Hwahyejang

[1] Historically, the two distinct types of shoe were made by separate specialist craftsmen, the hyejang and the hwajang.

[2] The only surviving traditional hwahyejang in Korea today is Hwang Hae-bong, who operates a small workshop in Seoul.

[6] However, after the Gabo Reform of 1894, traditional leather shoes became less popular, and in the twentieth century were largely superseded by rubber gomusin.

[3][4] Hwahye are still worn for special occasions such as royal weddings, and for days of national mourning.

[4] The shoes are typically made from leather obtained from cows, pigs or sheep, although historically horsehide and deerskin were also used.