How to Use a Self-Service Laundry in Korea: A Foreigner’s Quick Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Korean Coin Laundromats (셀프 빨래방)


1. What Is a Self-Service Laundry in Korea?

Self-service laundries, known as 셀프 빨래방 in Korean, are automated 24/7 laundromats where you can:

  • Wash and dry clothes

  • Use large-capacity machines for blankets or duvets

  • Pay with coins, cards, or mobile apps

🧺 They’re perfect for students, travelers, and people living in one-room apartments without washers.

2. How to Find a Laundry Near You

Use these apps or maps:

  • Naver Map or Kakao Map: Search “셀프 빨래방”

  • Common brands:

    • LaundryGo (런드리고)

    • BlueWash (블루워시)

    • Washeria, Coin Wash, B&B Laundry

📍 Most laundromats are located near universities, officetels, and residential areas.

3. What to Bring Before You Go

You’ll need:

  • Your laundry (sorted by type/color)

  • Detergent or pods (some machines auto-dispense; check signage)

  • Coins or card (KRW 500, 1000 bills, or credit/debit card)

  • Laundry bag (to carry clean clothes back)

💡 Some locations sell detergent and dryer sheets via vending machines or include it in the fee.

4. How to Use the Washing Machine (Step-by-Step)

  1. Load clothes into the machine

  2. Add detergent, if needed

  3. Choose wash cycle (usually: 일반세탁 = normal, 이불 = bedding)

  4. Insert coins or tap card

  5. Press 시작 (Start)

  6. Wait 30–40 minutes (average cycle)

📱 Some newer laundromats have digital screens with English instructions.

5. How to Use the Dryer

  1. Load clothes (don’t overfill!)

  2. Set the timer: usually 10 mins per KRW 1,000

  3. Add dryer sheets (optional)

  4. Insert coins or pay by card

  5. Press 시작 (Start)

  6. Wait 20–40 minutes

🔥 Tip: Set longer time for towels or blankets. Most dryers get quite hot.

6. Payment Methods Accepted

  • Coins (KRW 500, 1000 bills)

  • T-money cards or credit cards (depending on the machine)

  • LaundryGo / BlueWash app (for smart laundromats)

📱 Many shops now use QR codes or NFC payment via smartphone.

7. Helpful Korean Phrases for Laundry Day

  • “세탁기 사용해도 돼요?” — Can I use the washing machine?

  • “건조는 몇 분이에요?” — How long is the drying time?

  • “세제는 포함돼요?” — Is detergent included?

  • “현금밖에 안 돼요?” — Does it only accept cash?

🧼 Use Papago camera mode to scan signs and machine instructions.


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