Future-Oriented Laundry Brand 'Sweden Laundry' Opens First Store in Korea

[Photo: 'Sweden Laundry' Unjongga 1st Branch Opening Ceremony, Korea Laundry Co., Ltd. CEO Seokyungno / 2nd from right]

The 21st-century futuristic laundry ‘Sweden Laundry’ has opened its first store in Korea at Hanla Vivaldi Unjongga, a new complex in Jongno.

Korea Laundry Co., Ltd., the company behind the successful launch of brands such as ‘Wash & Joy,’ the nation’s first IoT-based self-service laundromat with over 850 stores, the eco-friendly laundry multiplex ‘Urban Landret,’ and the laundry and laundromat-exclusive fintech application ‘Wash & Pay,’ is now directly launching a futuristic laundry service.

This ‘Sweden Laundry’ is the first wet cleaning specialized laundry in Korea. As a futuristic laundry space, it is equipped with self-service washing facilities, dryers, beverage vending machines, and goods vending machines for customers to experience directly. Notably, it has a separate wet cleaning facility where laundry experts called ‘Wet Cleaners’ (water washing specialists) diagnose and prescribe treatments for garments, bedding, sneakers, and other items entrusted separately. It also features ultrasonic washing equipment and an antibacterial drying room, making it a futuristic laundry that seems straight out of a sci-fi movie.

In particular, the inclusion of wet cleaning facilities aims to avoid the use of dry cleaning methods, which are harmful to health and the environment, commonly used by existing laundries and laundry convenience stores. Dry cleaning techniques emit volatile organic compounds harmful to the human body, which can be absorbed through the skin or respiratory system, and long-term exposure may cause peripheral neuropathy, vision impairment, and other adverse health effects. Conversely, the wet cleaning method offers several advantages, including protecting laundry by reducing fabric shrinkage and friction through the use of dedicated washing equipment and biodegradable special detergents, while also promoting health and environmental protection.

Seok Kyung-no, CEO of Korea Laundry Co., Ltd., said, “The brand name ‘Sweden Laundry’ was inspired by the location of Electrolux, the manufacturer of the wet cleaning exclusive facilities, and Sweden, a country known for its nature-friendly and safety-conscious values.” He added, “By presenting a 21st-century futuristic laundry model, we aim to improve the image of existing laundries that are closing down one after another and create new jobs by establishing the profession called ‘Wet Cleaner.’”

Meanwhile, the first ‘Sweden Laundry’ store in Jongno Unjongga held an opening ceremony and ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the launch. For one month, they will run discount events on various laundry courses and give exclusive eco-bags to the first customers each day.