Ondol

A model of a Korean home, from the 1910 Japan-British Exhibition, showing the stone foundations with holes for inserting or managing the ondol

Ondol is a traditional system of under-floor heating developed in Joseon dynasty Korea.

Ondol became relatively widespread in the 1600s, and was effected by a system of warmed stones kept under the floor of a wooden building; people enjoyed the heat by walking around with their shoes off, or by sitting or lying on the floor. Ceilings were built at a lower height in order to help keep the heat in.

References

• Gallery labels, British Museum.[1]