Getting Glasses in Korea
Fast, Affordable & Easy for Travelers
Getting a new pair of glasses in Korea can be surprisingly easy.
Walk into an optical shop, have your eyes tested, choose a frame and lenses, and in many cases your new glasses can be ready on the same day.
Korean optical shops are found almost everywhere — from neighborhood shopping streets to major tourist areas such as Myeongdong, Namdaemun, Hongdae and Seongsu.
You do not need to visit a famous shop. Most Korean optical stores can provide eye testing, prescription lenses, frames, fitting and adjustments.
For travelers, buying glasses can be both a practical necessity and an interesting Korean shopping experience.
Quick Summary
Best for
Travelers who need prescription glasses, replacement glasses, sunglasses or new frames
Eye Test
Available at most optical shops
Appointment
Usually not required
Typical Time
Simple prescriptions may be completed very quickly. Many standard glasses can be ready the same day.
Approximate Price
Varies widely depending on the frame, prescription and lens type
Popular Areas
Myeongdong · Namdaemun · Hongdae · Seongsu
What You Can Buy
- Prescription glasses
- Fashion frames
- Sunglasses
- Contact lenses
- Color lenses
ASK KOREA Tip
Before ordering, ask for the total price including the frame and lenses.
Why buy glasses in Korea?
Korea has a huge optical market.
Optical shops are common in Korean cities, and competition between stores means travelers can find everything from inexpensive everyday frames to premium Korean and international eyewear brands.
One of the biggest advantages is speed.
Unlike in some countries where prescription glasses may take several days or weeks, many Korean optical shops keep lenses in stock and can cut and fit them in the store.
The Korea Tourism Organization notes that, except for special prescriptions or lenses that need to be ordered, glasses can often be completed within the same day — sometimes much faster.
How it works
Getting glasses in Korea is usually simple.
Walk Into an Optical Shop
In most cases, you can simply enter without an appointment.
Tell the staff that you want new glasses.
Eye Test
The optician can check your vision and determine the prescription needed for your lenses.
If you already have glasses that work well, bring them with you. The shop may also be able to check your existing lenses.
Choose Your Frames
Try on as many frames as you like.
Korean optical shops range from inexpensive neighborhood stores to fashionable boutiques carrying Korean designer eyewear.
Choose Your Lenses
The optician will recommend lenses according to your prescription and preferences.
The price can change considerably depending on the lens.
- Standard lenses
- Thin / high-index lenses
- Anti-reflective lenses
- Blue-light filtering options
- Photochromic lenses
- Progressive lenses
- Prescription sunglasses
Fitting & Adjustment
The staff will measure and adjust the frame for your face.
Pick Up Your Glasses
If the required lenses are already available, production can be very fast.
Special prescriptions, progressive lenses or other customized lenses may require additional time.
Lens options
The optician will recommend lenses according to your prescription and preferences. Options may include:
- Standard lenses
- Thin / high-index lenses
- Anti-reflective lenses
- Blue-light filtering options
- Photochromic lenses
- Progressive lenses
- Prescription sunglasses
The price can change considerably depending on the lens.
Not every optical shop stocks every lens type. Ask which of these options the shop can actually make for your prescription before ordering.
How fast can glasses be made?
This is one of the interesting things about buying glasses in Korea.
Standard glasses
Often same-day
Many standard pairs can be completed during a single visit when the lenses are in stock.
Simple prescriptions
May sometimes be completed very quickly
KTO guidance describes standard glasses sometimes finishing in as little as around 15 minutes.
Special / high-index / progressive lenses
May require additional time
Lenses that must be ordered or customized cannot be finished on the spot.
The Korea Tourism Organization's 2026 K-Eyewear guide promotes optical shopping with the phrase “Ready in 30 Minutes!” and describes the process from eye examination through fitting as particularly fast.
Another KTO guide explains that standard glasses may sometimes be completed in as little as around 15 minutes, while special cases can take longer.
Do not assume every pair will be ready that quickly. Completion time depends on lens availability and your prescription.
“Can I get these today?”
If you are leaving Korea soon, tell the shop before ordering.
How much do glasses cost?
There is no single price for glasses in Korea.
The final cost depends on:
Frame + Prescription + Lens Type + Lens Thickness + Coatings + Brand
You can find inexpensive frames as well as premium designer frames costing several hundred thousand won or more.
Lens prices also vary substantially.
A traveler with a simple prescription and basic lenses may pay much less than someone requiring ultra-thin, progressive or specialized lenses.
Therefore, ASK KOREA recommends using prices only as a general guide rather than expecting every optical shop to charge the same amount.
About Price
Approximate eyewear costs in Korea
Approximate traveler planning ranges only — not guaranteed store prices, and not fixed nationwide prices.
- Budget frame + basic lenses
- around ₩30,000–₩80,000
- Typical mid-range glasses
- around ₩80,000–₩150,000
- Premium / designer frames
- often ₩150,000 and above
- Basic sunglasses
- approximately ₩20,000–₩80,000+
- Korean designer sunglasses
- approximately ₩100,000–₩300,000+
- Eye test
- often provided without a separate charge when purchasing glasses, but policies vary by store
Important
High-index/thinner lenses, progressive lenses, photochromic lenses, special coatings and strong prescriptions can substantially increase the total price.
Prices are approximate only. Always confirm the total price for FRAME + LENSES before ordering.
Before paying
Ask:
“How much is the total with lenses?”
And:
“Is there an additional charge for thinner lenses?”
There is nothing wrong with checking another optical shop before deciding.
In areas such as Namdaemun and Myeongdong, there are many optical stores within walking distance.
Sunglasses in Korea
You do not need a prescription to enjoy Korean eyewear shopping.
Korea has a large selection of:
- Fashion sunglasses
- UV-protection sunglasses
- Korean designer sunglasses
- Luxury sunglasses
- Prescription sunglasses
- Lightly tinted glasses
You can simply walk into a store, try different styles and buy the pair you like.
If you need prescription sunglasses, ask whether the store can make tinted prescription lenses for your chosen frame.
Contact & color lenses
Contact lenses and cosmetic color lenses are also widely available in Korea.
Some optical stores sell them alongside glasses, while Korea also has many dedicated contact-lens shops.
If you already wear contacts, knowing your prescription or bringing your existing lens packaging can make shopping easier.
Do not choose lenses only by color or appearance. Correct fit and prescription are important for safe use.
Where to buy glasses in Seoul
These areas are convenient starting points for travelers. The optical shops named below are examples from our source research — not shops you have to use.
MYEONGDONG
Best for: First-time visitors & convenient shopping
Myeongdong is probably the easiest area for international travelers.
There are numerous optical shops within the main shopping district, so it is easy to compare frames and prices while shopping for cosmetics, fashion and souvenirs.
Example optical shops
GANA OPTICAL
Korea Tourism Organization lists the Myeongdong shop as selling eyeglasses, sunglasses and contact lenses and notes its popularity with overseas visitors.
ASK KOREA Pick
Myeongdong is easiest if you want to combine glasses shopping with a normal Seoul sightseeing day.
NAMDAEMUN
Best for: Traditional optical shopping & price comparison
Namdaemun is one of the most interesting areas for buying glasses.
There are many optical businesses around the market, making it easy to look around and compare.
Example optical shops
CHOEUN OPTICAL — Namdaemun Market
Korea Tourism Organization specifically featured this store as an example of Korea's fast optical service. Its guide describes eye examination, frame selection, lens production and fitting being handled in a single visit.
Address
42 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
ASK KOREA Pick
If price and practical prescription glasses are your priorities, start around Namdaemun.
HONGDAE
Best for: Younger styles & travelers
Hongdae is convenient for younger travelers looking for modern frames, sunglasses and fashionable eyewear.
Hongdae works particularly well if eyewear shopping is only one part of your day.
Shop for glasses, explore Hongdae and Yeonnam, visit cafés, eat dinner and continue into the evening.
Example optical shops
OpticLife Hongdae
Artis Optical
SEONGSU
Best for: Korean designer eyewear & trendy shopping
Seongsu is a good choice for travelers more interested in design and Korean fashion.
KTO has highlighted Seongsu eyewear shopping as part of the area's contemporary shopping culture, including Korean-designed frames and rapid production concepts.
Combine eyewear shopping with:
- Korean fashion
- Pop-up stores
- K-Beauty
- Cafés
- Designer stores
Do I need a prescription from a doctor?
For ordinary glasses shopping, you can normally begin by visiting an optical shop and having your vision checked there.
However, an optical-store vision test is not a substitute for a medical eye examination.
If you have eye pain, sudden changes in vision, flashes, significant eye disease or another medical concern, visit an ophthalmologist rather than relying only on an optical shop.
Should I bring my old glasses?
Yes, if you have them.
Your existing glasses can help the optician understand what you currently use.
Also bring:
- Your current prescription — if available
- Contact lens information — if relevant
- Passport — especially if requesting a tourist tax refund
Can foreigners use Korean optical shops?
Yes.
You do not have to use a special “foreigner-only” optical shop.
Optical shops are common throughout Korea, and international visitors can purchase glasses just like other customers.
Language ability varies by shop.
Stores in major tourist districts such as Myeongdong, Hongdae and Namdaemun may be more accustomed to overseas visitors.
Translation apps can also make simple communication relatively easy.
Useful Korean words
안경
Angyeong
Glasses
안경점
Angyeongjeom
Optical shop
시력검사
Siryeok geomsa
Eye test
안경테
Angyeongte
Frames
렌즈
Renjeu
Lenses
선글라스
Seongeullaseu
Sunglasses
도수
Dosu
Prescription / lens power
오늘 받을 수 있어요?
Oneul badeul su isseoyo?
Can I get them today?
렌즈 포함해서 얼마예요?
Renjeu pohamhaeseo eolmayeyo?
How much is it including the lenses?
Before you buy
Do not choose only by the advertised frame price.
Confirm:
For expensive lenses, ask the staff to explain the difference between the available options before deciding.
Tax refund
Some optical shops participate in Korea's tourist tax-refund system.
Look for a Tax Free / Tax Refund sign and ask the store before paying.
Bring your passport if you intend to request an immediate tourist tax refund.
Not every shop or purchase will qualify, so confirm at the store. Korea Tourism Organization's 2026 eyewear guide also specifically advises international shoppers to check tax-refund eligibility.
You don't need a famous store
This is important.
The optical shops listed in this guide are examples in convenient tourist areas — not the only places where travelers should buy glasses.
There are optical shops throughout Seoul and across Korea.
If you see an optical store near your hotel or while traveling and like its frames and price, you can simply walk in and ask.
Compare your options and choose the shop that works best for you.
ASK KOREA Tip
Need glasses during your Korea trip?
Don't automatically wait until you return home.
Walk into a Korean optical shop, get your vision checked, choose your frames and ask:
“How much is the total with lenses, and when will they be ready?”
If the price and pickup time work for you, you may be able to walk out with a new pair of glasses the very same day.
Checked: August 2026
ASK KOREA Transit