Introduction

In Korea, clear vision has never been just a matter of health—it’s part of daily life, education, and even identity. From university students preparing for exams to professionals who spend long hours in front of screens, the demand for freedom from glasses and contact lenses has shaped an entire culture of vision correction. For the past two decades, LASIK surgery has been at the center of this story.

But as new technologies like SMILE and EVO ICL rise in popularity, some patients now wonder: is LASIK still the go-to option in 2025, or has it been replaced by something newer?

At Jryn Eye Clinic in Busan, we hear this question often. The truth is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. LASIK remains a trusted, widely performed procedure, but the landscape of refractive surgery has shifted. Understanding where LASIK stands today requires looking at its history, its competition, and—most importantly—what patients need in a world where eye care is becoming more personalized than ever.

Why LASIK Took Off in Korea in the First Place

When LASIK first arrived in Korea in the late 1990s, it felt like a revolution. Until then, people relied on thick glasses or uncomfortable contact lenses to get through the day. Suddenly, here was a procedure that could reshape the cornea with precision, restore clear vision almost overnight, and free people from the hassle of corrective lenses.

In a country where academic performance and professional presentation carry significant weight, the appeal was immediate. University students preparing for entrance exams, young adults applying for their first jobs, and even office workers tired of dry eyes from long hours at the computer—many saw LASIK not just as a medical procedure, but as an investment in their future.

Cultural factors played a role too. In Korea, appearance and convenience matter in daily life. Glasses were often seen as a burden or even a disadvantage in certain social or professional situations. LASIK provided a way to move through the world with confidence—without the constant reminder of nearsightedness perched on one’s nose.

Clinics in Seoul’s Gangnam district and Busan’s Seomyeon quickly became hubs for the procedure, drawing both locals and medical tourists. Surgeons gained experience rapidly due to high demand, which in turn boosted public trust. By the early 2000s, LASIK was not just popular—it was almost a rite of passage. Parents sometimes even gave it as a gift to their children entering university, much like braces are for teenagers in other countries.

The Numbers: How Popular Is LASIK Today?

Fast forward to 2025, and the refractive surgery market in Korea is bigger than ever. According to recent market forecasts:

The Korean LASIK market was valued at about USD 66 million in 2023 and is projected to grow steadily, potentially surpassing USD 174 million by 2035.
Korea performs roughly 200,000 refractive surgeries per year, with LASIK still a significant share of that total.
Costs remain competitive, with LASIK priced at USD 1,000–3,000 per eye, making it attractive for both locals and international patients.

So yes, LASIK is very much alive. But what’s interesting is that its share among refractive surgeries has declined. In the mid-2000s, LASIK dominated nearly half of the market. By 2015, that number dropped closer to 20%, and by 2025 it is often considered one of several equal options rather than the option.

Why LASIK Isn’t the Only Star Anymore

1. The Rise of SMILE Surgery

SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) entered Korea in the 2010s and has steadily gained ground. Instead of creating a flap, SMILE involves making a tiny incision through which a lenticule of corneal tissue is removed. The result? Less disruption to the corneal surface, potentially fewer dry eye issues, and no flap-related complications.

Many younger patients, especially those who read extensively online before surgery, now arrive asking specifically for SMILE. In their eyes, it feels like “next-generation LASIK.”

2. Surface Ablation Makes a Comeback

Procedures like LASEK and PRK—which involve reshaping the cornea without a flap—were once seen as more painful and slower to recover. But advances in pain control, healing agents, and laser precision have made them safer and more appealing. For patients with thin corneas or higher risks of flap complications, these procedures are sometimes a better fit than LASIK.

3. EVO ICL and Alternatives Beyond the Cornea

Another trend we’ve seen at Jryn Eye Clinic is the rise of implantable collamer lenses (ICL), particularly the EVO ICL. Unlike LASIK, which reshapes the cornea permanently, ICL involves placing a lens inside the eye—similar to a permanent contact lens. It’s reversible, maintains corneal structure, and works well for very high prescriptions. In fact, some patients who come in thinking they’ll get LASIK leave the consultation realizing EVO ICL is safer for them.

Why People Still Choose LASIK in 2025

Despite newer options, LASIK isn’t fading into irrelevance. Many patients still prefer it, and here’s why:

Fast recovery: Most LASIK patients can see well within 24 hours, making it appealing for those with busy schedules.
Proven safety record: With decades of data and millions of successful cases worldwide, LASIK has one of the most established reputations of any elective surgery.
Lower cost compared to newer methods: While SMILE and ICL often come at a premium, LASIK remains one of the more affordable options.
Strong surgeon expertise: In Korea, LASIK has been performed for so long that surgeons are exceptionally skilled, which reassures patients.

At Jryn Eye Clinic, we often meet patients who say: “My friend had LASIK 10 years ago and it went perfectly. I want the same.” That trust, built over years, keeps LASIK relevant.

What Patients Often Overlook About LASIK

To be honest, many people focus only on cost and recovery time, but they forget that LASIK isn’t suitable for everyone. Important factors include:

Corneal thickness: LASIK requires a certain amount of corneal tissue. If the cornea is too thin, SMILE or surface ablation might be safer.
Dry eye risk: LASIK can temporarily worsen dryness, and for some people this is significant.
Lifestyle considerations: Athletes in contact sports, or those in environments with high trauma risk, might avoid LASIK because of the corneal flap.

One thing we always emphasize at Jryn Eye Clinic is personalized screening. Every patient undergoes corneal mapping, tear film analysis, and a full eye health exam before we recommend a procedure. LASIK may be perfect for one patient and absolutely wrong for another.

The Future of LASIK in Korea

Looking ahead, LASIK is unlikely to disappear. Instead, it will evolve into a more selective, personalized option. Here’s what we anticipate in the next five years:

Refined patient selection: Instead of being a default choice, LASIK will be offered only to those with ideal corneal conditions and lifestyle compatibility.
Technology upgrades: Wavefront-guided and femtosecond laser improvements will make LASIK even safer and more precise.
Balanced competition: SMILE, ICL, and surface ablation will continue to rise, but LASIK will remain part of the conversation because of its affordability and track record.
Medical tourism growth: Korea’s reputation for high-quality, affordable LASIK will keep attracting international patients, even as they compare alternatives.

Conclusion: Where Does LASIK Stand in 2025?

So, is LASIK still popular in Korea in 2025? Absolutely—but not in the same way it was two decades ago. LASIK is no longer the “one-size-fits-all” answer to vision correction, but it remains a trusted, cost-effective, and reliable option for many patients.

For someone with a healthy cornea, moderate prescription, and a desire for quick recovery, LASIK can still be the best choice. For others, SMILE, LASEK, or EVO ICL might offer better long-term outcomes.

What matters most is not the popularity of a procedure, but its suitability for you. At Jryn Eye Clinic in Busanjin-gu, Busan, our role is to guide patients through these choices with precision and compassion—matching the right procedure to the right person.

If you’ve been considering LASIK or another vision correction surgery, the best next step is a professional consultation. Whether you’re curious about LASIK’s legacy or eager to explore newer methods, a detailed eye exam will reveal what’s safest and most effective for your vision.