Taebaek’s First Public Blanket Laundry Establishes Itself as a Model for Elderly Job Creation

Over 3,000 Users Annually, 99% Satisfaction Rate
A Community Care Platform Where Seniors Support Seniors

Taebaek City in Gangwon Province (Mayor Lee Sangho) announced on December 4 that Bodmi Laundry, the first public blanket laundry in Taebaek, has entered its fourth year since opening and has established itself as a core infrastructure of the local welfare safety net, encompassing care for vulnerable groups and the creation of jobs for the elderly.

Bodmi Laundry, the first public blanket laundry in Taebaek City, has entered its fourth year since opening and has established itself as a core infrastructure of the local welfare safety net, encompassing care for vulnerable groups and the creation of jobs for the elderly. Provided by Taebaek City

Since its opening in July 2022 in the Jangseong district (Mungok-Sodo-dong, Jangseong-dong, Goomoonso-dong, Cheoram-dong), Bodmi Laundry has provided free large blanket laundry services and welfare check-ins for about 3,000 vulnerable residents each year. The laundry has also created stable jobs for 28 elderly individuals, consistently generating diverse social value.

The Jangseong district is a super-aged area where the population has continued to decline since the closure of local mines, and the elderly population ratio exceeds 45%. As the demand for daily care continues to rise, the systematic, community-based support provided by the public blanket laundry has greatly enhanced residents’ trust in supporting organizations such as Taebaek City and Kangwon Land, while also contributing to the stabilization of the local care system.

In a satisfaction survey conducted in 2025 among senior users and elderly job participants, more than 99% responded that they were "satisfied" or "very satisfied," indicating a highly positive response.

Senior users expressed deep gratitude not only for the convenience of having their heavy blankets washed without having to carry them outside, but also for additional services such as companionship, faucet replacement, and minor household assistance-support that goes beyond laundry to address daily living needs.

Elderly job participants also reported high satisfaction, citing the ability to manage their own time, form social relationships with colleagues, and receive stable income support. This demonstrates that the public blanket laundry serves as more than just a workplace, but as a space that brings vitality to their lives.

Lee Junho, Director of the Taebaek Senior Club, stated, "In order to ease the inconvenience of laundry for seniors and create a happy environment in their later years, we provide not only blanket and sneaker washing services but also practical care through immediate on-site solutions for minor daily needs."

He added, "We also operate the 'Happiness Messenger' text service, the 'No & No Care' health program, outreach promotions at senior centers, and the 'Love Call' welfare check-in service. Moving forward, we will continue to develop this space as a community care hub where seniors can share warmth and monitor each other's well-being."

Meanwhile, Bodmi Laundry continues to show steady growth as a local care model of "seniors helping seniors." The number of user households has increased by 150 to 340 each year, reaching 932 households as of November 30, 2025. The laundry operates a one-stop service system, covering everything from collection to washing, drying, and delivery of blankets and sneakers.

Operations for 2025 will continue until December 18, and the laundry is scheduled to reopen in mid-February 2026 after a two-month preparation period. Looking ahead, Bodmi Laundry plans to further expand its role as a community care hub that combines care and job opportunities, maintaining ongoing communication with local residents in need.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.