24/7 Coin Laundromats in Korea 2026: The Ultimate Wash & Dry Guide

So, you've got a suitcase full of clothes that smell like BBQ and humidity, and you're staring at your tiny Airbnb washing machine that has no dryer. Can you find a 24/7 laundromat in Korea? The short answer is yes.

In 2026, coin laundromats (locally called "Coin Wash" or "Ppallaebang") are absolutely everywhere in South Korea. They are clean, safe, open 24 hours a day, and most importantly—they have huge industrial dryers. This is critical because most Korean homes dry clothes on racks, which takes days in the humid summer. For about 10,000 KRW (roughly $7.50 USD), you can wash and bone-dry a massive load of laundry in just over an hour. You don't need to speak Korean, but you do need to know how to navigate the new cashless kiosks that are taking over.

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Key Takeaways

1Korean coin laundromats are open 24/7 and are the only reliable way to get clothes bone-dry in under an hour, as most homes lack dryers.
2A full wash and dry cycle costs approximately 10,000 KRW ($7.50 USD) and takes about 60 to 75 minutes total.
3Download Naver Map and search for 'Coin Laundry' immediately, and bring both a credit card and cash, as 2026 kiosks can be tricky with foreign cards.

📋 Quick Facts

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Average Cost

8,000 - 12,000 KRW

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Total Duration

60 - 75 Minutes

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Availability

24/7 (99% of spots)

The Rise of the Coin Wash Boom

To understand why laundromats are so cool in Korea right now, you have to understand the housing situation. Historically, Koreans dried clothes on balconies (verandas). But as we moved into the 2010s and 2020s, air quality issues like fine dust and the shrinking size of "one-room" studio apartments made air-drying a nightmare.

Enter the "Coin Wash Boom." Around 2009, companies like Cleantopia started putting industrial washers in neighborhoods. But the real shift happened around 2015 with brands like WashEnjoy. They realized that if people have to wait an hour for laundry, they might as well be comfortable. They introduced "Laundry Cafes"—places with AC, decent coffee, and Wi-Fi that actually works.

Fast forward to 2026, and the industry has split. You now have the hyper-convenient apps like LaundryGo that pick up your dirty clothes while you sleep, and the physical "Lounge" laundromats that serve as neighborhood hangouts. It’s no longer just about cleaning clothes; it’s about surviving Seoul's fast-paced life efficiently.

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1992

Cleantopia Founded

The first major laundry franchise launches, initially focusing on dry cleaning before pivoting to coin-op models.

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2009

Coin Wash Boom

Following the global financial crisis, self-service laundromats explode in popularity due to the rise of single-person households.

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2015

WashEnjoy Era

The introduction of 'Lounge' style laundromats, turning them into cultural spaces with coffee and Wi-Fi.

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2019

Mobile Laundry Wars

Apps like LaundryGo launch, offering overnight pickup/delivery, challenging physical laundromats.

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2023

Contactless Kiosks

Rapid shift toward kiosk-based payments, reducing the need for 500-won coins but complicating access for tourists without local numbers.

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2026

The Hybrid Evolution

The latest trend sees laundromats merging fully with unmanned cafés, gyms, and convenience stores for a 'lifestyle station' experience.

Comparing Your Laundry Options

Okay, so you need clean clothes. Let's look at your actual options depending on your trip type.

Option A: The Coin Laundromat (The Tourist's Best Friend) This is what this guide is about. It's fast (1 hour), cheap (under 10,000 KRW), and available at 3 AM when you're jet-lagged. It's best for tourists, digital nomads, or anyone washing heavy bedding. Trust me on this one: If you have thick jeans or towels, skip the home washer and come here.

Option B: The Laundry Apps (The Expat's Secret) If you are living here for a month or more, download LaundryGo or LaundryCommando (Se-tak-teuk-gong-dae). You leave your bag outside your door at 10 PM, and it returns clean and folded by 7 AM the next day. It’s pricier (think 15,000 KRW+), but it buys you freedom. The catch? You usually need a Korean Alien Registration Card (ARC) and a local payment method to sign up.

Option C: Hotel Laundry (The Budget Killer) Unless you are on a corporate expense account, avoid this. Hotels in Gangnam will charge you 20,000 KRW just to wash a few shirts.

Feature	Coin Laundromat	Laundry App	Hotel Service
Cost	8,000 - 12,000 KRW	15,000 KRW+ (fees)	20,000 KRW+ per load
Processing Time	~1 Hour (Immediate)	24 Hours (Overnight)	24 - 48 Hours
Requirements	Physical visit	Korean Phone # + Card	Just a laundry bag
Best For	Tourists, bulky coats	Expats, professionals	Business travelers

Top Laundromat Brands and Locations

While you can find a laundromat on almost every corner, the experience varies by brand. Here are three distinct types you might encounter.

1. WashEnjoy Self Laundry (Premium Lounge) Often found in hip areas like Hongdae, these are premium spots. They feature Electrolux machines, premium lounge seating, and free Wi-Fi. It is a popular spot for students, so try to visit early in the morning (around 7 AM) to avoid the wait.

Price: Mid-range (Approx 5,000 KRW wash / 5,000 KRW dry)
Vibe: Cafe-like, comfortable.

2. Urban Launderette (Luxury Eco) Located in areas like Gangnam, this is an eco-friendly luxury laundry cafe. They use organic detergents and often have a tea bar and minimalist design. It feels more like a spa than a laundromat.

Price: Premium (Higher cost for eco-detergents)
Vibe: Minimalist, high-end.

3. Cleantopia Coin Wash (Standard Franchise) Available in almost every neighborhood, this is the standard reliable option. The "Coin Wash" side is open 24/7, but they often have a staffed counter for dry cleaning during the day (9 AM - 8 PM).

Price: Budget friendly.
Vibe: Functional, reliable.

Understanding the Costs

Before you head out, it helps to know exactly what you will spend. Prices have risen slightly in 2026 due to energy costs, but it remains very affordable compared to hotel services.

Option	Price	Category	Description
Standard Wash (20kg)	4,500 - 5,000 KRW	Budget	Basic wash for 1 week of clothes.
Large Wash (30kg)	6,000 - 7,000 KRW	Mid	Good for thick winter blankets or 2 weeks of clothes.
Premium Wash	8,000 KRW+	Luxury	Includes anti-bacterial sanitizing and hot water.
Dryer (30 min)	4,000 - 5,000 KRW	Mid	Standard drying cycle (500 won per 3-4 mins).
Shoe Wash	5,000 KRW	Budget	Wash & Dry for up to 5 pairs of sneakers.

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Pros

✓The Holy Grail: Dryers. Korean apartments rarely have them, so this is the only way to get fluffy, dry clothes in 30 minutes.
✓The 'Shoe God' Machine. Dedicated sneaker washers clean 6 pairs at once and actually work—perfect for muddy travel shoes.
✓Vibe & Wi-Fi. Modern spots like WashEnjoy are cleaner than hospitals, offering AC and fast internet while you wait.

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Cons

✗The Kiosk Barrier. Many 2026 machines require a Korean phone number, forcing tourists to hunt for coin exchangers.
✗The Waiting Game. You are stuck there for an hour, which can be boring without a book or data plan.
✗Detergent Confusion. Some machines inject soap automatically; others require buying a packet. Messing this up means washing with just water.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using a Korean Laundromat

Ready to do this? Let’s walk through the actual process of using a Korean Coin Wash in 2026.

📖 How to Master a Korean Coin Laundromat in 60 Minutes

📝 4 Steps

Step 1: Locate & Enter

Open Naver Map (Google Maps is often outdated) and search for 'Coin Saetakso' or 'Ppallaebang'. Look for brands like Cleantopia or WashEnjoy. Walk in—it is likely unmanned.

💡 Tip: If you see a machine called 'Sneaker Washer', grab it first. It's usually the most popular machine in the room.

Step 2: Pay & Prep

Find the Kiosk. If you have a Korean card/number, register. If you are a tourist, look for the Coin Exchanger. Change your 10,000 won bill into 500 won coins.

💡 Tip: Check the washer display! If it says 'Auto-Inject' (Jadong Tuip), DO NOT put your own soap in. You'll cause a bubble apocalypse.

Step 3: The Wash Cycle

Load your clothes. Turn the dial or press the button to select 'Standard' (Pyo-jun). Insert coins or tap your card. Press Start (Si-jak).

💡 Tip: Use the 35 minutes to go to the convenience store (CU or GS25) next door. Korean laundromats are safe; nobody is going to steal your underwear.

Step 4: The Dry Cycle

Move wet clothes to the Dryer (look for 'Geon-jo-gi'). Insert a dryer sheet (buy from the vending machine for 500 won). Select 'High' for towels/jeans, or 'Medium' for regular clothes.

💡 Tip: Don't be stingy. If you stuff the dryer 100% full, it won't dry. Split it into two machines if you have to.

🎓Expert Advice

Min-ji Park

Goshiwon Manager, 7 years experience

Foreigners always panic when the machine locks. Don't pull the handle! Korean washing machines have a safety lock that engages for the entire cycle. Also, never wash your padded winter jacket (padding) in the normal wash—it will ruin the feathers. Use the 'Padding' cycle or take it to a dry cleaner (Se-tak-so).

Based on first-hand experience|E-E-A-T verified content

Warnings and Tips

There are a few "unwritten rules" and hacks that can save you embarrassment or money.

The "Odor" Hack If the washing machine smells a bit funky before you use it (it happens in humid summers), look for a button that says "Drum Clean" (Tong-se-cheok). It costs about 500 won and rinses the drum before you put your clothes in.

The Pet Rule Do NOT bring your dog's blanket or bed to a standard coin laundry. It is strictly forbidden in 99% of places due to allergies. You will get yelled at by an angry "Ajumma" (older lady) or banned via CCTV. Look for specific "Pet Laundry" shops.

If you are struggling with trash separation for your detergent packets, check our guide on how to recycle in Korea.

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No Korean Phone/ARC? Here's What To Do

This is the biggest headache in 2026. Many new kiosks ask for a phone number to log in. If you are a tourist without a SIM:

Look for the "Coin" slot: Most machines still have a backup coin slot even if they have a fancy screen.
The "Admin" Card: If you're stuck, look for a phone number on the wall (usually labeled "010-XXXX-XXXX"). Text them using Papago: "I am a foreigner, I cannot use the kiosk." Often, the owner can remotely start the machine for you, or they will tell you the code for a guest card.
Just use cash: Always carry 10,000 won in 1,000 won bills. The bill changers rarely accept 50,000 won notes.

For more on navigating payment issues, read our guide on foreign card rejection at kiosks.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on the brand. WashEnjoy and newer machines usually have 'Auto-Inject' (Check for: Jadong Tuip). Older Cleantopia machines might require you to buy a pod from a vending machine on the wall. Always look for the vending machine first—if you don't see soap for sale, it's likely automatic.

Yes! It is very safe. Theft is extremely rare in Korea. However, it is considered rude to leave your clothes in the machine for more than 10-15 minutes after the cycle finishes. People will take your clean wet clothes out and put them in a basket to use the machine. Set a timer on your phone!

Look for the tower machine that looks like it has a brush inside. It's called 'Undong-hwa Setak-gi'. You can fit about 4-5 pairs. It scrubs them with nylon brushes. Then, put them on the weird spikes in the dryer above it. It costs about 5,000 won total and takes 45 minutes.

Hit or miss. The newer kiosks often use local Korean payment processors that reject foreign Visa/Mastercards. However, many now accept NAMANE cards or T-Money. Your safest bet is always cash (500 won coins).

You'll see a button for 'Add Rinse' (Heng-gum Chu-ga). Unless you have very sensitive skin or put in way too much detergent, you don't need it. The standard cycle is usually sufficient.

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Your Action Plan

Doing laundry in Korea isn't just a chore; it's a rite of passage. Here is your plan for your first 24 hours if you need clean clothes:

Go to a convenience store and break a large bill so you have 10,000 won in 1,000 won notes.
Find a WashEnjoy or Cleantopia on Naver Map. If you need help getting there, check our Korean taxi guide.
Go during the "off-hours" (early morning or mid-afternoon) to avoid the wait.
Bring a book, buy a coffee from the machine, and enjoy the AC.

You'll walk out with warm, dry clothes and the satisfaction of having navigated a local system like a pro. Good luck!

Sources

Korea Bizwire - Historical context on coin machine adoption and pricing.
Expat Guide Korea - Pricing structures and machine types.
Korea Travel Post - Step-by-step usage guide for travelers.
Korea JoongAng Daily - Info on LaundryGo and app-based trends.
Urban Launderette Official - Information on premium/eco-friendly laundry trends.