
Traditional Korean sitting lifestyle took root in Korea through the use of the goodeul. Let's examine the goodeul and especially the beautiful goodeul chimneys of Gyeongbok Palace.
A goodeul is made up of four structures: agoongi, gorae, goodeuljang, and a chimney called goosae. You can see a goodeul’s structure in the below photo.
Firstly, several pieces of firewood are placed in the agoongi, and then heat from the burning wood heats the goodeuljang spread under the room. The heated goodeuljang warms the room. Finally, smoke passes through the gorae, which is a tunnel under the goodeuljang, and the smoke gets out of the gorae through the chimney.

The process is efficient because the heat and smoke generated during cooking is
transported automatically to each room in the house. Usually the kitchen would be built at a lower level, and the heated rooms would be in an elevated position to allow the flues to run underneath. Many people may think that the heat would be quickly lost within a couple of hours; in fact, the floors can retain their warmth for from 30 days up to three monthsdepending on the design of the structure, with just one heating. Little energy is wasted. About 80% of thermal energy is used to heat rooms. That is compared with western fireplaces which use 30~40% thermal energy for heating rooms. That proves goodeul’s excellent energy efficiency. In addition, goodeuls are free from smoke and ash.
These days, modern energy devices such as boilers use gas to heat water that circulates under the floor to warm the room. People still have much interest in goodeuls, because they know it is the best present inherited from our intelligent ancestors.

In the past, all Korean traditional houses had chimneys. They were not special in size or shape, but Gyeongbok Palace's chimneys are different. There are five national treasures in the palace. Two of those national treasures are chimneys designated as a treasure No. 810 and 811 by the government in 1985. National treasure No. 810 is the chimney belonging to Jagyeongjeon, the living quarters of the king’s mother. This chimney is known as the Chimney of the Ten Symbols of Longevity. The chimney attached to Jagyeongjeon has four corners with patterns on the surface. The patterns show symbols of longevity such as the sun, rock, a herb of eternal youth, a turtle, and a crane praying for Queen Sin-jung's health. This chimney was the most beautiful functioning chimney in the Joseon Age.

*There is a website related to the goodeul. It introduces one place where you can learn how to make a goodeul. The tuition is free. If you want more information, please visit http://www.goodul.co.kr/ and apply for the course.