Park Kwang-han, an esteemed shoemaker in Seoul, shares his life-long journey in the craft of shoemaking, revealing that the most significant lesson he learned was from observing his wife's feet rather than from books. His wife suffered from severe bunions even before their marriage, prompting him to create countless pairs of shoes in an attempt to alleviate her pain. Despite his efforts, her discomfort persisted, leading him to realize that the problem lay not in the shoes themselves but in the complex structures of the feet and overall body balance.

As he reflected on his wife's feet over the years, Park began to study the intricacies of foot mechanics, including balance, toe direction, knee angles, pelvic tilt, and walking patterns. He understood that the human body is interconnected, and at the center of this balance is the foot. This realization transformed his perception of shoes from mere commodities to essential tools that support one’s body. He emphasized that the craft of handmade shoes is a vital skill that goes beyond traditional techniques and is deeply connected to understanding bodily health and posture.

Currently, the number of handmade shoe factories in Seoul's Seongsu-dong area has dwindled from over 300 to about 50, and the average age of artisans is nearing 70. Park warns that the rapid decline of this craft does not simply threaten a business but also erodes the invaluable time, experience, and foot health knowledge that artisans possess. He continues to make shoes by appointment, imparting the lessons he learned from observing his wife's feet, emphasizing the importance of this personalized and skilled craftsmanship in maintaining people's well-being.