobody tells you which one to actually get. Here's the difference that matters.
| SMILE Lasik | Traditional LASIK | |
|---|---|---|
| Corneal flap | None — small keyhole incision only | Corneal flap created |
| Corneal structural strength after surgery | Stronger | Weakened by the flap |
| Dry eye risk | Significantly lower | Higher |
| Flap displacement risk from impact | Not applicable — no flap | Possible |
| Suited to active lifestyles / sports | Better suited | More caution needed |
Learn more about Clear SMILE LASIK
Short explainer videos on what Clear SMILE LASIK is, how it compares, and what aftercare looks like.
What Clear SMILE LASIK Actually Looks Like
Clear Smile LASIK Surgery — Before and After, Explained
Your Aftercare Guide
Who performs SMILE Lasik at EyeOnce?
Dr. Baek Dong-won
Medical Director
CEO, EyeOnce Clinic Gangnam
- Inje University Medical School graduate
- Inje University Medical School — Master's Degree in Ophthalmology
- Sanggye Paik Hospital — Medical Residency
- Catholic University of Korea School of Medicine — Ophthalmology Research Fellow
- Samsung Seoul Hospital — Clinical Instructor, Department of Ophthalmology
- Former Director, Jeju Soo Eye Clinic
- Former Director, Gangnam Smile Eye Clinic
- Member, The Korean Ophthalmological Society
- Member, The Korean Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- Member, The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
- Member, The Korean Cornea Society
- Member, The Korean Contact Lens Study Society
- Outstanding Public Health Doctor Commendation (Minister of Health and Welfare Award)
- KOS Travel Grant (APAO/SOE Busan 2012)
- Co-author, Textbook of Dry Eye (2019)
Dr. Baek, in his own words
In the operating room
How much does SMILE Lasik cost at EyeOnce?
2,990,000 KRW for SMILE Lasik (both eyes) — the current same-day event price when you book your pre-op exam and surgery together.
Same-day event price — limited time| Procedure | Price (KRW) | ≈ USD | |
|---|---|---|---|
SMILE Lasik (both eyes) Same-day event price — book your pre-op exam and surgery together. Ask us to confirm it still applies to your dates. | 2,990,000 | — | Ask |
KRW is the official price. Figures in other currencies are an approximate conversion and will vary with the exchange rate on the day you pay.
Why get LASIK surgery in Korea, at EyeOnce?
EyeOnce Gangnam Eye Clinic is led by Dr. Baek Dong-won, a former clinical instructor in the Department of Ophthalmology at Samsung Seoul Hospital and a member of the Korean, American, and international societies for cataract and refractive surgery.
2 nights, 3 days (2N3D) in Seoul is enough to complete SMILE Lasik — build your travel dates around this number.
Lifetime aftercare guarantee included — if your eyes need follow-up care down the road, it's covered.
An in-house interpreter is on-site and Dr. Baek handles your case from the first WhatsApp message through discharge — no coordinator hand-off, no language barrier.
- SMILE Lasik is designed around a single visit: pre-op exam, procedure, and next-day check-up, with zero downtime reported by patients.
- We prepare a surgical confirmation report so you can continue follow-up care with your local eye doctor once you're home.
- Send your prescription — or past eye exam records if you have them — through WhatsApp for a free consultation before you commit to a flight.
Getting here & opening hours
Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 09:00–18:00, Sat 09:00–16:00 KST (lunch break 13:00–14:00). Closed Wednesdays and Sundays. By appointment only — registration may close early depending on the day’s schedule. Check the time difference for your own timezone before messaging.
5-6F, Duo Sinnonhyeon, 368 Sapyeong-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Frequently asked
What to Expect
Does it hurt?
Numbing drops are used before the procedure — patients report feeling almost nothing. For most people, the hardest part is booking the appointment, not the procedure itself.
What if I'm not a suitable candidate?
You get a full pre-op precision exam before anything else happens. If SMILE Lasik isn't safe for your eyes, we tell you — the clinic only proceeds when it's safe.
How long is the recovery?
Most patients report noticeably clearer vision by the next morning, comfortable daily activity by day 3, and continued stabilization through week 4. Mild fluctuation and temporary haziness during the first 1–3 months are a normal part of healing, not a complication.
Am I a candidate for SMILE Lasik?
SMILE Lasik is built for patients with myopia — with or without astigmatism — who specifically want a flapless option. Send your prescription through WhatsApp and Dr. Baek will tell you honestly whether it's right for your eyes.
Is there follow-up support included if something changes later?
Yes — a lifetime aftercare guarantee is included, so if your eyes need follow-up care down the road, it's covered. Ask us for the specific terms that apply to international patients.
Choosing SMILE vs. LASIK
What's the actual difference between SMILE Lasik and traditional LASIK?
Traditional LASIK creates a corneal flap, which can weaken corneal structure and raise dry-eye risk. SMILE Lasik uses only a 2-4mm keyhole incision — no flap — for a structurally stronger cornea and a lower dry-eye risk afterward. See the comparison table above for the full breakdown.
Is SMILE Lasik right for everyone?
It depends on your eyes, not on which procedure sounds newer. Your pre-op precision exam determines what's actually right for you — send your prescription and we'll tell you honestly.
Safety
What if something goes wrong during the procedure?
SMILE Lasik's small keyhole incision means there's no corneal flap to displace or complicate healing, which is one of the structural risks traditional LASIK carries. Your pre-op exam is designed to catch anything that would make the procedure unsafe for you before it starts.
Language & Consultation
Do you have English-speaking staff? Will I be able to communicate during my consultation and procedure?
Yes — an in-house interpreter is on-site throughout your visit, and Dr. Baek personally handles every consultation and procedure himself, rather than handing you off to someone you've never spoken to.
Can I get an opinion before I book a flight?
Yes — send your current prescription (or past eye exam records, if you have them) and any eye concerns through WhatsApp, and Dr. Baek will give you an honest read before you commit to travel.
Cost & Logistics
How much does SMILE Lasik cost?
2,990,000 KRW for both eyes — the current same-day event price when you book your pre-op exam and surgery together. Ask us to confirm it still applies to your dates.
How long do I need to stay in Seoul?
2 nights, 3 days (2N3D) is enough to complete SMILE Lasik in most cases — pre-op exam, surgery, and next-day check-up all fit inside that window. Ask us to confirm what applies to your specific case.
Do I need a special visa?
Many nationalities can enter Korea visa-free for short medical visits. Check official Korean immigration guidance for your specific nationality before booking flights.
What happens if I have a concern after I fly home?
We prepare a surgical confirmation report so you can continue follow-up care with your local eye doctor once you're home. You can also message us on WhatsApp with any concerns, and the lifetime aftercare guarantee covers what comes next — ask us for the specific terms that apply to international patients.
Still not sure? Send your prescription — we'll tell you honestly.
Message us to see if you're a candidate
Your current prescription and any eye concerns — that's what Dr. Baek needs to give you a real answer, not a form response.
Message us on WhatsApp