Korea vs Australia LASIK Cost

Cost Breakdown: Procedure Only

Korea

• Average cost for LASIK in Korea is about US $1,000–$2,000 per eye.
• For both eyes, that roughly doubles: so maybe US $2,000–$4,000 (depending on technology, clinic) in Korea.
• Example: One source gave USD ~$1,058–1,511 for both eyes in Korea.

Australia

• In Australia, LASIK (or comparable laser eye surgery) costs about AUD $2,500–4,000 (≈ USD $1,600–2,600) per eye or more.
• Some clinics quote ranges like $2,200–3,600 per eye.
• So for both eyes, you might expect USD ~$3,200–5,200+ (depending on exchange rate, clinic, technology).

Travel & Accommodation Costs to Korea

To get a realistic comparison you must add travel/hospitality costs for flying to Korea (assuming you are based in Australia). Some sample estimates:

• Round-trip flight from Australia to Seoul: maybe AUD $500-$800 (USD ~$330-530) depending city, time, carrier.
• Accommodation in Seoul for say 2-3 nights: maybe AUD $200-$400 (USD ~$130-260) depending hotel standard.
• Local transport, food, incidental costs: maybe USD ~$100-200.
• Additional days for recovery / follow-up stay: maybe 1-2 extra nights (extra hotel/food).

So a rough additional cost might be USD ~$600-1,000 (or more) for travel/hotel/incidentals depending how long you stay and where you stay.

Total Cost Estimate: Korea vs Australia

Putting it together:

• Korea:
• Surgery both eyes: say USD ~$2,500 (midpoint of $2,000-$4,000)
• Travel/hotel etc: say USD ~$800
• Total approx: USD ~$3,300
• Australia:
• Surgery both eyes: say USD ~$4,000 (midpoint of USD ~$3,200-5,200)
• Travel/hotel: negligible if you stay local (say USD ~$0-100)
• Total approx: USD ~$4,000

Estimated savings: USD ~$700 in this scenario (about 17-20% less) if you go to Korea.

If the Korea surgery cost is at the low end (USD ~$2,000) and travel costs are lower (say USD ~$600) then total maybe ~USD ~$2,600 → savings vs Australia could be ~USD ~$1,400+ (~35%). On the flip side, if you choose higher end tech in Australia and travel to Korea costs escalate (luxury hotel, extra days), the savings shrink.

Important Caveats & What to Watch For

• Ensure the quoted surgery cost in Korea includes pre-op tests, follow-ups and medications. Some cheaper quotes may exclude these.
• Travel stay length matters: If you have to stay 3-4 nights instead of 1-2, your travel/hotel cost goes up.
• After you return home: If you need follow-ups, enhancements or complications, will local care cover you or will you need to go back (extra cost)?
• Currency fluctuations: Australian dollar vs USD/KRW could change effective cost.
• Opportunity cost: Time off work, travel, recovery.
• Technology difference: Premium procedures (e.g., SMILE Pro, top-tier lasers) cost more, whether in Korea or Australia. If you pick premium in Korea, cost may get closer to local Australia price.
• Hidden costs: Additional consultation fees, hotel upgrades, translator/coordination fees, extra nights if recovery slower, etc.

Is It Actually Worth It? ✅ / ❓

When it makes sense:

• If you are healthy, a good candidate, and comfortable travelling / staying abroad for the required days.
• If you pick a reputable clinic in Korea with transparent inclusive pricing.
• If your local Australia cost is significantly higher than the Korea quote you have.

When it might not be worth it:

• If the travel/hospitality cost pushes your total cost close to local cost anyway.
• If you prefer ease of local follow-up and want to stay home for surgery/recovery.
• If the technology you need is premium and korea cost climbs high enough that savings are minimal.

Final Thoughts

Flying to Korea for LASIK can save you money, but the actual savings depend heavily on the exact surgery cost, travel/hotel cost, stay duration, etc. In many typical comparisons with Australia, you might save USD ~$700-1,500 or so. But if you’re not diligent about the full cost and logistics, the savings could be much smaller.