How do self-service laundromats (빨래방) work in Korea?

Self-service laundromats called 빨래방 or 코인세탁 are everywhere in Korea and very easy to use. Most are open 24 hours and unmanned, so you just walk in anytime. The machines accept coins (100 won and 500 won) or increasingly accept card payment and mobile payment through apps like KakaoPay.

A typical wash cycle costs about 3,000 to 5,000 won and takes around 30 to 40 minutes. Dryers cost about 1,000 to 2,000 won per 10-minute cycle and you usually need 2 to 3 cycles to fully dry a load. Detergent is often dispensed automatically by the machine, but some older laundromats have vending machines selling single-use detergent packets for a few hundred won. Bring your own fabric softener if you want it. Most machines have instructions in Korean only, but the buttons are straightforward: select water temperature (cold, warm, or hot), load size, and press start. A useful tip is to avoid going on weekend mornings when they tend to be busiest. Some newer laundromats also have large machines for blankets and comforters that cost around 8,000 to 10,000 won per cycle.