A Historical Study of Ondol

온돌에 대한 역사적 고찰

In Korean housing designs reflect uniqueness as a result of the influence of regional and atmospheric factors. In this regard, the early use of the hot floor (ondol) system is of special significance. This system is still in use today, not only for house-heating purposes in the homes of commoners, but also for cooking in the kitchen. The present study represents an investigation of the ondol structure since its earliest known usage. Methodology involves a documentary examination of the system. In point of time, this begins with the system's earliest usage and proceeds chronnologically down to the end of the Yi Dynasty. Research indicates that something very much like the ondol system appeared in the early tribal society of Mahan and its usage continued in the state of Koguryo (during the Three Kingdoms Period) in the homes of the poor. This unique system which had its origin in cold northern areas was utilized on a much broader basis during the Koryo Dynasty. Coming down to the Yi Dynasty it found acceptance and application in all parts of the peninsula. Variations in major component parts of the structure, such as the fuel hole, the flue, the draft , and the chimney, normally reflect regional dissimilarities. It is perhaps most significant that here-in contrast to other devices we have a system that serves concurrently for both heating and cooking purposes.