Hanoks used to be made out of straw by the low class, since at that time in which the peasants lived out of rice crops, straw was easy to get. Hanoks made with tiles were the residences of the high class. Today Hanoks made with straw are not used as residences, but the ones made with tiles are. A very charming and outstanding characteristic of the Hanok its it's heating system called "ondol". In this system, fire is lighted up under the floors (the reason why the floor of the Hanok is above earth's surface) and the stone layer in the floor is heated. The warm air rises and the room's temperature remains really nice. Also to keep the warmth, the rooms are not very big.
Koreans use the floor a lot. Floors are used for sleeping (using bedclothes which is not very cold since the floor is heated), eating (small folding tables are used), etc. They put their shoes off before entering the house, to keep the floor clean. Hanok houses are kept cool on the summer by opening the doors to let the breeze enter, and Hanoks have more doors than walls, letting the breeze flow through the living spaces.
They are built out of nature's materials, such as: wood, stone, wood, and paper. Wood is used for pillars, doors, floors, and windows. The walls are made of a mixture of earth and straw. Traditional korean paper, Hanji (made of natural wood pulp) is glued to the walls and doors. The floor after being covered with paper is then covered with oil, and this makes it waterproof.
Hanok gives a very comfortable and nice environment. These houses make a really big and beautiful part of korean culture, I would really like to visit one, and feel the coziness and warmth.
