Key takeaways
For foreign patients, the practical point about clinics around Hongdae-ipgu Station (홍대입구역) is that language support varies by clinic and is not listed in the data behind this comparison. If you need an English-speaking clinic in Hongdae-ipgu Station, confirm it by phone or on the clinic's own booking page before you travel, and ask whether an interpreter or translated consent forms are available. Bring your passport or ARC, your current glasses or contact lens prescription, and any previous eye records, and expect to book ahead by phone.
The collected data covers reviews and basic information for five clinics near Hongdae-ipgu Station, but nothing in it confirms whether any of them actually performs lens implant (ICL) surgery. Rather than naming a single clinic as a recommendation, the first step is to ask directly whether ICL consultations are offered and which pre-surgical tests are included. In the review data, 빛사랑안과의원 (Bitsarang Eye Clinic) and 김의원 (Kim Clinic) stand out: Bitsarang Eye Clinic has a Kakao rating of 4.3 and 1,049 Naver reviews, while Kim Clinic has a Kakao rating of 4.1 and 324 Naver reviews. Note, however, that Bitsarang Eye Clinic is listed as 8 m from Sinchon Station Exit 2, so it should be checked separately from the clinics around Hongdae-ipgu Station. Ratings and review counts do not guarantee treatment outcomes or ICL expertise.
서울안과의원 (Seoul Eye Clinic) is the closest of the listed clinics to Hongdae-ipgu Station, 20 m from Exit 8, and Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) data lists one ophthalmology specialist there. Whether this clinic performs ICL surgery is not confirmed in the data. The information below is comparison material for choosing a provider; it is not a judgment of surgical suitability or a recommendation of any particular clinic.
How we analyzed
According to the provided summary of the collected data, we analyzed 2,574 Naver Place visitor reviews, 2,858 KakaoMap reviews, and Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service registration data; the average KakaoMap rating of the five selected clinics is 3.9. Per-clinic details list Naver, blog, Kakao, and Google review counts and some platform ratings separately. Some summary figures do not fully match the per-clinic figures — Bitsarang Eye Clinic's Kakao reviews, for example, appear as 2,855 in the per-clinic data. We therefore show platform figures exactly as they are listed per clinic, and treated the overall review totals as a reference value calculated by adding up the platform review counts given for each clinic. Overlap between platforms could not be verified, so these are not unique visitor counts. The reference date for the provided data is October 21, 2026.
빛사랑안과의원 (Bitsarang Eye Clinic)
Per-clinic data shows a Kakao rating of 4.3 and a Google rating of 4.5, with 1,049 Naver reviews, 4,468 blog reviews, 2,855 Kakao reviews, and 1 Google review. A simple sum across the four platforms is 8,373, but overlap cannot be determined. The number of ophthalmology specialists under HIRA criteria is not in the provided data. Public reviews cover LASIK, LASEK, reoperations, and experiences with examinations and post-surgical care; no ICL reviews were identified.
"They checked many items in detail, including corneal thickness and whether I had any eye disease, and explained the results in a way that matched my eye condition." (Naver review, October 12, 2026)
"Every time I come in for a checkup, the director personally examines my eyes carefully, and the manager makes sure I know about my next appointment and precautions, so I feel comfortable continuing to come here." (Naver review, October 16, 2026)
The address is 2F, Room 201, Gwangsin Building, 93 Sinchon-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (서울 서대문구 신촌로 93 광신빌딩 2층 201호), and the provided access information is 8 m from Sinchon Station Exit 2. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday 09:30–18:30, Friday 09:30–20:00, and Saturday 09:30–14:00; Thursday hours are not in the data. Lunch hours, booking method, and parking are also unconfirmed, so it is best to call before visiting: 0507-1409-5301. Website, blog, and Instagram links are provided. If you are considering ICL surgery, first ask whether the clinic performs it and whether an examination and consultation require a booking. The reviews here center on LASIK and LASEK, so ratings alone cannot tell you about ICL experience.
김의원 (Kim Clinic)
Kakao rating 4.1, Google rating 3.6, with 324 Naver reviews, 93 blog reviews, 2 Kakao reviews, and 5 Google reviews. A simple sum is 424. The Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service entry lists ophthalmology as the specialty, but the number of ophthalmology specialists is not confirmed. The visitor reviews provided include comments on treatment and explanations for eye inflammation and dry eye symptoms; no ICL experiences are presented.
"I went because my eyes were so dry, and the prescription worked well, so my eyes felt much more comfortable." (Kakao review, July 28, 2026)
"They explained everything so well that I had a good appointment." (Kakao review, October 7, 2026)
The address is 4F, Seogyo Tower, 133 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 양화로 133 서교타워 4층), listed as 213 m from Hongdae-ipgu Station Exit 1. Hours are Monday–Friday 09:30–18:00 and Saturday 09:30–13:30. Lunch hours are not stated in the data. Some reviews mention a 13:00–14:00 lunch break, but that is not confirmed official information, so check by calling 02-337-8877 before you go. Booking method and parking availability also cannot be confirmed from the provided data alone. You need to ask directly about whether ICL surgery is performed, pre-surgical testing, who would be in charge of your care, and the follow-up system. Reviews are individual opinions and should not be read as evidence of surgical expertise.
서울안과의원 (Seoul Eye Clinic)
The provided data has no ratings, and lists 570 Naver reviews, 285 blog reviews, and 0 Kakao and 0 Google reviews. A simple sum is 855. Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service data confirms one ophthalmology specialist, ophthalmology as the specialty, and one ultrasound imaging device. Visitor reviews include positive comments on treatment explanations and staff service alongside frustration about wait-time information. No ICL reviews appear in the data.
"The director explained my current eye condition and the direction for future care in a way that was easy to understand, which really put me at ease, and the wait-time updates were kind, so I'd like to visit again." (Naver review, May 11, 2026)
"I visited for a checkup because my vision felt blurry, and there were quite a lot of people waiting. The examination was thorough and long, and everyone was kind, so it was good." (Naver review, April 13, 2026)
The address field is given only as "서울안과의원" (Seoul Eye Clinic), so a full street address cannot be confirmed. The access information — 20 m from Hongdae-ipgu Station Exit 8 — and the phone number 02-3141-3366 are provided. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 09:00–18:00, and Wednesday and Saturday 09:00–13:00; lunch hours are not listed separately. Some reviews describe long waits, so you may want to ask about current waiting times and the registration cut-off before visiting. Booking method and parking information are not confirmed. Confirm by phone whether ICL surgery is performed and whether pre-examination booking is required. Being close to the exit is a locational advantage, but it cannot be linked to surgical suitability or outcomes.
신촌김안과의원 (Sinchon Kim Eye Clinic)
Naver reviews number 259 and blog reviews 122; Kakao and Google reviews and ratings are not confirmed in the provided data. A simple sum of review counts is 381. Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service data confirms two ophthalmology specialists, ophthalmology as the specialty, and one ultrasound imaging device. The reviews provided include both positive comments on medication guidance and explanations and negative comments about staff conduct during an appointment. No ICL-related experiences or confirmation of whether the clinic performs the surgery appear in the provided data.
"The director explained things kindly and well." (Naver review, June 12, 2026)
"I went because my eye hurt; they explained things well, my eye pressure test was normal, and I was prescribed eye drops." (Naver review, June 9, 2026)
The address is 4F, 4 Sinchon-ro 16-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 신촌로16길 4 4층), 117 m from Sinchon Station Exit 8. Hours are Monday–Friday 09:00–18:00 and Saturday 09:00–13:00; lunch hours are not in the provided data. The phone number is 02-332-2972 and a website link is provided. Booking method and parking are not confirmed in the data, so check by phone before visiting. The fact that this clinic lists the most ophthalmology specialists in the data is worth noting when choosing, but it does not indicate experience or outcomes for a specific procedure. If you want an ICL consultation, separately confirm whether the surgery is performed, what the pre-surgical tests involve, who would be in charge, and whether follow-up care is available.
맑은빛성모안과의원 (Malgeunbit Seongmo Eye Clinic)
Kakao rating 3.4, Google rating 4.5, with 372 Naver reviews, 191 blog reviews, 1 Kakao review, and 5 Google reviews. A simple sum is 569. Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service data confirms one ophthalmology specialist and ophthalmology as the specialty. Reviews describe careful symptom explanations and examinations, but those are individual general eye care experiences and should be kept distinct from ICL reviews.
"The doctor found not only my current symptoms but other problems too, and explained in detail that blood vessels and an injury had formed on my cornea, so I finally understood the cause." (Naver review, July 30, 2026)
"Kind, and they examined me thoroughly." (Naver review, February 24, 2026)
The address is 6F, Mabel Building, 5 World Cup-ro 14-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (서울 마포구 월드컵로14길 5 마벨빌딩 6층), 54 m from Mangwon Station Exit 1. Hours are Monday–Friday 09:00–18:00 and Saturday 09:00–13:00. Lunch hours, booking method, and parking are not in the provided data, so call 02-322-7211 before visiting. Some reviews describe being able to ask enough questions and receive explanations, so it is practical to write down your questions in advance. However, there is no data confirming whether this clinic performs ICL surgery or any surgery-specific information. If you are considering surgery, do not compare cost alone — ask about suitability based on examination results and about the follow-up plan.
At a glance
Naver ratings were not in the provided data, so all are marked "Not available." Total reviews are a simple sum of each clinic's Naver, blog, Kakao, and Google review counts and may include overlap between platforms.
| Clinic | Naver rating | Kakao rating | Google rating | Total reviews | Ophthalmology specialists | Location | Notes from the data |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 빛사랑안과의원 (Bitsarang Eye Clinic) | Not available | 4.3 | 4.5 | 8,373 | Not available | 8 m from Sinchon Station Exit 2 | 1,049 Naver reviews; reviews on LASIK/LASEK and follow-up care |
| 김의원 (Kim Clinic) | Not available | 4.1 | 3.6 | 424 | Not available | 213 m from Hongdae-ipgu Station Exit 1 | Reviews on eye inflammation and dry eye care |
| 서울안과의원 (Seoul Eye Clinic) | Not available | Not available | Not available | 855 | 1 | 20 m from Hongdae-ipgu Station Exit 8 | Ophthalmology specialist and ultrasound imaging device confirmed |
| 신촌김안과의원 (Sinchon Kim Eye Clinic) | Not available | Not available | Not available | 381 | 2 | 117 m from Sinchon Station Exit 8 | Two ophthalmology specialists confirmed |
| 맑은빛성모안과의원 (Malgeunbit Seongmo Eye Clinic) | Not available | 3.4 | 4.5 | 569 | 1 | 54 m from Mangwon Station Exit 1 | Reviews on explanations during care |
Checklist for choosing an ICL clinic
- Whether the surgery is offered — First confirm that the clinic actually performs lens implant (ICL) surgery. From this data alone, that could not be confirmed for any of the five clinics.
- Individual suitability testing — Ask what tests are done at the consultation and how the results are explained, and request an assessment of your own eye condition.
- Lens type and the reasoning behind it — Ask whether it is a posterior chamber ICL or a toric ICL for astigmatism, and what criteria are used to choose.
- Total cost for both eyes and what is included — Check whether the surgical fee covers tests, medication, and follow-up visits, and whether extra costs apply.
- Cases where surgery is not recommended — Ask whether test results could make surgery unsuitable, and whether alternatives would be explained.
- Treating staff and the care pathway — Ask who handles the consultation, the surgery, and post-surgical care, and whether you meet the medical staff at each stage.
- Post-surgical follow-up — Confirm the schedule for regular checkups in advance, and how to contact the clinic and get care if something seems wrong.
- Time for explanations and questions — See whether you can ask questions until you understand possible side effects, recovery, and returning to daily life.
- Booking, waiting, and access — Confirm by phone before visiting whether booking is required, the lunch hours, the registration cut-off, and whether parking is available.
As of 2026, the cost reference information provided is 4,000,000–6,000,000 KRW for bilateral posterior chamber ICL and 4,500,000–7,000,000 KRW for toric ICL for astigmatism. The data also notes that discounts tend to be small because lens costs make up a large share. There is reference information that ICL can be an option for very high myopia or thin corneas, but whether it suits you requires testing and a clinician's judgment. The figures given are not individual clinic quotes or fixed prices.
Warning signs to watch for
- Being rushed toward surgery without tests or a suitability explanation — Ask for the test results and the reasoning behind the surgical choice before deciding.
- Costs, inclusions, or extra charges not clearly stated — Check whether the price is for both eyes and whether tests and follow-up visits are included.
- No explanation of side effects or of when surgery is not advised — Ask about limits and alternatives, not just the benefits.
- An unclear post-surgical care plan — Confirm the regular checkup schedule and how to reach the clinic if you have problems.
These are points to check during a consultation, not a verdict on any clinic. Do not judge a clinic's safety or quality of care from one or two reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Which eye clinics near Hongdae-ipgu Station perform lens implant (ICL) surgery?
The provided data does not state whether any of the five clinics performs ICL surgery, so no specific clinic can be named as a surgical provider. Call the clinic directly to confirm whether the surgery is offered and to book a consultation and testing.
Does the clinic with the most reviews also do ICL surgery well?
That cannot be concluded. Bitsarang Eye Clinic stands out in the provided data for review counts and ratings, but those reviews mostly describe LASIK, LASEK, and general care. Review counts do not prove ICL experience or surgical outcomes.
How much does lens implant (ICL) surgery cost?
The 2026 cost reference information provided is 4,000,000–6,000,000 KRW for bilateral posterior chamber ICL and 4,500,000–7,000,000 KRW for toric ICL for astigmatism. Actual costs must be confirmed clinic by clinic, along with what is included.
Can I get ICL surgery if I have very high myopia or thin corneas?
The provided data says ICL can be an option for very high myopia and thin corneas. Whether surgery is possible for you personally must be confirmed through testing and a clinician's judgment.
Can I book an English-speaking consultation at these clinics?
The data behind this comparison does not say which of these clinics offers English-speaking consultations or interpreters, and language support varies by clinic. Call ahead or check the clinic's own booking page to ask whether an English-speaking doctor or interpreter is available, whether consent forms are translated, and whether testing and consultation need to be booked together. Bringing your passport or ARC and any previous eye records will make the visit easier.
What should I check before visiting?
Ask by phone whether ICL surgery is performed, whether consultation and testing require a booking, the opening and lunch hours, the registration cut-off, and whether parking is available. For some clinics, lunch hours and parking information are missing from the collected data.
The bottom line
When choosing a clinic near Hongdae-ipgu Station, do not judge ICL suitability or surgical skill from reviews and ratings alone. In the provided data, Seoul Eye Clinic is close to Hongdae-ipgu Station Exit 8 and lists one ophthalmology specialist, while Sinchon Kim Eye Clinic lists two. Bitsarang Eye Clinic stands out for review counts and ratings but is near Sinchon Station, and no ICL-related information was confirmed for it. Before visiting, ask directly about whether the surgery is performed, testing, cost, and follow-up plans.
This article is general comparison information about medical providers based on the reviews and registration data provided; it is not a diagnosis or a treatment recommendation. Whether ICL surgery suits you and what the risks are depend on your own eye condition, so decide in consultation with an ophthalmologist. Reviews and ratings can change depending on when and on which platform they were collected.
Last updated: 2026-10-21