17. Optics: New Glasses in 30 Minutes

Korea's Optical Industry: A Hidden Gem for Travelers

South Korea is quietly famous among expats and informed travelers for one specific service that most visitors completely overlook: eyeglasses. Korean optical shops (안경원, angyeongwon) offer a combination of speed, quality, and price that simply does not exist in most Western countries.

The Numbers: What to Expect

• Speed: Basic single-vision glasses with standard lenses are ready in 30–60 minutes in most shops. Progressive (multifocal) lenses typically take 1–2 hours or next-day pickup.
• Price: A complete pair of glasses with frames and standard single-vision lenses typically costs ₩30,000–₩80,000 ($22–$60 USD) for everyday options. Designer frames with premium lenses run ₩150,000–₩400,000 ($112–$300 USD). This is typically 3–5x cheaper than equivalent purchases in the US, UK, or Australia.
• Eye exam: Free or ₩5,000–₩10,000 at most shops. The exam uses modern automated equipment and takes 15 minutes.

Best Areas for Optical Shopping

Namdaemun Market Area (남대문시장 옆 안경골목)

The street adjacent to Namdaemun Market has a famous concentration of optical shops selling glasses at wholesale-adjacent prices. This is the location most recommended by local guides for budget-conscious glasses shopping. Bargaining is possible at smaller independent shops.

Dongdaemun Area

Several optical chains and independent shops around Dongdaemun offer good variety, particularly for trendier frames popular in Korean fashion.

Your Neighborhood Optical Shop

For a stress-free experience, simply find the nearest 안경원 (안경) sign in any Seoul neighborhood. The national chains (GC Vision, Eye-Up, EyeMax) offer standardized quality and English-speaking staff at many locations.

What to Bring

• Your current glasses: The optician can read the prescription from your existing lenses using an automated lensometer. Bringing your prescription printout is helpful but not required.
• Your prescription (if you have it): Written prescriptions from your home country are accepted. The format (SPH, CYL, AXIS, ADD) is internationally standardized.
• Time: Allow 1–2 hours including the eye exam and fitting.

What They Can Make

• Single-vision (distance or reading)
• Progressive/multifocal (bifocal)
• High-index lenses (for strong prescriptions)
• Blue light filtering coatings
• Photochromic (Transitions) lenses
• Prescription sunglasses
• Sports frames and specialized lens types

Sunglasses: Non-Prescription

Korean optical shops also sell fashion sunglasses at excellent prices. Korean-style frames (typically thinner, more angular designs influenced by K-pop fashion) start from ₩15,000 ($11 USD) for basic pairs at Namdaemun or ₩30,000–₩100,000 for current styles at regular shops.