More Foreign Tourists Are Getting Glasses Made in Korea
Same-Day Service Fits Short Travel Schedules, Fueling Popularity
The “K-Glasses” Boom Expected to Boost Korea’s Eyewear Market
Editor’s Note:
Interest in Korean culture is rapidly growing around the world. Korean products and content — from K-food to K-beauty — are no longer limited to niche fan communities and are increasingly becoming part of everyday life for consumers overseas. K-Holic highlights the global “Korean Wave” and explores why international consumers are paying attention to Korea.
Recently, Korean optical shops have emerged as a new tourist attraction among foreign visitors. Fast service that allows eye exams, lens production, and pickup within an hour, combined with affordable prices and trendy designs, has sparked the rise of the so-called “K-Glasses” phenomenon.
Affordable and Fast: Why Tourists Are Falling for “K-Glasses”
Recently, videos showing foreigners getting glasses made in Korea have been spreading across social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Tourists are sharing their experiences visiting optical shops in Seoul neighborhoods like Hongdae, Seongsu, and Myeong-dong, where they complete eye exams and receive their finished glasses in a remarkably short time.
One Japanese TikToker introduced the experience by saying, “Did you know you can get glasses made on the same day in Korea?” adding that eye exams are free and glasses can be ready within 20 to 30 minutes. Another Japanese creator noted that “you can buy stylish, high-quality glasses in Korea for around 5,000 yen (about $35).”
Some tourists also visit flagship stores of popular Korean eyewear brands such as and to take photos and share them online.
The biggest reason behind the popularity of “K-Glasses” is undoubtedly speed. In countries such as the United States and parts of Europe, it can take anywhere from several days to several weeks to receive prescription glasses after an eye exam. In contrast, many Korean optical shops have in-store lens processing systems that allow customers to complete the entire process — from eye exam to pickup — within 30 minutes to an hour.
This convenience is especially appealing to travelers with short itineraries, as they can purchase new glasses during their trip.
Recommendations for Korean optical shops have also appeared on overseas online communities such as Reddit. One user wrote, “ offers products in various price ranges, provides free eye exams, and can make glasses on the same day.” The user also recommended buying stylish frames from brands like or and then getting prescription lenses fitted at Davich Optical.
Competitive pricing is another key factor behind the trend. Budget-friendly frames can cost around 30,000 won (about $22), while customers can also choose from a wide range of designs. As glasses have increasingly become fashion accessories rather than simply vision-correction tools, more consumers are purchasing multiple pairs to match different styles.
Glasses Become Fashion Items as Market Growth Continues
As “K-Glasses” content continues to gain traction on social media platforms like TikTok, “K-Glasses tours” are now emerging as a new form of tourism alongside K-beauty and medical tourism.
According to travel platform Creatrip, transaction volume for optical shop-related bookings between June and October last year increased by approximately 1,608% compared with the previous five months.
Customers came from a wide range of regions, including Asia, North America, and Europe. Americans accounted for approximately 49% of total reservations, followed by Taiwanese visitors at 26% and Germans at 9%.
In particular, around 44% of reservations at optical shops located in Myeong-dong were booked together with other tourism-related activities, suggesting that Korean optical stores are becoming an essential stop for international travelers.
Experts also expect continued growth in Korea’s eyewear market. Demand for prescription glasses continues to rise due to increased smartphone and digital device usage, while eyewear is increasingly seen as a fashion statement that reflects personal style and individuality.
As more consumers seek glasses and sunglasses tailored to their tastes, product variety is also expanding.
According to a report by market research firm , Korea’s eyewear market is estimated to be worth approximately $3.4 billion in 2025. The market is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 4.81% from 2026 to 2034, reaching an estimated $5.3 billion by 2034.