Why Do Koreans Sleep on Stone Beds?

Walk into a Korean home and you might find a massive, flat slab of marble or jade in the bedroom. Don’t be alarmed—it’s not a table. It’s a stone bed, and yes, people actually sleep on it.

From Heated Floors to Heated Beds

Koreans have long used ondol, a traditional underfloor heating system. Stone beds are the modern extension of this idea—they warm your body from below as you sleep, just like a heated floor.

It’s Not Just About Warmth—It’s About Health

Many Koreans believe that sleeping on a heated stone bed helps improve circulation, relieve back pain, and even detoxify the body. It’s especially popular with older adults, who see it not as a luxury, but as a long-term health investment.

The Bed Your Parents Probably Have

Ask any Korean, and they’ll probably say, “My parents have one.” That’s because stone beds became wildly popular in the early 2000s thanks to home shopping TV shows showing happy seniors sleeping peacefully on them.

Do Young Koreans Use Them Too?

Surprisingly, yes! These days, younger Koreans are opting for sleeker, more modern stone beds that match their minimalist apartments. Some even come with smart temperature controls via smartphone apps.

But... Isn’t It Uncomfortable?

That’s the question foreigners always ask. True, it’s not your fluffy memory foam mattress. But Koreans usually lay a thick pad or mat on top. The result? Firm support with soothing warmth—a kind of “healthy hardness.”

Where Can You Try One in Korea?

Curious to try it out? Even if you’re just visiting Korea, there are a few ways to experience a stone bed firsthand.

1. Jjimjilbang (Korean Sauna)

Most jjimjilbangs have heated rooms with stone floors—look for ones labeled “jade room,” “germanium room,” or “yellow soil room.” Lay down a towel and relax. It’s basically a giant communal stone bed!
Recommended: Dragon Hill Spa (Yongsan, Seoul), Spa Lei (Gangnam), Spa Rex (Jongno)

2. Healing Cafés or Hot Stone Therapy Studios

In areas like Hongdae, Gangnam, or Busan, you’ll find healing cafés that let you rent time on hot jade beds. Search for keywords like “healing stone,” “thermal therapy,” or “spa café.”

3. Hanok Stay or Airbnb with Stone Beds

Some traditional hanok stays or Airbnb rentals feature stone bedding or heated stone sleeping platforms. Check the listing descriptions for terms like “heated stone bed” or “ondol stone sleep.”

Want to Try One Yourself?

Stone beds aren’t for everyone—I’ll be honest, they didn’t quite work for me… haha 😅

But during winter, they’re incredibly warm. The heat stays steady and cozy, and you honestly feel like your whole body is melting—in a good way. I actually bought one for my dad’s place, and he absolutely loves it.

As for me, I still prefer a soft, springy mattress. But I thought some of you might enjoy learning about something totally unique you can only find in Korea, so I wanted to share it here today!

Got questions or curiosities? Leave a comment below! I’ll do some digging and come back with another fun post soon 😄

Want to explore more unique parts of Korean culture? Check out what it's like to stay at a traditional Korean temple (Templestay)—a peaceful escape into silence, nature, and mindfulness.