Fo many Koreans, one of the most comforting parts of life is the ondol, the heated floor system that warms homes from the ground up. In winter, nothing feels better than sitting on a warm floor with a blanket and a cup of tea. Many visitors are surprised by how even and gentle the warmth feels compared to radiators or blow heaters.
Ondol doesn’t dry the air, and families often relax, stretch, or even nap on the floor. It’s a tradition that connects modern apartments with centuries of Korean culture, blending warmth with a deep sense of home.
During winter, mornings in Seoul often start with people lingering on the warm ondol floor, enjoying the heat before stepping out into the cold. Outside Korea, mornings usually begin with chilly floors and drafty air, making the contrast noticeably different. Ondol gives Korean mornings a uniquely cozy rhythm.
Vocabulary:
- 온돌 (ondol) → heated floor
- 따뜻하다 (ttatteuthada) to be warm
- 집 (jip) home
- 휴 (hyu) rest / relaxation
- 아침 (achim) morning
Related Articles:
- Hot water and heated floors
- Preparing for the cold weather part one and part two
- Cold weather and staying warm
