Renting a Washing Machine & Dryer in Korea (Drum, Top-load, Washtower)
A washer is one of the first things you need in a new Korean home — and buying one upfront is a big cost. Renting a washing machine (세탁기) or dryer (건조기) spreads it into a small monthly fee, with delivery, installation, and A/S handled for you. Here's how it works for foreign residents.
Washer types in Korea
- Drum (드럼) — front-loading, gentle on clothes, and it can stack with a dryer or come as an all-in-one. Popular in officetels and apartments.
- Top-load (통돌이) — loads from the top, usually cheaper and simpler; good value for one person or a couple.
- Washtower (워시타워) — a washer and dryer built into one tall unit to save floor space.
- Wash-and-dry combo — one machine that both washes and dries, ideal where space is very tight.
Do you actually need a dryer?
Many newcomers underestimate this. Korea has a humid summer and a long rainy season (장마), and fine-dust days make outdoor drying unpleasant. A dryer (건조기) is increasingly treated as essential rather than a luxury. If you rent both, a stacked drum + dryer or a washtower keeps the footprint small.What to check before you rent
- Capacity (kg) — one person is fine with a smaller washer; families need more.
- Space & plumbing — measure the laundry spot and confirm the water inlet and drainage.
- Self vs visit care — some plans include periodic visit maintenance; others are self-managed for a lower fee.
Monthly cost & contract
The advertised monthly fee usually assumes a contract length (약정), and a partner-card discount can lower it further. Renting avoids a large upfront payment and typically includes A/S during the term. Compare against buying in our rent vs buy guide.How to rent as a foreigner
- Browse washers & dryers or use the 30-second Finder.
- Compare type, capacity, monthly price, and contract in your language.
- Tap Apply — the operator arranges delivery and installation. A common requirement is at least one year of remaining stay.
Frequently asked questions
Drum or top-load — which should I rent?
For one person or a couple on a budget, a top-load (통돌이) is simple and affordable. If you want gentler washing, plan to stack a dryer, or want to save floor space, choose a drum (드럼). You can compare both in your language on SETKORA.
Can I rent just a dryer?
Yes — you can rent a dryer on its own, a washer on its own, or both together. If space is tight, a washtower or a wash-and-dry combo puts everything in one footprint.
Do I need a Korean credit card?
Payment is by the account holder's own card, and a partner-card discount is optional. You don't need anything unusual — the final setup is confirmed during consultation.
SETKORA is a rental brokerage (통신판매중개자), not the contracting party. Prices assume a contract term and, where noted, card-spending conditions; final terms are confirmed during consultation.