If you are planning a longer trip to South Korea, you may be wondering whether you can wash your clothes without paying for an expensive hotel laundry service.
The short answer is yes, Korea has many self-service laundromats. They are commonly found in residential neighborhoods, near universities, around guesthouses, and close to long-stay hotels.
Korean laundromats are usually clean, modern, and relatively easy to use. However, payment methods and instructions vary by location, so there are a few things American travelers should know.
What Is a Laundromat Called in Korea?
A laundromat is commonly called a self-service laundry or coin laundry in Korea.
You may see Korean signs with these words:
- 셀프빨래방 — self-service laundromat
- 코인세탁소 — coin laundry
- 코인빨래방 — coin laundromat
- 셀프세탁 — self-service laundry
Some stores also use English names such as “Coin Laundry,” “Self Laundry,” or “Wash and Dry.”
How Do You Find a Laundromat?
Use Naver Map or Kakao Map and search for:
셀프빨래방코인세탁소코인빨래방coin laundry
Google Maps may show some laundromats, but Naver Map and Kakao Map usually provide more complete local results in Korea.
Before carrying your laundry to a store, check recent photos and reviews. Look for information about operating hours, payment methods, machine condition, and whether instructions are available in English.
For more useful navigation and travel tools, read Essential Apps You Need for a Trip to Korea
Are Korean Laundromats Open 24 Hours?
Many self-service laundromats in Korea operate 24 hours a day, especially unmanned locations. However, not every store is open around the clock.
The entrance, payment kiosk, or building containing the laundromat may have limited hours. Always check the posted schedule or map listing before visiting late at night.
For your first visit, going during the day or early evening may be easier. You will have more time to understand the machines and find another laundromat if the payment system does not work for you.
How Do You Use a Korean Laundromat?
The basic process is similar to using a self-service laundromat in many other countries:
- Sort your clothes before loading the machine.
- Choose a washer based on the size of your load.
- Select the washing course.
- Add detergent if the machine does not dispense it automatically.
- Pay at the machine or central kiosk.
- Start the washer and check the remaining time.
- Move your clothes to a dryer after the wash is finished.
- Select the drying time and temperature.
- Pay for the dryer and start the cycle.
- Return before the cycle ends and remove your clothes promptly.
Select the washing course carefully before paying. Some machines will not allow you to change the course or open the door after the cycle begins.
Do not overload the washer or dryer. Clothes need room to move, and an overloaded dryer can take much longer to finish.
Do You Need to Bring Detergent?
It depends on the laundromat.
Many newer Korean laundromats automatically dispense detergent and fabric softener as part of the wash cycle. For example, Cleantopia states that detergent and fabric softener are automatically included at its self-service coin laundry locations.
Other stores may require you to add detergent yourself or purchase a single-use package from a vending machine.
Before adding anything, look for instructions on the washer. If the machine already dispenses detergent automatically, adding more may leave residue on your clothes.
Travelers with allergies or sensitive skin should be especially careful. If you need fragrance-free detergent, check the machine information or bring a small amount of your preferred product—but only use it if the laundromat permits outside detergent.
How Do You Pay?
Payment methods vary by laundromat.
Depending on the store, you may be able to pay with:
- Coins
- Korean won bills at a change machine
- A prepaid laundry card
- A central payment kiosk
- A Korean credit or debit card
- A local mobile payment app
During my trip to Korea in 2025, I was able to pay at a self-service laundromat using my U.S.-issued American Express card. However, payment systems vary by location, so travelers should not assume that every laundromat will accept American Express or other foreign-issued cards.
Carrying small Korean won bills and coins is the safest option. If the store uses a prepaid card or mobile app, check whether purchasing or registering it is worthwhile for a single visit.
For more information about cash and card payments, read Do I Need Cash in Korea?
How Much Does Laundry Cost?
Prices depend on the neighborhood, machine size, washing course, and drying time.
A regular wash often costs approximately 4,000 to 7,000 Korean won, while using a dryer may cost another 3,000 to 6,000 won. Large machines for blankets and bulky items generally cost more.
Dryers may charge according to blocks of time. Heavy cotton clothing, jeans, and large loads may require additional drying time.
Always check the displayed price before loading the machine because rates vary by store.
Can You Leave While Your Clothes Are Washing?
Many Korean laundromats are unmanned, and customers sometimes leave briefly while a machine is running.
However, it is better to remain nearby or return before the cycle finishes. Other customers may be waiting to use the machine, and leaving finished laundry inside for a long time is inconsiderate.
Set a timer on your phone based on the time shown on the machine. Keep valuable belongings with you and do not leave your wallet, phone, or travel documents unattended.
Can You Wash Shoes?
Some Korean laundromats have washing machines and dryers specifically designed for shoes.
Only use a machine if it is clearly marked for footwear. Do not place shoes in a regular washer or dryer unless the posted instructions specifically allow it.
Heat can damage shoes, glue, decorations, and waterproof materials. Expensive or delicate shoes should be taken to a professional cleaner instead.
What Should You Not Wash?
A self-service machine may not be appropriate for:
- Leather or suede
- Silk
- Wool items that may shrink
- Structured suits or coats
- Clothing with delicate decorations
- Waterproof items that prohibit machine washing
- Expensive or irreplaceable clothing
Always check the care label first. If an item requires dry cleaning, search for 세탁소, which means a full-service cleaner, rather than a self-service laundromat.
Do Korean Hotels Have Laundry Rooms?
Some hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and extended-stay accommodations provide washing machines for guests. The machines may be free, coin-operated, or available for a small fee.
Full-service hotels may offer professional laundry service charged by the item. This is convenient, but it is usually more expensive than using a self-service laundromat.
Before booking, check the hotel’s amenity list for “laundry facilities,” “coin laundry,” or “washing machine.” Do not assume that every hotel has a guest laundry room.
For other hotel information, read Do Korean Hotels Provide Toiletries?
Tips for Doing Laundry in Korea
- Visit a laundromat before you run out of clean clothes.
- Bring cash as a backup.
- Check whether detergent is automatically included.
- Separate light and dark clothing.
- Do not overload the machines.
- Set a phone timer and return before the cycle ends.
- Use a mesh laundry bag for small or delicate items.
- Check the dryer temperature before starting.
- Keep your valuables with you.
- Photograph the machine instructions if you need time to translate them.
Final Answer
Yes, there are many laundromats in Korea. Search for 셀프빨래방 or 코인세탁소 on Naver Map or Kakao Map to find one near your hotel.
Most operate similarly to self-service laundromats in other countries, but detergent and payment methods vary. Bring some Korean won, read the machine instructions carefully, and confirm whether detergent is automatically included before starting your wash.
Using a Korean laundromat during a longer trip can help you pack fewer clothes and leave more suitcase space for shopping and souvenirs.