How Much Is Double Eyelid Surgery in Korea? 2026 Prices Koreans See vs Foreigner Quotes
Double eyelid surgery in Korea costs from about ₩400,000 on Korean price apps, while foreigners are often quoted $800 to $2,200. Here are the real 2026 numbers by method, what's included, and the Korean to use at your consultation.
Double eyelid surgery (쌍꺼풀 수술, ssang-kkeo-pul su-sul) is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in Korea, and the first question everyone asks is the price. The short answer: Korean patients see prices from about ₩290,000 to ₩1,800,000 ($220 to $1,360) on Korean price apps, while English guides report foreigners being quoted $800 to $2,200.
Below are the real numbers I found on Korean apps in October 2026, what changes the price, and what to ask so your quote is easy to compare. This is a research summary, not medical advice.
Double eyelid surgery cost in Korea (2026)
| Where the price comes from | Price |
|---|---|
| Korean price app Modoodoc, 9 clinics (sale prices, Oct 2026) | ₩290,000 to ₩1,800,000, average about ₩662,000 ($220 to $1,360, average $500) |
| A Busan clinic on the Korean app Gangnam Unni (sale price until Nov 30, 2026), non-incisional | ₩400,000 (list price ₩550,000), VAT, anesthesia and aftercare included |
| Same clinic, non-incisional + ptosis correction | ₩660,000 |
| Same clinic, incisional + ptosis correction | ₩1,100,000 |
| English guide survey of 50 Gangnam clinics, quotes to foreigners (Q1 2026) | $800 to $2,200, all-inclusive |
Sources: Modoodoc, Gangnam Unni listing, ClinicSeoul price survey. Dollar amounts use about ₩1,325 to $1 (late October 2026).
Two things to keep in mind:
- Korean app prices are "event" prices, discounted to bring in new patients, usually for the simplest version. Some include anesthesia and VAT, some don't. The Busan listing above says it includes both, which is why I picked it as an example.
- Gangnam and Apgujeong clinics often price higher than clinics in other cities. A Busan price is a useful floor, not what a Gangnam clinic will charge you.
So if a Gangnam clinic quotes you $1,500 for a simple non-incisional procedure, it isn't automatically a scam, but it's a lot more than Korean patients see advertised. That's your cue to ask what's included and compare.
What changes the price: the 4 methods
Korean clinics list double eyelid surgery under a few names. Knowing them makes price lists much easier to read.
| Korean | Method | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| 매몰법 (mae-mol-ppeop) | Non-incisional (suture) | The crease is made with small stitches through tiny holes. The cheapest option. |
| 부분절개 (bu-bun jeol-gae) | Partial incision | A short cut, often when there is a little extra fat to remove. |
| 절개법 (jeol-gae-ppeop) | Incisional | A full cut along the new crease. Costs more and takes longer to heal. |
| 눈매교정 (nun-mae gyo-jeong) | Ptosis correction | Strengthens the muscle that opens the eye. Often sold as an add-on, which roughly doubles the price. |
If you see a low headline price, check which of these it is. A non-incisional price next to an incisional consultation is the most common surprise.
What is (and isn't) in the price
Ask about each of these in writing:
- Anesthesia. Some listings exclude it.
- VAT. Cosmetic surgery in Korea carries 10% VAT. The VAT refund for foreign patients ended on December 31, 2025, so a quote that assumes a refund is out of date. (Korea Biomedical Review)
- Stitch removal and follow-ups. Usually included, but confirm how many visits.
- Revision policy. Ask what happens if a crease loosens or looks uneven. Non-incisional creases can come undone, which clinics usually mention in their own guides.
- Interpreter or agency fees. An English guide's survey says foreigners often pay 10 to 20% more than Korean patients, and agencies can add commission on top. (ClinicSeoul)
Recovery: plan your trip around it
Recovery depends on the method and on you, so your surgeon's answer is the one that counts. In general, non-incisional recovery is shorter, and incisional surgery has stitches to remove and more swelling. Full healing can take several months. (Healthline)
For the trip itself, ask the clinic three things before you book flights:
- When will the stitches come out?
- How many follow-up visits do I need, and on which days?
- When is it okay to fly?
Then book your flight home after the last visit, not before. Planning the rest of your days? Here's a simple 3 day Seoul plan that keeps each day in one area.
How to check the clinic
The short version of my full safety guide:
- Look the clinic up on the official Medical Korea registration system for foreign patients.
- A sign that says OO성형외과의원 means it's run by a certified plastic surgeon.
- Meet the surgeon who will actually operate, not only a coordinator.
Korean for your consultation
매몰법으로 하고 싶어요.
mae-mol-ppeo-beu-ro ha-go si-peo-yo "I'd like the non-incisional method."
가격표 볼 수 있을까요?
ga-gyeok-pyo bol su i-sseul-kka-yo? "Can I see the price list?"
마취비 포함이에요?
ma-chwi-bi po-ham-i-e-yo? "Is anesthesia included?"
부가세 포함이에요?
bu-ga-se po-ham-i-e-yo? "Is VAT included?"
붓기는 언제 빠져요?
but-gi-neun eon-je ppa-jyeo-yo? "When does the swelling go down?"
원장님이 직접 수술하세요?
won-jang-nim-i jik-jeop su-sul-ha-se-yo? "Will the head doctor do the surgery?"
생각해 볼게요.
saeng-ga-kae bol-ge-yo "I'll think about it."
FAQ
How much is double eyelid surgery in Korea in USD?
On Korean price apps in October 2026, from about $220 to $1,360, with an average around $500 across 9 clinics. English guides report foreigners being quoted $800 to $2,200 all-inclusive in Gangnam.
Is non-incisional or incisional cheaper?
Non-incisional (매몰법) is cheaper. In one 2026 Korean listing, non-incisional was ₩400,000 and incisional with ptosis correction was ₩1,100,000.
Can I get a tax refund on double eyelid surgery in Korea?
No. The VAT refund for foreign patients on cosmetic procedures ended on December 31, 2025.
Why is it cheaper in Korea?
It is a very common procedure in Korea, and clinics compete openly on price on Korean apps with discounted "event" prices. Foreigner quotes are higher, so the gap depends on where and how you book.
The short version
- Korean apps show double eyelid surgery from about ₩290,000 to ₩1,800,000. Foreigners are often quoted $800 to $2,200 in Gangnam.
- Check the method: 매몰법 (non-incisional) is the cheapest, 절개법 (incisional) and 눈매교정 (ptosis correction) cost more.
- Ask if anesthesia and VAT are included. The tax refund is gone.
- Book your flight after your last follow-up.
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