Korean Job Discussion Forums

DanseurVertical · Joined: 24 Nov 2010

My school was constructed in 2008. In its hallways are signs (posted last winter) explaining how the building will be kept at 18�. Some people might think that's a little chilly for indoors, so the sign shows images of a cute cartoon penguin.

But in fact, my school keeps its hallway windows open. The cute penguin image makes better sense. Today's high is 3�, and our hallways are probably just around 3�.

I like fresh air as much as anyone else, but why have double glass windows if not for insulation? In case of poison gas attacks?

So now I wonder, is this common in Korea, keeping windows open in cold conditions?

fermentation · Joined: 22 Jun 2009

Very common. It supposedly keeps the air fresh. Just get a damn air purifier. Might as well with all the money you're wasting on heating.

wallythewhale · Joined: 12 Mar 2009

Typical. Welcome to Korea.

My halls are usually colder than outside. And I have to do speaking tests throughout the week with them out in the frozen tundra. Shocked

myenglishisno · Joined: 08 Mar 2011 Location: Geumchon

My PS teacher's office used to be like this. I'd be the first one in sometimes, so I'd turn on the heat and shut the windows that had been left open all night. Just as I'd start to warm up, the Korean teachers would arrive and the department head would immediately open all the windows and turn the heat down.

This was in January.

I don't really know why this happens!

Weigookin74 · Joined: 26 Oct 2009

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ondol

With the traditional ondol heating, floor spots closer to the furnace were normally warm enough with warmer spots reserved for elders and honored guests. Ondol had problems such as carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from burning coal briquette, and environmental pollution. For these reasons, other technology heats modern Korean homes.

My theory as to why Koreans open the windows so much in the Winter is about the carbon monoxide poisoning that used to happen a lot until about 40 years ago.......the habit of opening windows to clear 'bad air' has been passed on to the current generations.......even though they don't need to do it anymore the habit persists.