Centennial Anniversary of Special Envoy to the Hague
- June 27, 2007


“A truly great country is not one with extensive territory nor population. Even though its territory and population may be small, a country with great people becomes a great country. A great person, for the sake of his mother country, becomes the blood of his country’s life.” - Patriot Lee Chun

The Eulsa Treaty signed in 1905 under Japan’s coercion put Taehan Cheguk (the Empire of Korea) into the crisis of losing its national sovereignty and diplomatic privileges. Faced with this crisis, Korean Emperor Gojong dispatched in secret a cadre of special envoys made up of Lee Sang-Sol, Lee Chun, and Lee Wi-Jong to the Second Hague Peace Conference being held in The Hague, Netherlands in June 1907. Their mission was to engage in diplomatic activities aimed at appealing to the world’s great powers to invalidate the Eulsa Treaty and restore Taehan Cheguk’s national sovereignty. Carrying Emperor Kojong’s credentials and secret messages, the suite of special eonvoys arrived at The Hague after two months of journey via Russia. At The Hague, they sent letters to the delegation of each country attending the Conference to elicit support to allow their participation in the Peace Conference. They also strived, through open speeches and media broadcasting, to inform the international community of the wretched situation that Korea was in. After Japan’s interruptions stifled their plan, Lee Chun died in a fit of anger while Lee Sang-Sol and Lee Yi-Jong toured Europe, continuing to conduct diplomatic activities aimed at recovering Korea’s national sovereignty.

In commemoration of the centennial commemoration of the dispatch of the special envoys to The Hague, a new stamp featuring “The Hague envoys and Emperor Kojong’s letter of proxy” is issued. The sublime spirit of these envoys who fought for their mother country‘s independence and peace in faraway lands should be forever remembered.

The 50th Anniversary of the Promulgation of the Children's Charter - May 4, 2007
First Day Entire Cover to Belgium (zone 3)


“Dignity for all children without discrimination, esteemed as a pioneering influence to lead the country into a better future, to grow as upright, beautiful, and courageous individuals (excerpt from the preamble to the Children’s Charter...) 2007 marks the 50th anniversary of the declaration of the Children’s Charter. As the term of respect for the child, the word “Eorini” was coined in 1920 by Sopa Bang Jeong-Hwan, who dedicated his entire life to enhancing the potential of children. By establishing “Saekdonghwoi,” the first cultural movement in Korea dedicated to the welfare of children, he performed many activities as a pioneer of children’s human rights movement in Korea. He pushed for the dedication of the “Day of Children”, and published magazines for children. In honor of “Let’s Respect the Children” ? the catchphrase used during his lifetime -, the Children’s Charter was declared on May 5, 1957, which was revised in 1988 to the current Charter with 11 Articles. Anticipating that our children will grow as Koreans who will lead Korea into a brighter future, just as declared in the Children’s Charter, and grow as global citizens contributing to peace for all mankind, a new stamp is being issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of the Children’s Charter. This new stamp, in the form of stickers, projects the sweet smell of strawberry.

Centennial Anniversary of the Foundation of the Republic of Korea National Red Cross - October 27, 2005


October 27, 2005 marks the centennial Anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Korea National Red Cross.

Founded by Jean Henri Dunant in 1863, the International Red Cross has contributed to world peace through a wide range of humanitarian activities protecting life and health and promoting respect for humanity.

The Red Cross Movement in Korea launched in 1905 when the Republic of Korea National Red Cross Charter was established and promulgated through decree No. 47 by emperor Gojong. Under the Japanese colonial rule, however, the Movement’s activities were suspended in 1909 and the Provisional Korean Government in Shanghai, China established a new Korean Red Cross Society in 1919. Later, in 1949, it was reorganized as the Republic of Korea National Red Cross of today.

Led by volunteers, the organization helps people in need including orphans and the elderly living alone. In addition, the humanitarian organization engages in a wide variety of activities by providing relief to victims of disasters, both locally and globally, support for the North Korean people, health and medical services and promoting the reunion of families separated by the Korean War, blood donation and Red Cross Youth activities.

It has been one century since the Republic of Korea National Red Cross started and continued its operation with the spirit of love for fellow human beings and voluntary service. Celebrating the centennial and wishing the organization success in the century ahead, a commemorative stamp has been issued.

Celebrated Mountains of Korea Series (2nd) - October 18, 2005


The second series of Celebrated Mountains of Korea introduces Mt. Jirisan, the grand mountain at the southern end of the Baekdu mountain range, which originates from Mt. Baekdusan in North Korea.

Mount Jirisan possesses the largest single mountain area in South Korea, spanning over 471.758㎢ in North and South Jeolla provinces and South Gyeongsang province. Even without having to mention its 10 most impressive scenes viewed from different spots on the mountain, including sunrise from Cheonwangbong peak, clouds from Nogodan, sunset from Banyabong peak, royal azaleas at Seseok, the moon from Byeoksoryeong, autumn leaves in Piagol Valley, the enchanting scenery at Yeonhabong peak, Buril Falls, Chilseon ravine, the clear water of the Seomjingang River, Mt. Jirisan is deeply rooted in the hearts of Koreans as a sacred mountain

Baraebong Peak
Late April every year, Baraebong Peak of Mt. Jirisan proudly displays strong pink tints of royal azalea. The royal azaleas blossom along the mountain ridge from the peak down to Pallangchi, creating groups of blossoms which are as neat as if trimmed by people. The groups of royal azaleas were created by sheep grazing in the 70s, as they ate the sprouts of trees and left those of the royal azalea, which were poisonous

Ikki Falls
The Baemsagol Valley has falls with untouched natural beauty. The falls flow against a wall of tiered rocks covered with moss as smooth as silk. The appearance gave the nickname of “silken thread falls” to Ikki Falls, which amazes viewers with its beauty.

Piagol Valley
Piagol valley is a valley over a stream stretching 40-ri from Yeon-gok temple, at the upper stream of Yeon-gok stream. By mid-October, the valley clothes itself with spectacular, colorful leaves that only nature can create. Piagol valley maple leaves are known for their three reds, as they give red tints to the mountain, the stream and the people.

Cheonwangbong Peak
Cheonwangbong Peak, the highest peak of Mt. Jirisan at 1,915m above sea level, commands a magnificent view of an endless sea of clouds. The west rock wall of the peak has characters for "cheon-ju" engraved, which means a pillar that supports the sky. The peak is known to have the best scenery of the top 10 beauty spots at Mt. Jirisan. The sun rising from the clouds is such an impressive sight that it is said that it is granted only to people whose ancestors for three generations have done virtuous deeds.