Korean Job Discussion Forums

[PeteJB]

I've been thinking lately of getting rid of my bed (the mattress is totally worn out) and replacing it with a Yo instead of another bed. I have slept in them before a long time ago, but not for an extended period of time. I am curious what everyone here uses. Do you use a bed, or a Yo - and what are the reasons for liking what you have? I've always found that a Yo is too uncomfortable if you want to sleep on your side, and I have to be honest even if I sleep uncomfortably I prefer being elevated slightly than sleeping on the floor - a habit I could probably change. I guess it's like that old superstition of sleeping with your back to the door.

And if someone can recommend a good bed dealer that'd be good too. Hoping to find a service that'll take my current one away...

[UknowsI]

I don't know what a Yo is, but since it's not a bed I guess it's a futon? I used to use one for a month or two before I got a bed, and I must say I didn't sleep that well. I usually sleep on my stomach, and my arms would often fall asleep and hurt when I woke up. Buying a bed was the best investment I've done while in Korea.

[caniff]

Unless I'm really tired/shi-faced I sleep terribly on a mat/yo. Then again I'm a skinny F, so maybe the more beefy folks don't have a problem.

[Senior]

What's a yo? Is it the futon or the hard bed? The few times I have slept on the floor in Korea, haven't been that bad. I think I could get used to it. My bed is hard as a rock, anyways. We evolved with dirt as a mattress and rocks for a pillow. So, I am sure a hard bed won't kill you.

[HalfJapanese]

Here is a youtube video showing a "YO"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExfOEcPhIEY

The "YO" is the mattress and the cover is called "Ibul"

[Cerulean]

I've used a yo on and off for a few years. I feel the draft too much during the winter to sleep this way so I always use a bed during the winter months.

I find them more comfortable when I put an extra duvet on top and sleep on that as well.

You'll never know until you try it.

Let us know if you do try it and what you think.

[taobenli]

We use a yo. I have slept on Korean beds before and generally don't find them that comfortable (too hard, which I know is better for you, but somehow they don't feel right here). We started using a yo about 8 months ago and haven't missed having a bed. It was really nice in the winter when the ondol heat was on. It's important to buy the thick yo, though (usually 35,000 won or so), and not the ones that are as thin as carpets. Also, these thick ones tend to get worn down after about 6 months, and should then be replaced. After about 7 months of using our old one it started to be uncomfortable to sleep on my side, but we bought a new one today and it's very comfortable.

I'm a fan, and though they're not quite as comfortable as thick Japanese futon, they're cheap and easy to transport in a move. I'm even thinking of getting some shipped back when we leave, if it's not crazy expensive to do so...

[djsmnc]

It's not bad at first, but once it gets worn in a bit you star feeling some pain in your shoulders and back. It's really hard if you ever sleep on your side. I recommend a bed.

[salgichawa]

[schwa]

I've got a perfectly fine bed in my spare room but I sleep on a thin old yo by choice. Have done for years. Ondol in cold seasons is awesome. I usually fall asleep on my back but switch to either side no problem, never wake with an ache or pain. Guess I'm built for spartan.

[Lolimahro]

My husband, son and I all use a yo. My son has his own yo that we fold in half for a bed of his own. I have three of these mats in total, all bought at different places.

We have been sleeping on a yo for 9 months. It's not quite as comfortable as a bed but I've always preferred a firmer mattress anyway. I was having a lot of pain from sleeping on a yo but when I started running and doing abdominal exercies regularly my back pain disappeared (and came back when I started slacking...). I'm not saying that's a cure for everyone, but it helped me a lot.

I recommend checking out the yo section of Homeplus or Emart. We went to Dongdaemun thinking we'd get a good deal on a yo and cover but it actually cost more than the one we bought later at homeplus. I recommend buying two and stacking them on each other, because they can wear out fairly quickly.

In the winter, there is quite a draft coming from under the cabinets that kind of cancels out the lovely ondol effect you get of having a warm mattress. However, we went to Songtan and bought a king-size double-layered "mink" blanket and it has been FABULOUS. We paid 40,000 won for it and it was probably the best thing I could have done.

Since the three of us are living in a oneroom (studio) apartment, the space we save by having a yo and folding it up during the day is very valuable. Our bed took up half the room and that was just not doable for us. Maybe if you could borrow one from a friend (if you know anyone who has one) or you catch one on sale at Homeplus (we bought ours there, it came with a cover for 35,000 won or something like that, the Dongdaemun yo + cover was 53,000) you could give it a try for a little while. But, like I said before, I highly reccommend stacking two yos together or putting down some kind of mattress pad.

Good luck with your decision!

[Chucky]

Sometimes I use a yo.

When I meet my friends or principal I say " Hey yo wassup dogg".

[ACT III]

If you wnat a little more support you can go for a tatami. You usually find sellers at all the major markets and I think they're better than yos

[v88]

I love sleeping on the floor. I kind of don't like beds. I prefer to sleep on a yo...but I admit, I use 3 of them, either that or I put some yoga mats down then 2 yo. In the summer it's cooler and in the winter its warmer (because of ondeol). My Korean wife though prefers her bed...even though it's as hard as the bloody floor.

[nosmallplans]

I went all out and spent W200,000 on a memory foam yo and it's the best thing I've ever slept on. I dread the thought of sleeping in a bed when I return to America.