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When you first start living in Korea, even simple daily tasks can feel unfamiliar. Laundry is a good example. A washing machine may look familiar, but Korean labels and slightly different settings can make it confusing at first.

In many studios and officetels, you may also find a washing machine without a dryer. In that case, you will need to dry your clothes indoors or use a self-service laundromat.

Here is a simple guide to doing laundry in Korea.

1. How to Use a Washing Machine in Korea

Most Korean studios and officetels have either a front-loading or top-loading washing machine. The exact buttons may differ by model, but the basic process is usually similar.

Put your laundry inside, add detergent and fabric softener, turn on the machine, and choose a washing cycle. If you are not sure which cycle to use, 표준 (Normal) is usually the easiest option for everyday laundry.

Here’s what the buttons on the washing machine mean:

Front-loading machines often have separate compartments for detergent and fabric softener, so check the drawer before starting. Avoid using too much detergent, as it may make rinsing less effective.

2. What If There Is No Dryer?

Many small studios and officetels in Korea have a washing machine but no dryer.

The most common solution is to use a drying rack and dry your clothes indoors. Opening a window or using a fan or dehumidifier can help your laundry dry faster.

Ventilation is especially important during Korea’s humid summer and rainy season. In winter, indoor drying may also take longer depending on the temperature and humidity.

For towels, blankets, or large loads, using a dryer at a nearby self-service laundromat can be much more convenient.

3. How to Use a Self-Service Laundromat

In Korea, self-service laundromats are commonly called coin laundromats (코인세탁방) or self-service laundry shops (셀프빨래방).

The basic process is usually:

Choose a machine → Load your laundry → Pay → Wash → Use the dryer

Depending on the laundromat, you may be able to pay by card, cash, kiosk, or mobile app. Some machines automatically add detergent, while others require you to add your own, so check the instructions before starting.

To find one near your home, search for 코인세탁방, 셀프빨래방, or laundromat on Naver Map or Kakao Map.

Laundromats are especially useful for large items such as blankets or when you have a lot of laundry at once.

4. Useful Korean Laundry Words

Learning just a few Korean words can make using a washing machine much easier.

Doing laundry in Korea may feel confusing the first time, but it quickly becomes part of your routine. Once you understand the basic buttons and know where to find a nearby laundromat, laundry becomes much easier!