How to Get Glasses in Korea
Fast and Easy, Order and Pick Up in 30 Minutes to 1 Hour!
Are you visiting Korea? If you need a new pair of glasses, why not take advantage of your trip and get them here? Getting glasses in Korea is quick, efficient, and hassle-free. Whether you’re in Seoul for a few days or a week, you can get your eyes tested and pick up your custom glasses in just 30 minutes to 1 hour!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting glasses in Korea, from the eye test to choosing frames, and picking up your new glasses in record time.

1. Step 1: Walk Into Any Optical Shop – No Reservation Needed
The best part about getting glasses in Korea is the convenience. You don’t need an appointment! Simply walk into any local optical shop in your neighborhood or the popular shopping areas like Myeongdong, Gangnam, or Hongdae. Most optical shops in Korea offer walk-in services with no prior reservation required.
Once you step into the store, you’ll be greeted by staff, and you can immediately get your eye exam and start the process of choosing new glasses. The eye test typically takes around 10-15 minutes, and many stores provide English-speaking staff, so there’s no need to worry if you don’t speak Korean.
This makes it incredibly convenient for tourists to get their eyes tested and order glasses while exploring the city.
2. Step 2: Choose Your Frame – Stylish and Affordable Options
After completing your eye test, it’s time to pick your frames. Korean optical stores offer a wide variety of frames, from metal to plastic options. Whether you want something sleek and minimalist or more bold and trendy, you’ll find it here. And the best part is that the prices are affordable for both budget and designer options.
- Metal Frames: Lightweight and stylish, perfect for a minimalistic look.
- Plastic Frames: Durable and available in many styles and colors.
- Combination Frames: Ideal if you want a premium, high-quality feel.
Korean eyewear brands like Gentle Monster and Fossil offer trendy designs that you can’t find easily elsewhere, giving you the opportunity to pick something unique.
3. Step 3: Pick Your Lenses – Tailored to Your Needs
Next, you’ll need to select your lenses. Whether you need single vision, progressive, or bifocal lenses, there are many options available. If you spend a lot of time on the computer, consider blue light blocking lenses, which help reduce eye strain. You can also opt for UV protection lenses or anti-glare coatings for added comfort and protection.
- Blue Light Blocking Lenses: Perfect for people who spend a lot of time in front of screens.
- UV Protection: To keep your eyes safe from harmful UV rays.
- Anti-Scratch Coating: Adds durability to your lenses.
Choosing the right lenses tailored to your needs will ensure your new glasses are comfortable and functional.
4. Step 4: Quick Lens Production – Receive Your Glasses in 30 Minutes to 1 Hour
The process of getting your lenses made in Korea is quick and efficient. Once you choose your frames and lenses, most optical stores will have your custom glasses ready in just 30 minutes to 1 hour!
The staff will prepare your lenses, cut them to fit your selected frames, and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the perfect fit. You can even try on the glasses to make sure everything is comfortable before you leave the store.
5. Step 5: Payment and Pick-Up – Easy and Convenient
Once your glasses are ready, it’s time to pay and pick them up. Most stores accept credit cards, cash, and mobile payment options like KakaoPay or Naver Pay. You can expect to pay around ₩50,000 to ₩200,000 ($40 to $160) depending on your frame and lens choice.
Many optical shops also offer discounts or membership programs for repeat customers, so be sure to ask about any ongoing promotions.
Where to Get Glasses in Seoul: Top Locations for Fast Service
If you’re in Seoul, here are the best places to get your glasses quickly:
- Myeongdong: Known for its bustling shopping streets, this area has many optical shops offering quick service.
- Gangnam: A fashionable area that boasts premium eyewear stores with trendy, high-end options.
- Hongdae: A youthful, artistic neighborhood with eyewear shops offering unique designs.
- Insadong: Ideal for finding traditional, artistic frames that stand out from the typical styles.
All of these areas have optical stores where you can walk in, get your eye exam, and have your glasses ready in less than an hour.
Why Get Glasses in Korea? The Benefits
- Fast and Convenient: No need for an appointment – just walk in and get your glasses in 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Affordable Prices: Enjoy high-quality frames and lenses at reasonable prices.
- Wide Selection: Choose from trendy designer frames or more affordable options.
- Custom Fit: Adjustments are made to ensure your glasses fit comfortably.
- English-Speaking Staff: Many optical shops in Korea offer services in English, making it easy for tourists to get what they need.
Conclusion: Get Your Perfect Pair of Glasses in Korea Today
If you’re visiting Korea and need new glasses, don’t miss out on the opportunity to get them made quickly and conveniently. With 30-minute to 1-hour turnaround times, you can walk into any optical shop, get your eyes tested, choose your frames, and walk out with your custom glasses in no time.
Whether you’re looking for stylish eyewear, high-quality lenses, or a custom fit, Korea has everything you need for a quick and seamless glasses shopping experience. So why wait? Head to an optical shop in Seoul today and get your new pair of glasses!