How much does Double eyelid surgery cost in South Korea? Quotes from five plastic surgery clinics in Seoul in 2026 + a guide to choosing a clinic to avoid pitfalls

To be honest, undergoing Double eyelid surgery in South Korea is actually more complicated than one might imagine.

I have several friends who went to South Korea for Double eyelid surgery. Some of them had excellent results, while others came back feeling so disappointed that they cried. What was the difference? It wasn’t luck; it depended on how much preparation and research they had done beforehand.

In this article, I have compiled the latest price ranges for Double eyelid surgery in Seoul in 2026, compared different surgical methods, and shared some experiences I’ve had for your reference. If you are considering having this procedure done in South Korea, please read this article first.

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First, it is necessary to understand the methods of Double eyelid surgery.

Before going to South Korea, you need to determine which method is suitable for you – after all, the prices vary significantly, and the recovery times are also completely different.

The mainstream Double eyelid surgery methods in South Korea can be divided into three main categories:

• Non-incisional (buried suture) method: No incisions are made; the Double eyelid surgery is performed by using sutures to fix the folds of the Double eyelid surgery. This method results in minimal scarring and quick recovery, with most of the swelling subsiding within 1 week. It is suitable for people with thin eyelids and no excess fat. However, the effect is not permanent and may gradually weaken over time.
• Full incision method: Make an incision along the line of the Double eyelid surgery, remove excess skin and fat, and then suture to create the desired folds. This method provides long-lasting results and is suitable for those with thicker eyelids or excess skin. The swelling generally subsides by 70% to 80% within 2 to 3 weeks, and the final results take 3 to 6 months to become fully established.
• Partial incision method: This approach lies somewhere in between the other two methods and is suitable for those with mild eyelid sagging. It results in less scarring than the Full incision method.

If your eyelids are naturally thin and you are relatively young, the Non-incisional (buried suture) method is sufficient; however, if your eyelids are thick, you have double eyelids or single eyelids, the Full incision method is required to achieve more natural and lasting results. Don’t be misled by slogans claiming “no scars” or “no incisions”; it is important to rely on the doctor’s professional assessment.

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Cost estimates for Double eyelid surgery in Seoul in 2026

I have compiled a list of several relatively representative plastic surgery clinics in Seoul. Here are their price ranges (converted using the exchange rate applicable at the time of consultation):

Surgical methods	Cost range (Korean won)	Agree on the amount in RMB	Recovery period (70% of the swelling has subsided)	Durability
Non-incisional (buried suture) method	500,000 to 1.5 million Korean won	Ranging from approximately 2,700 to 8,000 yuan	5 to 7 days	3 to 5 years (varies from person to person)
Partial incision method	800,000 to 1.8 million Korean won	Ranging from approximately 4,300 to 9,700 yuan	10 to 14 days	More durable
Full incision method	1 million to 3.5 million Korean won	Ranging from approximately 5,400 to 19,000 yuan	14 to 21 days	Lifelong effect (with virtually no rebound)
Full incision method + blepharoplasty (performed simultaneously)	1.8 million to 5 million Korean won	Ranging from approximately 9,700 to 27,000 yuan	21 to 30 days	for life

※ The above prices are merely reference values for the 2026 market. Actual costs will depend on individual circumstances and the assessment of the clinic; exchange rates are provided for conversion purposes only.

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Common choices and reviews of five restaurants in Seoul

I asked several friends who had undergone Double eyelid surgery in South Korea, and after doing some research myself, I compiled the following list of clinics that are frequently mentioned in this regard. Note: This is not an advertisement; it is merely a compilation of information.

clinic	Location	Strengths	Price range	Communication in Chinese
ID Plastic Surgery	Apgujeong	Precise eye surgery and complex restorations	Mid-to-high range	✅ Yes
THE PLUS Plastic Surgery	Gangnam	Natural design, eye shape adjustment	middle	✅ Yes
BIO Plastic Surgery	Gangnam	Eyes and nose treatment at the same time – excellent value for money	middle	⚠️ Some of them
JW Plastic Surgery Hospital	Gangnam	Eye repair, multiple surgeries	Mid-to-high range	✅ Yes
Cheongdam 365MC	Cheongdam-dong	Combining cosmetic surgery with high efficiency	Mid-to-low range	⚠️ Some of them

To put it simply, Gangnam District is the area in Seoul with the highest concentration of plastic surgery clinics. There are dozens of such clinics just along Apgujeong Road alone. However, this does not mean that more expensive options are necessarily better, nor does it mean that a well-known clinic is necessarily right for you.

I have a friend who chose the most expensive option, but later said that the results were not as natural as she had expected, mainly because the design style was different. So the key question is: do you want an ILCHI that looks natural, or one that is more noticeable? You need to find a doctor whose style matches your own aesthetic preferences.

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Don’t repeat the mistakes I’ve made.

Trap 1: Relying solely on the consultation quote and ignoring additional fees

Many clinics list initial prices that do not include the costs of anesthesia, postoperative care, or stitches and removal. Some people were told that a collagen injection procedure would cost 800,000 Korean won when they inquired, but the final bill amounted to nearly 1.5 million Korean won. Be sure to ask clearly whether the quoted price is an all-in rate or only includes the actual surgery itself.

Trick 2: Failing to verify the attending surgeon

This issue truly exists in South Korea. In some clinics, although senior physicians provide consultations, it is actually the Dental hygienists who perform the surgeries. Before going there, make sure to clarify in writing who will be performing the surgery; in some clinics, it is even possible to record the procedure.

Trick 3: Only looking at before-and-after comparison photos

The photos shown to you at the clinic are always the best ones. A better way is to search for genuine reviews of that clinic on REDnote or NAVER, and read what ordinary customers have to say – this is far more reliable than advertisements.

Trick 4: Fly back immediately after the surgery

You need to stay in Seoul for at least 5 to 7 days if undergoing the Non-incisional (buried suture) method, or more than 10 days if choosing the Full incision method. This allows the doctor to assess the results and address any complications before the swelling subsides. I know someone who flew back home on the second day after the procedure; a minor infection was not treated in time, which led to further complications later on.

Trick 5: Hurriedly arranging something during peak seasons or during travel periods

Airfare prices soar around holidays, and your time in Seoul will be greatly limited, making it difficult to arrange follow-up appointments if necessary. It is recommended to travel on weekdays during business hours.

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Who is suitable for Double eyelid surgery? Let’s assess your own suitability first.

Not everyone is suitable for undergoing such procedures right now. Let’s first consider these requirements:

• ✅ The skin condition of the eyelids is stable (no allergies or chronic eye diseases).
• ✅ Reasonable expectations – the goal is to “make the eyes look more vibrant”, not to “become a completely different person”.
• ✅ There is sufficient time for post-operative recovery, so there is no need to engage in high-intensity social activities or appear in public within 2 weeks.
• ❌ For individuals with a tendency to develop keloids, the Full incision method must be carefully evaluated.
• ❌ For severe dry eye syndrome, inverted eyelashes, or other eye conditions, it is necessary to receive treatment before undergoing surgery.

Consultations in plastic surgery in South Korea are usually free of charge (although some require a deposit, which can be refunded if you cancel the consultation on the same day). It is advisable to arrange consultations with 2 to 3 different clinics before making a decision. This way, you can compare the recommendations of the doctors and your own impressions before deciding whether to proceed with the procedure.

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Apart from the cost, these are the real criteria that determine whether it is worth going or not.

Indeed, the cost of plastic surgery in South Korea is more competitive compared to Taiwan and Hong Kong, but this should not be the only reason for you to make your decision.

I have seen some people go for such procedures because they seemed “cheap”, only to find that the results were not satisfactory. As a result, they had to undergo further treatments later on, which ended up costing even more money and causing them more discomfort.

Reasons why it’s worth visiting:

• South Korea has advanced techniques in eye plastic surgery, and there is a wealth of real-world cases to support this.
• With a wide range of options and fierce competition, the quality of services is relatively assured.
• Strong design capabilities for specific styles, such as the natural Korean style.

Reasons why it is not suitable to go there:

• Language barriers and difficulties in post-operative follow-up
• It is inconvenient to handle complications that may arise when seeking medical treatment over long distances.
• It is relatively difficult to monitor the long-term effects of such surgeries.

If you have already decided to go, it is recommended that you first consult with professional advisors before departing to understand which treatment options are suitable for your specific situation, rather than arriving in Seoul and then being led around in a confused manner.