Life

🤓 Glasses broken? International student eyeglass store guide

2026-06-01

Have you just arrived in Korea and found it hard to see the board in class, or were you embarrassed because your glasses broke?

It's already hard to communicate, so you might feel lost about what to do at an optician or if you can buy lenses online.

If you're worried it may take days or be expensive, don't worry. Korean optical shops are surprisingly fast and very affordable!

Don't worry too much. I'll explain step by step how to get glasses and lenses easily and wisely in Korea! ✨

When you first visit a Korean optical store, it's normal to feel anxious not knowing the process or prices.

After entering, you first get an eye exam.
Then you choose the frame and lenses you want, pay, and pick them up.
Blue light+UV blocking lenses vary by option, from 40,000 to 170,000 KRW.
Basic lenses are made relatively fast, but multifocal or special lenses may take more time to produce.

👉 Just knowing the process will make your visit to the optical shop much more comfortable!

You may be surprised that, even after browsing a lens brand website, online payment or delivery isn't possible.

In Korea, contact lenses are treated as medical devices, so you generally need to visit a store in person.
On March 28, 2024, the Constitutional Court also ruled it constitutional to ban online sales of lenses by opticians.
Brands like 'LensMe' also instruct you to reserve online, then pay and pick up at an offline store.

👉 It's easier if you select the design online first, then visit a store in person!

You may want pretty color or convenient one-day lenses and be curious about prices and types.

Most monthly color lenses are around 30,000 KRW.
Some daily one-day lenses are available for about 19,000 KRW.
One-day lenses are convenient, but if used daily, the cost adds up. Compare them with monthly lenses based on your usage.
Color lenses may look fashionable, but because they touch your eyes directly, checking safety standards is very important!

👉 If you choose lenses that fit your lifestyle, you'll save money and keep your eyes comfortable!

If your eyes hurt or your vision drops while wearing lenses, you might be unsure where to go.

If it just feels like your eyesight got worse, it's okay to get checked at an optical shop.
But if you have pain, redness, discharge, or sensitivity to light, stop wearing lenses immediately.
With these symptoms, it's best to visit an eye clinic before going to an optical shop.
The KDCA also advises to see a doctor right away if you develop any abnormal symptoms.

👉 Healthy eyes are most important, so visit a hospital first if there's any pain!

It's easy to think you're done after getting the right prescription, but storage and care are just as important!

Be sure to follow the correct wearing time, curve, material, and proper cleaning and storage methods.
Avoid wearing lenses while swimming or bathing, as there's a risk of infection.
Wash your hands before touching your lenses.
Never share someone else's lenses or use old lenses!

👉 Manage your lenses cleanly for clear and bright days in Korea!

✔️ After an eye exam, you can choose frames and lenses, and special lenses may take a few days longer.

✔️ Contact lenses are medical devices, so online delivery is restricted. You must visit a store in person.

✔️ If you have pain or redness, remove your lenses immediately and visit an eye clinic first.

Wishing you joyful days in Korea with clear and bright vision! 🌟

VIVISA organizes the following information in an easy-to-understand way.

Don't worry about student life and part-time work in Korea anymore—start easily with VIVISA! ✨