After arriving
to South Korea I found out about one more households’ heating system. It is floor
heating system also known as Ondol Heating. The word “Ondol” means warm stone. In Korea almost every house has this
kind of floor heating. Unlike the western
style, Koreans are accustomed to sitting on the floor, sleeping on the floor,
and working and eating at low tables.
It is interesting to know that first
source of heat was a fireplace located in the kitchen or on the outside wall of the living room. Moreover,
this system was used both for cooking and for heating. Usually the kitchen was
lower than heating room. The difference in level made it easy for the smoke and
hot air to run under the floor of the elevated room.
This technology had
used for centuries, but like everything
in Korea, it's been modernized over time. In South Korea over 90%
of the houses have radiant floor heating. Ondol floors basically are heated by hot water or an electrical heating
system.
Ondol is still a big part
of Korean culture. It is nice to feel warm
under your feet that much warmer than indoor air. So it is more comfortable to sit on
the floor rather than on the cold chairs. And I agree that it is a real bonding
experience!
oh, your post remind me of the time of childhood. I had lived with my grandmother for months. she had a ondol system also used for cook. i wanted to cook potato, so i made a fire. then she scolded me for heating room.. It's impressive to see structure of ondol! To me the first picture is also familiar.
ОтветитьУдалитьI was surprised when I realized that ondol is used only in Korea. I think this is so much good for our health! And I agree that ondol is a big part of Korea culture.
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