When I found out that you could buy super cheap prescription
glasses in Seoul, I was like “YES!”. If you’re not aware of it already, I have
terrible eyesight. Like, really bad eyesight. I’m practically blind. So I rely
heavily on my contacts and glasses. The idea that I could broaden my eye glass
collection for cheap was so exciting!
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| The table I picked my glasses from! |
It might seem a little overwhelming at first when you’re
looking to buy prescription glasses. Most places have a florescent eyeglass
sign above the door. The trick is to find the stores that offer cheap prices
because there are stores that sell high-end, expensive glasses. And buy
expensive, I mean a couple hundred bucks for the frames alone! In order to find
the right store, feel free to walk in, browse and ask how much frames are to
get an idea of their prices. Some cheaper glasses stores are more obvious that
they have cheap glass (some have a table full of glasses with a sign that says
20,000 won, 30,000 won, etc)
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| This is the store where I bought mine! |
The store I bought my prescription glasses at was in
Nongdaemun market. Don’t ask me where because I can’t remember where it was, I
just know I got them in this area. I paid 65,000 won for two pairs of
prescription glasses. That’s about $65! Talk about insane right?! In the United
States, I’ve paid anywhere from $250 to $450 for glasses.
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| The cat-shaped glasses I bought! |
It’s really best if you have your prescription on you, so
you can make sure you’re getting the right lenses. I remembered what mine is,
so I was able to make sure I was getting the right prescription. Fear not
though, they usually all have a free check-up to see what your prescription is.
I just figure it’s better to know before you go to be certain.
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| The large framed glasses I bought |
I chose the frames I liked and my mom and I left for about
an hour and walked around the market. Some nicer places serve you free coffee
and tea while you wait too! When we came back, the guy working there had my two
pairs of glasses ready! They came with a case and a little cloth to clean the
lenses with.
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| There are glasses everywhere |
Overall, don’t be intimidated to shop around! There are TONS
of eyeglass shops around Seoul, and it’s almost the thrill of the search to try
to find the best deals and cutest frames. Plus, they’re used to people popping
in, asking the price, and shopping around more. Let me know in the comments
below if you have a specific store that you love to go to in Seoul. I’m sure
other readers would like to know! Happy shopping and travels!!
Xoxo, Morgan
