National Committee for the Safeguarding and Promotion of Ondol Culture
K-ONDOL
Safeguarding Korea’s warm-floor heritage. Building its global future.
01 — CULTURE & LIVING HERITAGE
Ondol
온돌|Ondol: Korea’s Living Heritage of Warmth
Ondol is Korea’s traditional underfloor heating culture, developed through architecture, craftsmanship, materials, and everyday life. More than a heating technology, it embodies generations of knowledge about dwelling, warmth, health, and the relationship between people and their living environment.
02 — KEY MILESTONES
2018
Designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage
2026
National Committee Launched
2028 →
Toward UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage
03 — OUR MISSION
Extending a shared heritage into the future.
01
Safeguarding & Transmission
Supporting the intergenerational practice, care and continuity of Ondol knowledge.
02
Research & Documentation
Advancing rigorous study across architecture, technology, communities and climate.
03
Public Experience & Education
Creating accessible ways to encounter Ondol culture through public programmes and learning.
04
International Cooperation
Connecting the heritage of Ondol with global dialogue, research and cultural exchange.
04 — PROJECTS
A field of practice, research and public exchange.
P.01
UNESCO Initiative
Preparing the international foundation for recognition, dialogue and shared stewardship.
P.02
Palace Ondol Research
Documenting the material intelligence and environmental performance of historic palace Ondol systems.
P.03
Ondol Experience Program
Inviting diverse audiences to encounter the knowledge and everyday culture of the warm floor.
P.04
Global Ondol Initiative
A platform for research exchange, policy dialogue and international cultural cooperation.
05 — GLOBAL COOPERATION
A shared platform for heritage, knowledge and future practice.
K-ONDOL works in partnership with local governments, embassies, cultural institutes, universities, heritage organizations, architects and international partners. Together, we build the research, conversation and public understanding that a living heritage requires.
Local governments & heritage organizations
Embassies & cultural institutes
Universities, architects & research partners
06 — NEWS & EVENTS
News, Events & Milestones
2026.08.20
English Edition of Ondol Civilization Published
→
2026.09.02
Launch Ceremony & Ondol Culture Forum
→
07 — PUBLICATIONS
Ondol Civilization: The Warmth Beneath Korean Life and Culture
Published in English as Volume I of the Ondol Culture and Heritage Series, this book presents Ondol as a living cultural heritage shaped by architecture, technology, everyday life, and generations of accumulated knowledge.
Welit Books · 2026 · 241 pages · ISBN 979-8-9940336-7-8
08 — PARTNER WITH US
Building the future of Ondol together.
For Local Governments
Develop place-based Ondol heritage, tourism, education, wellness, and international exchange programs rooted in local cultural assets.
For International Partners
Collaborate on exhibitions, forums, research, cultural exchange, heritage education, and architectural programs introducing Ondol to global audiences.
For Companies & Institutions
Explore partnerships in heating technology, hospitality, wellness, cultural content, research, and ESG-related initiatives.