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Getting Glasses in Korea: Fast, Cheap & Stylish
Need new glasses? Korea's optical shops are incredibly fast, affordable, and trendy. Here's why travelers are adding 'get glasses' to their Korea itinerary.
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Why Get Glasses in Korea?
If you wear glasses, Korea might be the best place in the world to get a new pair. What takes 1-2 weeks in many Western countries takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour in Korea — and is typically more affordable than in many Western countries. A complete pair (frame + prescription lenses) starts around 30,000-50,000 KRW ($20-35 USD).
The frames are trendy, lightweight, and come in hundreds of styles that follow the latest Korean fashion trends. Many K-drama characters sport distinctive glasses — and you can find the exact same frames.
How to Get Glasses in Korea
1
Walk Into Any Optical Shop
Korean optical shops (안경점, angyeongjeom) are everywhere — you'll find them in every neighborhood, mall, and subway station area. No appointment needed. Look for signs with glasses icons.
2
Get Your Eyes Tested
The eye exam is free and takes about 5-10 minutes. Most shops have modern equipment. You don't need to speak Korean — just point at the eye chart. Bring your current prescription if you have it, but it's not required.
3
Choose Your Frames
This is the fun part. Korean optical shops typically have hundreds of frames on display, from minimalist titanium to bold acetate designs. Staff will help you find frames that suit your face shape. Prices are displayed on each frame.
4
Wait 30-60 Minutes
They'll grind and fit your lenses on the spot. Yes, really — in under an hour. Go grab a coffee nearby and come back. For complex prescriptions or special coatings, it might take a few hours.
Typical Prices
| Budget frames + basic lenses | 30,000-50,000 KRW ($20-35) |
| Mid-range frames + anti-blue light | 70,000-120,000 KRW ($50-85) |
| Premium/designer frames + coated lenses | 150,000-300,000 KRW ($105-210) |
| Eye exam | Free (included) |
| Sunglasses with prescription | 50,000-150,000 KRW ($35-105) |
| Contact lenses (daily, 30 pack) | 15,000-25,000 KRW ($10-17) |
| Color contact lenses (monthly, 1 pair) | 10,000-20,000 KRW ($7-14) |
Prices as of Mar 2026. May vary by location.
Popular Korean Eyewear Brands
GENTLE MONSTER
Korea's luxury eyewear brand. Bold, artistic designs. Flagship stores in Gangnam and Hannam-dong are tourist attractions themselves. typically 30-50% cheaper here than abroad.
PROJEKT PRODUKT
Minimal, clean designs popular with office workers. Lightweight titanium frames. Available at most optical shops.
HAZE Collection
Trendy acetate frames with unique color combinations. Frequently seen on K-drama stars.
Carin
Affordable Korean brand known for round and oval frames. Celebrity collaborations keep styles fresh.
Tips
Do
- Bring your current prescription or glasses for reference — saves time on the eye test
- Try multiple frames before deciding — staff are patient and expect you to browse
- Ask about blue-light filtering lenses — standard in Korea and usually only 10,000-20,000 KRW extra
- Check out color contact lenses too — Korea has the widest selection in the world, and they're much cheaper here
Don't
- Don't rush the fitting — proper adjustment to your nose bridge and ears matters for comfort
- Don't skip the lens cleaning cloth and case — they're usually included free
Where to Go
Namdaemun Market has the highest concentration of optical shops with the lowest prices — it's a wholesale district. Hongdae and Gangnam have trendier frame selections. For a more premium experience, try GENTLE MONSTER flagship stores (they're a Korean brand and typically more affordable here than abroad).
Plan Your Visit
Seoul monthly averages to help you pack right
Jan-1°-8°18mm
Feb2°-6°25mm
Mar9°0°40mm
Apr17°6°65mm
May23°12°90mm
Jun27°18°130mm
Jul29°22°370mm
Aug30°22°290mm
Sep26°16°140mm
Oct19°8°45mm
Nov10°1°50mm
Dec2°-5°20mm