Before we dig into some great hidden gems in Seoul, you need to keep in mind that you should rest for the first 24 hours after getting your surgery before doing anything.
Here are few things you should avoid after laser eye surgery:
- Do not rub or put pressure on your eyes at all costs.
- To prevent eye strain and ensure a speedy recovery, avoid all screens – TV, smartphones, tablets, computers, e-readers – and any activities like reading that require intensive use of your eyes on the day of surgery.
- Use artificial tears as often as possible throughout the day, and blink frequently to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
- Wear sunglasses or a hat on bright days, and protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation.
- You shouldn’t drive at least 24 hours after surgery so get someone to escort you home.
- Do not wear makeup since it can get into your eyes and cause irritation which will impede healing.
- Do not perform any strenuous activities like going to the gym for one month after the surgery.
- Do not go near dusty areas since dust can go into your eyes which might cause infection or irritation.
After a full rest, you should feel back to normal with clearer vision. With that being said, let’s take a look at a few places where you can go!
National Museum of Korea
Yongsan-dong 6-ga 168-6 (Seobinggo-ro 137), Yongsan-gu
Museums can be a quiet and relaxing place for you to visit after eye surgery. It would be a peaceful learning experience for those who came to Korea for an eye surgery. This flagship museum is now located in Yongsan Family Park after being moved around from various locations since 1945. The first floor contains an archeological and historical gallery. The second floor is where you will find calligraphy and paintings, as well as donated works from individual collectors. Here you can browse artifacts dating all the way back to 1392, representing the earliest days of Korean civilization. On the third floor, they have Buddhist sculptures, ceramics and art representing Asian culture.
Café DIOR Seoul
Apgujeong-Ro Seoul 464, Apgujeong-Ro, 5th Floor
This is another peaceful relaxing place to go when you want to have a cup of coffee with a unique experience. Although it is a bit pricey, you can enjoy the unique Christian Dior experience in a café. A cup of tea is around 20,000 won or around $20 USD. If you like Christian Dior and want to enjoy a cup of coffee, this is a good place to come after an eye surgery. Location isn’t that far away from the mecca of plastic surgery clinics.
CERAGEM Café
210-1 Godeok-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul
It’s located in eastside of Seoul but they are franchised so they are also in various other locations. This is a unique café where you can get a massage for free only with a purchase of a beverage. Ceragem specializes in making massage beds and they’ve been around for many years and are famous for being the best. And so they decided to turn their stores into a café where people can come in and actually enjoy a comfortable massage while enjoying a cup of coffee with a friend. It’s like killing two birds with one stone! The massage lasts about 30 mins and the staff can set the intensity level to your desired level. There’s no better way to spend 5,000 won for a massage and a cup of coffee after an eye surgery.
Amorepacific Museum of Art
100 Hangang-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
The Amorepacific Museum is located in the architectural wonder that is the Amorepacific HQ building. A jaw droppingly beautiful building designed by David Chipperfield Architects. Said about the building “The masterplan is clearly inspired by visions of the early modern movement, where solitary buildings define urbanity by forming a city of objects.” The museum is located on the bottom floor and is a maze of interactive art installations that will keep you mind and your eyes enthralled as you stroll through the area. You will see light exhibitions, mirror installations that change as you move and even a sandbox with a projector on a huge floor that uses your reflection to create art. For anyone interested in contemporary art, this is an absolute must.
Indoor Golf and Baseball
If you are more actively inclined than you have the option of visiting one of Seoul’s many indoor Golf and Baseball rooms. You can go and relax with a couple of beers and some friends and play a virtual round of golf or baseball. Just be careful not to work up a sweat, you want to keep it light.