What Makes SMILE Eye Surgery So Popular in Korea?

But why Korea, specifically? Why is SMILE (and now SMILE PRO) embraced so strongly here—more so than in many Western countries?

After years of performing SMILE and SMILE PRO procedures for tens of thousands of patients, including high myopes, international visitors, and even clinical staff from other hospitals, we’ve seen firsthand the cultural, medical, and lifestyle reasons behind its rise.

Korea Has Some of the World’s Highest Rates of Myopia

The first major reason is biological and environmental.

South Korea consistently reports:

• Extremely high myopia rates in young adults
• A significant number of high myopia cases above –6.00 D
• Rising digital-device–related eye strain

Many patients are already wearing thick glasses by middle school, and by university, a large portion are dependent on contacts daily. With such high refractive error levels, many people begin seeking long-term solutions early—making refractive surgery not just cosmetic, but practical.

• Strong performance for moderate to high myopia

• Lower dry eye risk than LASIK

• A flap-free approach that preserves corneal strength

For many Korean patients, this combination is exactly what they need.

The Korean Lifestyle Demands Fast Recovery

This may be one of the most underestimated reasons.

• Minimal downtime

• Fast return to screen work

• Next-day functionality for most patients

Appearance Matters: SMILE Reduces Dry Eye and Enhances Comfort

Korea has a strong beauty and self-care culture. Many people care deeply about appearance—not just makeup or fashion, but also the comfort and expression of their eyes.

• Long work hours

• Heavy screen use

• Low indoor humidity

• Seasonal fine dust

• Lower risk of dry eye

• More stable tear film

• Fewer issues with redness or irritation

Korean Patients Prioritize Safety—And SMILE Has a Strong Reputation

Korea’s medical system is known for:

• High transparency

• Strict quality standards

• Rapid adoption of proven technologies

• Strong patient education

Because SMILE is flap-free, many patients perceive it as safer or more “comfortable” than LASIK. The idea that the surgeon only creates a tiny incision (instead of a corneal flap) reduces anxiety for a lot of first-time surgical patients.

• Suction time is shorter

• The procedure feels gentler

• Outcomes are more consistent

This reputation for safety resonates strongly in Korea.

Korea’s Surgeons Have Exceptional High-Volume Expertise

Let’s be honest—experience matters.

High surgical volume translates into:

• Refined technique

• Consistent outcomes

• Lower complication rates

• Better patient confidence

When patients hear that surgeons routinely perform dozens of refractive surgeries every week, it boosts trust.

This is one reason many international patients specifically fly to Korea for SMILE.

Advanced Diagnostics Are Widely Available

Korean eye clinics tend to invest heavily in diagnostic imaging—often more so than in Western clinics.

At SNU Eye Clinic, for example, initial examinations include:

• Corneal tomography

• Epithelial mapping

• Wavefront aberrometry

• Ocular biomechanics testing

• Tear film assessment

Why does this matter?

When patients feel that their eyes are evaluated with meticulous detail, they feel safer choosing SMILE.

Competition in Gangnam Drives Technological Excellence

Gangnam is one of the most competitive medical districts in Asia. Clinics here compete to offer:

• Newer technology

• More advanced lasers

• More precise diagnostics

• Better-trained surgeons

For patients, this means:

• They have access to the latest generation equipment

• They can choose clinics with extremely specialized experience

• They can expect a higher level of care

When a procedure exists in an environment of excellence, it naturally becomes more popular.

Word of Mouth Is Powerful in Korea

Korean patients tend to share personal experiences openly:

• On blogs

• On Instagram

• In KakaoTalk group chats

• On Naver cafés

• Through workplace networks

When someone has a smooth, comfortable SMILE experience, they often talk about it. And since the recovery is so fast, the improvement feels almost magical.

Many of our patients at SNU Eye Clinic say:

• “My coworker recommended you.”

• “My friend had SMILE PRO and told me to come here.”

• “Everyone in my team had laser surgery, so I wanted to check.”

This kind of social reinforcement accelerates SMILE’s popularity.

SMILE Aligns With Korea’s High-Performance Standards

Koreans tend to be meticulous—they study, research, compare, and ask questions. In many ways, SMILE fits this mentality because it is:

• Precise

• Minimally invasive

• Backed by strong long-term data

• Performed by highly trained surgeons

• Supported by excellent technology

The surgery feels like a modern, elegant solution rather than something dramatic or invasive.

SMILE PRO Elevated SMILE Even Further

The introduction of SMILE PRO amplified interest dramatically.

Patients love:

• The shorter laser time

• The gentle suction

• The quick visual recovery

• The upgraded engineering

And from the surgeon’s side, SMILE PRO gives us:

• Cleaner tissue separation

• More precise centration

• Better handling of high myopia

• More consistent optical outcomes

The combined benefits have pushed SMILE’s popularity even higher in 2024–2025.

So Why Is SMILE So Popular in Korea?

Because it fits Korea perfectly.

Add in the comfort and speed of SMILE PRO, and you have a procedure that feels almost tailor-made for modern Korean life.

Is SMILE or SMILE PRO Right for You?

While SMILE is extremely popular, the “best” procedure always depends on your eyes.

At SNU Eye Clinic, we recommend:

• SMILE PRO for most eligible patients
• SMILE for moderate prescriptions or cost-focused cases
• ICL for high myopia or thin corneas
• Customized cataract care for older patients