황해봉 국가무형유산, 화혜장
적석赤舃, 청석靑舃 가죽, 비단, 실 27×8×7.5
황해봉 선생님은 국가무형유산 제116호 화혜장 기능보유자이다.
5대째 전통 신발 제작 가문 출신으로, 조선 왕실의 마지막 화혜장인 조부 황한갑 선생에게 기술을 전수받았다.
1970년대부터 전통 신발 제작과 복원 작업에 매진하며, 적석·청석·목화 등 다양한 왕실 신발을 재현해왔다. 1999년 전승공예대전 대통령상을 수상하였고, 2004년 무형문화재 기능보유자로 지정되었다.
신발 제작에는 최소 72단계 공정이 필요하며, 소가죽을 자연 건조하는 전통 방식을 고수한다.
현재 두 아들에게 전통 기술을 전수하며, 전통 신발의 문화적 가치를 알리기 위해 박물관 설립을 꿈꾸고 있다.
Hwang Hae-bong
National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 116, Master Shoemaker (Hwahyejang)
Red Shoes, Blue Shoes, Leather, Silk, Thread, 27 × 8 × 7.5 cm
Master Hwang Hae-bong is the fifth-generation successor of a family devoted to traditional Korean shoemaking, designated as the official holder of National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 116. He first learned the craft from his grandfather, Master Hwang Han-gap, the last royal shoemaker to the Joseon court.
Since the 1970s, Hwang has dedicated his life to crafting and restoring traditional footwear, faithfully recreating royal shoes such as jeokseok, cheongseok, and mokhwa. His skill and devotion earned him the Presidential Award at the Korea Traditional Craft Competition in 1999, and in 2004 he was formally recognized as a national master artisan.
Traditional shoemaking is a demanding process, requiring at least 72 meticulous steps. Hwang continues to uphold time-honored methods, including the natural drying of cowhide, preserving the authenticity of his craft. Today, he is passing on this heritage to his two sons while also nurturing a vision of establishing a museum—one that will share the artistry and cultural significance of traditional Korean footwear with future generations.