HiPHILA

Gwamegi (과메기), Korean half-dried pacific herring or pacific saury made during winter.

2012-01-12T23:48:00.001-08:00

KOREA, Tapgol Park

2012-01-09T01:05:00.000-08:00

http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264603

CHINA, China 2011 - 27th Asian International Stamp Exhibition - November 11, 2011

2011-12-19T01:25:00.000-08:00

KOREA, 2011 Millennial Anniversary of the Tripitaka Koreana - September 23, 2011

2011-09-29T00:52:00.000-07:00

A thousand years ago, work commenced on Korea’s first woodcut Tripitaka, the “Chojo Daejanggyeong” or "the First-edition Tripitaka Koreana.” Tripitaka (Daejanggyeong) is the collection of “Gyeongjang (Sutra Pitaka),” the compilation of Buddha’s utterances, “Yuljang (Vinaya Pitaka),” the record of Buddhist precepts and “Nonjang (Abhidhamma Pitaka),” the translation of what Buddha said. It was during the Goguryeo era in the 4th century that Buddhism was first introduced to Korea. It steadily developed over the eras of Baekje and Silla to reach its heyday during the Goryeo era. With the background of this Buddhist culture and in the face of the frequent invasions by the Khitan, Goryeo’s excellent scientific technologies, the art of printing and economic power were combined to create "Tripitaka Koreana," which embodies Goryeo people’s desire to overcome those invasions through the mercy of Buddha.

Work on the First-edition Tripitaka Koreana began in the 2nd year of King Hyeonjong’s reign (the year 1011) during the Goryeo dynasty and its first engraving on woodblocks was accomplished in the 4th year of King Seonjong’s reign (the year 1029). The engraving resumed in 1046 and was completed in 1087. Based on the Gaebopan Tripitaka (the year 971) during the Northern Song dynasty, the world’s first woodcut Tripitaka, as well as referencing a selection of other Tripitakas in circulation during those days, the First-edition Tripitaka Koreana was created as Goryeo’s own unique Tripitaka. The superb cultural and academic foundations of those times resulted in the great feat of manufacturing “Gyojang,” the collection of Scriptures and Commentaries on the Tripitaka – the only one in the world. Currently, about 3,000 fascicles of the First-edition Tripitaka Koreana exist, holding a high bibliographical value. As the First-edition Tripitaka Koreana, stored at the Buin Temple in Palgong Mountain located in Daegu, was destroyed by fire in 1232 when Mongols invaded Korea, Jaejo Daejanggyeong (the Second-edition Tripitaka Koreana) was created from the 23th year (the year 1236) to the 38th year (the year 1251) of the reign of King Gojong of the Goryeo dynasty, which finally completed the 240-year-long, mammoth project of Tripitaka Koreana. This Second-edition Tripitaka Koreana, more commonly called Palman Daejanggyeong, was designated, along with its Depositories (Janggyeong Panjeon), as a UNESCO Memory of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage, respectively, in recognition of its cultural excellence.

In celebration of the millennial anniversary of the Tripitaka Koreana, various events are being held this year including international workshops. In addition, a new step leading to the next millennium is being undertaken through the database work on the First-edition Tripitaka Koreana. Celebrating the Millennial Anniversary of the Tripitaka Koreana, one of our proud cultural heritages, a commemorative stamp is issued that features “the 15th volume of Yugasajiron (Yogacaryabhumi sutra)” and “Eojebijangjeon" engraving -- the printed papers of the First-edition Tripitaka Koreana.

JAPAN, Gundam using Personalized stamp - March 25, 2011

2011-09-08T01:13:00.001-07:00

KOREA, IAAF World Championships Daegu 2011 - August 26, 2011

2011-09-05T01:27:00.000-07:00

The IAAF World Championships, where competitors from all over the world will achieve incredible athletic feats, will be held for 9 days from August 27 to September 4 2011, in Daegu.

The event was created by IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federation), and the IAAF World Championships was first held in Helsinki, Finland in 1983. Since its 3rd competition, it has been held every other year — on odd number years. The slogan of this year’s 13th competition is “Sprint Together for Tomorrow.” At this year’s competition, a total of approximately 6,000 athletes and officials from 212 countries around the world are expected to participate and display the skills they have polished through grueling training in a total of 47 events such as the long jump, the high jump, the javelin throw, the shot put, race walking, and the marathon, as well as the iconic track events such as the 100m, 400m, 1500m and the hurdles.

Daegu, the host city for this competition, is the city of textile, fashion and apple, with dense forests and a clean river winding through the city. Also serving as the host city for the 2013 World Energy Congress, Daegu is being reborn as an environment and alternative energy city, after being recently designated as “solar city-Daegu” by the IEA (International Energy Agency).

In celebration of the 2011 IAAF World Championships, two stamps are issued, each stamp featuring the sprint and the pole vault as ink-and-wash painting utilizing croquis sketching. It is hoped that this year’s competition will be a great success where people, through track and field events – the elite of sports – will thrill to record-shattering competition among world renowned athletes and be imbued with a profound spirit and true sportsmanship.

2011-08-16T02:22:00.000-07:00

KOREA, The Age of Dinosaurs (2nd) - August 11, 2011

As the second installment of the “Age of Dinosaurs Series,” Jurassic dinosaurs of the Mesozoic Era are introduced.

Jurassic Period of the Mesozoic Era, which spanned about 50 million years from about 199.6 million years ago to 145.5 million years ago, refers to the period that followed the Triassic Period. In this period, giant reptiles such as dinosaurs thrived on the land, and ammonites, in the sea. In the latter part of the Jurassic Period, birds appeared for the first time, with gymnosperms like cycads and Ginkgo thriving.

Scelidosaurus
As an herbivorous dinosaur, it had a rather small head and small body, being 250 kg in weight and about 4m in height. It walked on four legs. With its hind legs being longer than the front legs, it is thought to have run with its hind legs and to have walked with its hind legs to reach and feed on the leaves of tall trees. Its most prominent body feature is the oval-shaped dermal scutes on both its back and tail. It was discovered both in the U.K. and U.S.A.

Stegosaurus
As an herbivorous dinosaur during the Late Jurassic Period spikes on its tails. Compared to its large body, its head was relatively very small, with its long hind legs and short, crooked front legs making its back crook forward. With its large body, it moved very sluggishly. It is 9 m in height and 2 tons in weight. It was discovered in the western part of the U.S.A.

Allosaurus
As a carnivorous dinosaur flourishing in the latter part of the Jurassic Period, it is known to be the fiercest predator in the North American continent. Its feature is the crests just in front of its eyes. It also had a sturdy jaw and teeth made for killing herbivorous or other carnivorous dinosaurs, as well as the hand that had sharp claws. It was 3.6 tons in weight and 14m in height. And it was discovered in the western part of the U.S., Portugal and Australia.

Dilophosarurus
As a carnivorous dinosaur during the Early Jurassic Period, it had two crests split in the shape of a V on top of its head. Its razor-sharp teeth, long and strong legs, and long claws were perfect for hunting. Its first toe on its hand was shaped in the way to hold a prey, functioning like a thumb. It was 330~450 kg in weight, and 6~7 m in height. It was first reported in the U.S., with the possibility of having been discovered in the southern part of China being raised.

2011-06-14T00:55:00.000-07:00

ESTONIA, EUROPA - forests - April 28, 2011

Estonia is extremely rich in forests – nearly half the territory of the country is covered with forests. Estonian forests belong to the mixed forests zone and the most widespread forest type is where evergreen conifers dominate, but there are also deciduous forests. Dozens of domestic species of trees and shrubs grow in the forests, the most common tree being the pine, followed by the birch and the spruce. The biggest forests in the country lie in the north eastern and central parts of Estonia. There are primeval virgin forests, sustainably managed forests as well as specially developed holiday forests. Estonia’s rich forests are home to numerous animals – it is quite common to meet rabbits, foxes or roe deer, and the biggest animal is the elk. The forests are home also for a number of species on the verge of extinction, such as the European mink, the dormouse and the flying squirrel. The forestry sector is an important pillar of the economy, timber being the most important renewable natural resource and wood processing a considerable source of livelihood. Today forests are called the green gold, but in olden days forests were considered a sacred place and the people worshipped sylvan spirits.

2011-05-11T02:00:00.000-07:00

KOREA, Hoeryong Stamp Exhibition 2005 - October 4, 2005

2011-05-06T01:46:00.000-07:00

KOREA, Stamp Exhibition for Centenary of Gwanghwamun Post Office - September 7, 2005

2011-04-12T01:12:00.000-07:00

TAIWAN, Fishes of Taiwan Postage Stamps (I) - March 10, 2011

The native freshwater fish of Taiwan’s rivers, lakes, and estuaries comprise the most diverse group of vertebrates within the island’s terrestrial ecosystem. Chunghwa Post has planned a series of postage stamps to introduce the beauty of Taiwan’s freshwater fishes. The first set of the series features Taiwan endemic fishes: Candidia barbatus, Opsariichthys pachycephalus, Spinibarbus hollandi, and Squalidus banarescui.

2011-04-04T02:51:00.000-07:00

GERMANY, The 200th anniversary of the birth of Franz Liszt - February 3, 2011

The German Post has issued a stamp celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Hungarian composer Franz Liszt.

Liszt became renowned throughout Europe during the 19th century for his great skill as a performer. He was said by his contemporaries to have been the most technically advanced pianist of his age and perhaps the greatest pianist of all time. He was also an important and influential composer, a notable piano teacher, a conductor who contributed significantly to the modern development of the art, and a benefactor to other composers and performers, notably Richard Wagner, Hector Berlioz, Camille Saint-Saens, Edvard Grieg and Alexander Borodin.

As a composer, Liszt was one of the most prominent representatives of the "Neudeutsche Schule" ("New German School"). He left behind an extensive and diverse body of work, in which he influenced his forward-looking contemporaries and anticipated some 20th-century ideas and trends. Some of his most notable contributions were the invention of the symphonic poem, developing the concept of thematic transformation as part of his experiments in musical form and making radical departures in harmony.

2011-03-28T00:10:00.000-07:00

KOREA, The Neolithic sites at Amsa-dong, Seoul

2011-03-22T02:40:00.000-07:00

KOREA, Hong Young-sik and the Postal Services Bureau

2011-02-21T00:40:00.000-08:00

KOREA, Mt. Seorak

Covering Sokcho city, Yangyang county, Goseong county and Inje county in Gangwon Province, Mt. Seoraksan covers an area of 398.539§´. It is also Korea's third highest mountain after Halla Mountain (1,950m) and Jiri Mountain (1,915m). As indicated by its name, Mt. Seoraksan is a mountain that symbolizes snow during the winter season, being the first mountain in Korea to be covered in snow and keeping the snow the longest into spring. Serving as habitat to a wide diversity of living species including endangered or rare flora and fauna, it was designated as a Natural Preserve Area by the Korean government and in 1982, as a "biosphere reserve" by UNESCO.

2011-02-21T00:18:00.000-08:00

TAIWAN, Fireworks Display - January 1, 2011

2011-01-12T00:07:00.000-08:00

KOREA, Santa Post Office with Love - December 13, 2010

2011-01-10T22:46:00.000-08:00

Portugal 2010 World Stamp Exhibition - October 1, 2010

2011-01-10T22:42:00.000-08:00

2010 Chungju Post Office Stamp Exhibition - September 29, 2010

2011-01-09T22:06:00.000-08:00

Ahn Jung-geun (September 2, 1879 - March 26, 1910) (안중근; 安重根; Baptismal name: Thomas) was a Korean independence activist, nationalist, and pan-Asianist.

2011-01-04T00:30:00.000-08:00

KOREA, The 29th Seolseong Cultural Festival - September 7, 2010

2010-12-28T01:54:00.001-08:00

JAPAN, 平成23年用年賀郵便切手 - November 10, 2010

http://www.post.japanpost.jp/kitte_hagaki/stamp/tokusyu/2010/h221110_t.html

2010-12-27T00:49:00.001-08:00

2010 Cheongju JikJi Festival - September 3, 2010

Jikji is the abbreviated title of a Korean Buddhist document, whose full title can be translated "The Monk Baegun's Anthology of the Great Priests' Teachings on Identification of the Buddha's Spirit by the Practice of Seon." Printed during the Goryeo Dynasty in 1377, it is the world's oldest extant movable metal print book. UNESCO confirmed Jikji as the world oldest metalloid type in September 2001 and includes it in the Memory of the World Programme.

Jikji was published in Heungdeok Temple in 1377, 78 years prior to Johannes Gutenberg's acclaimed "42-Line Bible" printed during the years 1452-1455. The greater part of the Jikji is now lost, and today only the last volume survives, kept at the Manuscrits Orientaux division of the National Library of France.

2010-10-06T00:59:00.000-07:00

Groundbreaking Ceremonial for The Taekwondo Park & Taekwondo Day - September 4, 2009

2010-10-06T00:57:00.000-07:00

The 100th Anniversary of Korean Cartoon - June 2, 2009

2010-04-11T20:56:00.000-07:00

Santa Post Office with Love

2010-04-03T08:07:00.000-07:00

The 14th Gwangyang Maehwa(Apricot Flower) Festival

http://philakorea.blogspot.com/2010/04/14th-gwangyang-maehwaapricot-flower.html

2010-03-27T00:29:00.000-07:00

The 50th Anniversary of Korea - Malaysia Diplomatic Relations - February 23, 2010

2010-03-01T18:16:00.000-08:00

The 60th Anniversary of Republic of Korea Air Force - Space Challenge 2009 - 03.04.2009

2010-02-07T06:22:00.000-08:00

Year of the Tiger - 31.12.2009

2009-05-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

The 100th Anniversary of Korean Cartoon - June 2, 2009

The year 2009 is meaningful in that it is the 100th anniversary of the Korean cartoon.

On June 2, 1909, Daehanhyeophwoi (Korea Association), one of several Anti-Japanese Social Associations, published the cartoons of Lee Do Yeong (1884∼1933) which touched upon current issues on the first page of the first edition of 『Daehanminbo』, a daily which used both Korean and Chinese characters. This marked the first page of the history of Korea’s cartoon.

Since then, in the gloomy history of modern Korea where Korea’s restoration of independence from Japan was followed by Korea being divided into two countries and by cruel dictatorships, cartoons became the messenger of both dreams and hopes, and the sharp tongue that criticized and satirized the absurdity of reality. And in those times when there were no proper pastimes, the cartoon imparted a tiny bit of enjoyment into a dreary life. Though once estranged as a subculture, the cartoon is now positioned as an important contents across the cultural industry such as movies, dramas, games, studies, advertisements, etc.

Believing in the power of the Korean cartoon that has grown splendidly for the past 100 years, we anticipate that it, sometimes with humor that enables us to curl up and other times with pithy satire, will remain, even a hundred years later, as a source of the enjoyment in our everyday lives and a momentary respite from our tough life.

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Korean cartoon, a commemorative stamp is issued, featuring such recollective cartoons as “Mr. Gobau” by KIM Seong-Hwan, “Run, Hany” by LEE Jin-Ju, “Little Dino Dooly” by KIM Soo-Jeong, “Mengkkongi Village School” by YOON Seung-Un, and “Robot Zzibba” by SHIN Moon-Soo.

Title: The 100th Anniversary of Korean Cartoon Commemorative Stamp
Types: 1
Date of Issue: June 2, 2009
Quantity: 1.6 million stamps
Denomination: 250 won
Design: Recollective cartoons; “Mr. Gobau,” “Run, Hany,” “Little Dino Dooly,” “Mengkkongi Village School,” “Robot Zzibba”
Stamp No.: 2677
Printing Process and Colors: Offset, seven colors
Size of Stamp: 40mm×30mm
Image Area: 40mm×30mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet Composition: 4 × 4 (230mm×147mm)
Paper: White Unwatermarked
Designer: Jiwon MO
Printer: Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation

2009-03-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

The 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Korea and Philippines - March 3, 2009

2009 is a meaningful year that celebrates the 60th anniversary of Korea forming diplomatic ties with the Philippines. The Philippines is a friendly nation that sent more than 7,000 soldiers, as a part of the UN forces, to Korea during the Korean War. Korea and the Philippines have solidified their relations on the basis of goodwill and friendship in diverse areas. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations formed between Korea and the Philippines, new stamps are issued jointly with the Philippines Post, which features Korea’s “Sonori (Cow Play) in Hangawi” and the Philippines’ “Panagbenga Flower Festival.”

“Sonori (Cow Play) in Hangawi”
Hangawi (Chuseok) that falls on the 15th of August by the lunar calendar is one of the biggest national holidays in Korea, when people celebrate the year’s good harvest and observe worship service to family ancestors. At this time, when newly harvested grains and fruits are abundant, as indicated in the saying “May every day be neither more nor less than Hangawi!”, the Sonori is performed. To the tune of cheerful musical instruments of the farmer’s band, two people put on straw mats shaped like a cow and visit door to door, wishing for a year of good harvest and peace and tranquility.

Panagbenga Flower Festival in the Philippines
Panagbenga Flower Festival is held for a month every February at Baguio, the Philippines’ summer capital. Following a spectacular car festooned with floral decorations, for which this festival is known, dancers and the citizens who decorate themselves with flowers march through the streets, playing cheerful music.

2008-12-23T08:38:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas~

2008-11-08T11:45:00.000-08:00

New Year's Greetings - December 1, 2008

The year 2009 is the Year of the Ox.

In Korea, the ox has long been regarded as much more than simple livestock and being considered a family member. Being strong, simple, honest, and sincere, the ox has been very important laborer indispensable for the farming. Such natural dispositions of the ox have well matched our people’s temperament. So, our ancestors have valued and loved the characteristics of the ox.

In Seonnongje (rite of worship where people prayed for a good autumn harvest) held during the Joseon Dynasty, the ox was used as a sacrificial offering. After the worship was concluded, people stewed the ox and had a feast. This became the origin of the “Seolleongtang” (a type of beef soup with rice). There also was “Sonorigut” (Dances and Plays as a Masquerade of an Ox) where people fashioned straw and straw mats into the shape of an ox and took it around the village, praying for a good autumn harvest. Noblemen rode on the ox as a display of defiance against the powers or matters of the mundane world. This customs has been passed down to present time in the form of poetry and pictures.

It is hoped that in 2009, all will enjoy a sincere, diligent and prosperous life, just as the ox does. The stamp is printed with photostorage ink and the white-colored portions (the ox’s head, body, tail and snow flakes) glow in the dark.

2008-08-25T07:12:00.000-07:00

Extreme Sports Series (3rd) - September 5, 2008

Title: Extreme Sports Series (3rd)
Types: 4
Date of Issue: September 5, 2008
Quantity: 600,000 stamps each
Denomination: 250 won
Design: Snowboard (Carving turn, Indy grab, Nose grab, Air)
Stamp No.: 2638 ~ 2641
Photogravure, five colors: Photogravure, four colors (self-adhesive stamp)
Size of Stamp: 30mm x 40mm
Image Area: 27mm x 37mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet Composition: 4 × 4(four stamps setenant, 150㎜ × 210㎜)
Paper: White Unwatermarked
Designer: PARK, Eunkyung
Printer: Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation

Snowboarding is featured as the third installment in the Extreme Sports series.

Snowboarding is a sport that requires riding a long plank-shaped board down a snowy slope that enables spinning and remarkable maneuvers. Snowboarding is seen as having sprung from “Snurfer” (a compound word combining “snow” and “surfer”) -- a kind of toy made for his daughter by Sherman Poppen from U.S. in 1965. It is said that Snurfer was so popular at the time that even Snurfer contests were held. In snowboarding, where the board and boots are fastened with binding, a kind of fixing device, there are two different types: “alpine style” and “free style.”

Snowboarding, which has a relatively short history, has come into the spotlight as a people’s world winter sports since it was selected as an official sport event in the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympic Games. In Korea, snowboarding started in the early 1990s, rapidly spreading through the Internet, and great snowboarding competitors contending for glory on the world stage are now being produced.

The new stamp features such snowboarding technique as Carving turn, Indy grab, Nose grab, Air, etc.

2008-08-25T07:08:00.000-07:00

14th World ARDF Championships - September 2, 2008

Title: 14th World ARDF Championships
Types: 1
Date of Issue: September 2, 2008
Quantity: 1.6 million stamps
Denomination: 250 won
Design: Player and foxgun
Stamp No.: 2637
Photogravure, five colors: Offset, four colors
Size of Stamp: 26mm x 36mm
Image Area: 23mm x 33mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet Composition: 4 × 5(140㎜ × 216㎜)
Paper: White Unwatermarked
Designer: SHIN, Jaeyong
Printer: Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation

The 14th World ARDF Championships will be held from September 2 to 7, 2008, in Hwaseong City, Gyeonggi-do.

ARDF (Amateur Radio Direction Finding), which indicates locating radio’s direction, is a type of leports (leisure/sports) for amateur radio operators. In the competition, contestants compete to find the 5 radio senders hidden in the hillocks within a 6 to 10㎞ radius by using a wave receiver (called foxgun), map, and compass. The competitor who finds the most in the shortest amount of time within the pre-determined time limit is recognized as the winner. In about 160 countries across the world, there are a total of 3 million amateur radio operators, who enjoy this hobby through the Morse code-based telecommunication or voice telecommunication. The ARDF contest is just another variety that has newly emerged in the field of amateur radio operation. The ARDF competition, which allows contestants to hone their mind and body and saves lives during disasters, is providing a new type of enjoyment among existing amateur radio operators. In Korea, there are about 200,000 amateur radio operators, with the number of Koreans participating in ARDF competitions steadily increasing. The World ARDF Championships, which was first held in 1980, is held every 2 years under the auspices of IARU (International Amateur Radio Union). More than 450 participants from around 30 countries will draw together for this 14th round of the ARDF Championships.

A new stamp is issued to commemorate the 14th round of the World ARDF Championships. It is hoped that this competition will provide a momentum to stimulate public interest and participation in amateur radio.

2008-08-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

Seoul Waterworks Centennial - September 1, 2008

Title: Seoul Waterworks Centennial
Types: 1
Date of Issue: September 1, 2008
Quantity: 1.6 million stamps
Denomination: 250 won
Design: Arisu, Seoul’s tap water
Stamp No.: 2636
Photogravure, five colors: Offset, six colors
Size of Stamp: 26mm x 36mm
Image Area: 26mm x 33mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet Composition: 4 × 5 (140㎜ × 2 13㎜)
Paper: White Unwatermarked
Designer: KIM, Sojeong
Printer: Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation

The year 2008 marks the 100th anniversary of the introduction of modern water supply system into Seoul.

At the end of 19th century, with the opening of Korea to foreign influences, both natives and foreigners flowed into cities, sharply driving up the volume of the urban population. Water from wells and rivers, which were then used as water for sustenance, proved insufficient to supply this growing population. Moreover, such waterborne epidemics such as cholera spread increasing the need to address the issue of hygiene. To tackle these issues, King Gojong in 1903 granted H. Collbran from the U.S. and H. R. Bostwick from England the right to install and operate water supply facilities, spurring the construction of the modern water supply facilities. After two years of construction works, water collection and treatment plants were built and water pipes were laid. As the Ddookdo water treatment plant was completed at a site which is now in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul city, 12,500㎥ water started to be supplied to 125,000 residents living within Seoul’s 4 gates and around the Yongsan area on September 1, 1908. This marks the beginning of the history of modern water supply system in Seoul. With the construction of this modern water supply system, numerous innovative changes were adopted: it not only provided water, but also prevented waterborne epidemics, reduced losses caused by fires and facilitated industrial activities. From then on, Seoul’s water supply system has been developed dramatically. As of the end of 2007, the volume of water production at six water treatment centers per day totalled 5.1 million ㎥, with the water-supplied population reaching 10.42 million. This is an immense quantitative growth from 1908, compared to which, water production volume increased 408 fold and water-supplied population, 84 fold. Under the brand name of “Arisu,” Seoul’s water supply system pursues the creation of new value, while at the same time, providing 10 million Seoul citizens with clean, safe and high-quality tap water through the Arisu quality certification system and introduction of increasingly advanced water treatment systems.

Commemorating the 100th anniversary of construction of Seoul water supply system, a new stamp is issued. It is hoped that all Seoulites can live a healthy and rich life through clean and safe water, and that we, who are living in a “water-stressed” country, can practice water conservation and live our daily lives with the spirit of loving and valuing water.

2008-08-25T04:27:00.000-07:00

Centennial of the Korean Language Society - August 29, 2008

Title: Centennial of the Korean Language Society
Types: 1
Date of Issue: August 29, 2008
Quantity: 1.6 million stamps
Denomination: 250 won
Design: “Hannara Mal” written by Ju Sigyeong
Stamp No.: 2635
Photogravure, five colors: Photogravure, six colors
Size of Stamp: 50mm x 22mm
Image Area: 50mm x 22mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet Composition: 4 × 5 (230㎜ × 145㎜)
Paper: White Unwatermarked
Designer: SHIN, Jaeyong
Printer: Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation

“Its language defines a country. If its language ascends, the country also rises and if its language descends, the country plummets. Therefore, all nations must take particular care in maintaining and upgrading their languages. The alphabet is the database that delineates a language: Only when the alphabet assumes a good posture without waning and endures firmly, can it preserve the language” - quote from -Hannara Mal- written by Ju Sigyeong.

On August 31, 1908, Hangeul Hakhoe (The Korean Language Society) was established by Ju Sigyeong and others to systematically study our language and alphabet to counter the decline of Daehan Jeguk’s (Korean Empire) national prestige. Hangeul Hakhoe was at the time called Gugeoyeongu Hak-hoe (Korean language Research Society) and later changed to “Baedal Malgeul-modeum,” “Hangeulmo,” “Joseoneo Yeongu-hoe,” “Joseoneo Hakhoe” and finally into today’s Hangeul Hakhoe.

Over the past 100 years, Hangeul Hakhoe has diligently strived to safeguard, study, and disseminate the Korean language and alphabet. It established the “Hangeul (Korean Alphabet) Day” in 1926. In the 1930s, it established “Hangeul orthography” and foreign language orthography, deliberated on and systemized the standard Korean language, based on which, 『Keunsajeon』, our people’s first large-scale dictionary, was compiled and published. During such efforts, the members of the Hangeul Hakhoe were jailed, tortured, and even killed in prison by Japanese colonial rulers. Immediately after the restoration of Korea’s independence from Japanese colonial rule, Hangeul Hakhoe exerted special efforts to nurture Korean language teachers, compile school textbooks, and exorcise the remnants of the Japanese language. Afterwards, it steadily conducted activities designed to sustain policies to uphold the Korean language and alphabet and to use our language and alphabet correctly.

A new stamp is issued, commemorating these accomplishments of Hangeul Hakhoe over the past 100 years. The organization has consistently been committed to safeguarding and cultivating our language and alphabet - the very spirit and symbol of the Korean people. The new stamp features the work of calligrapher Seo Huihwan who quoted and wrote parts of -Hannara Mal- written by Ju Sigyeong.

2008-08-25T04:22:00.000-07:00

The 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the Republic of Korea
- August 14, 2008

Title: The 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the Republic of Korea
Types: 1
Date of Issue: August 14, 2008
Quantity: 1.6 million stamps
Denomination: 250 won
Design: Emblem and Korea
Stamp No.: 2634
Photogravure, five colors: Photogravure, five colors
Size of Stamp: 30mm x 40mm
Image Area: 30mm x 40mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet Composition: 4 × 4(147㎜ × 200㎜)
Paper: White Unwatermarked
Designer: LEE, Gi-seok
Printer: Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation

The year 2008 marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Korea.

On August 15, 1948, the Republic of Korea was liberated from 36 years of ruthless Japanese colonial rule and established its own government. However, the elation of the newly found freedom was fleeting as the Korean war split the Korean people into two countries. Amidst the frustration and anguish of having lost everything, Korea became the poorest country in the world. Our fathers and mothers endured times of tears mixed with blood and sweat in the paddy fields and dry fields, industrial sites, and far-away foreign lands, in order to spare their children from famine. Our president developed economic development plans and our people participated in the Saemaeul Movement (the new community movement). And in the midst of political chaos, our people stood up against dictatorship, sacrificed their precious lives and achieved democratization. The world called our rapid growth and development, which was unprecedented anywhere else in the world, “‘Miracle on the Han River.” We also overcame the IMF economic crisis through a gold collection campaign participated in by most people of the nation.

Now, we have emerged as one of the dozen strongest economies in the world able to manufacture the world’s best semiconductors and ships. Moreover, we became a beautiful country where the 50 million Korean people became one to create the “legend of Korean national football team crossing the threshold into the World Cup semi-finals” and where numerous Korean people volunteered to clean up the muddle from the Taean oil spill accident. The proud name that allows us to sense an indescribable feeling of pride is The Republic of Korea. We believe in our people’s underlying potential. And we are secure in our belief that our inexorable journey towards becoming a world-class country has just begun.

2008-08-15T09:20:00.001-07:00

ENTIRE COVERS!

http://wowphila.blogspot.com/

2008-08-03T09:23:00.000-07:00

Games of the XXIX Olympiad - August 8, 2008

Title: Games of the XXIX Olympiad
Types: 1
Date of Issue: August 8, 2008
Quantity: 1.6 million stamps
Denomination: 250 won
Design: Temple of Heaven & Gymnastics
Stamp No.: 2633
Photogravure, five colors: Photogravure, six colors
Size of Stamp: 36mm x 26mm
Image Area: 36mm x 26mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet Composition: 5 x 4(216㎜ x 140㎜)
Paper: White Unwatermarked
Designer: ROH, Junghwa
Printer: Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation

The 29th Olympic Game will be held from August 8 to August 24, 2008 in Beijing, the capital and the center of China’s history, political affairs and culture.

Beijing Olympic Games, under the slogan of “One World, One Dream,” is conveying the message that despite different skin colors, languages and ethnicity, the entire world shares the allure and joy of the Olympic Games, pursuing mankind’s ideal toward peace, and that all people belong to and share the same world as well as the same desires and dreams. As the third Olympic Game held in Asia after the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Game and the 1988 Seoul Olympic Game, this Beijing Olympic Game will see 10,500 athletes from 205 countries compete, in good faith and on their and their fatherland’s honor, in 28 events such as swimming, field and track, soccer, gymnastics, table tennis, boat racing, and Taekwondo.

Wishing for a successful Beijing Olympic Game, a new stamp is issued. This new stamp features “gymnastics,” one of the events held in the Olympic Game, “Temple of Heaven” -- a representative relic of Beijing -- an alter where the emperor performed ancestral rites to the heaven, and the Beijing Olympic’s emblem, “Chinese seal, Dancing Beijing”. The margins of the stamp sheet features Beijing Olympic’s official mascots: Beibei, Jingjing, Huanhuan, Yingying, and Nini that embody Fish, Panda, Olympic Flame, Tibetan Antelope and Swallow, respectively.

2008-07-25T09:24:00.000-07:00

Philately Week Special - August 7, 2008

Title: Philately Week Special
Types: 2
Date of Issue: August 7, 2008
Quantity: One million stamps each (S/S 320,000 sheets)
Denomination: 250 won (S/S 500 won)
Design: “40th anniversary of Emperor Kojong’s enthronement commemorative stamp”, “Overprint definitive stamp (14 Won, Cheomseongdae)”
Stamp No.: 2631 ~ 2632
Photogravure, five colors: Photogravure, five colors (photochromic stamp)
Size of Stamp: 65mm x 35mm (triangle stamp)
Image Area: 55mm x 30mm
Perforation: 13
Sheet Composition: 5 × 4(two stamps setenant, 210㎜ × 170㎜)
Paper: White Unwatermarked
Designer: LEE, Giseok
Printer: Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation

2008-07-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

A Gift for VIP members of the Post Office.

2008-07-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

First Day Entire Cover from China - 06.06.2008

http://wowphila.blogspot.com/2008/07/white-horse-temple-and-mahabodhi-temple.html

2008-07-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

First Day Entire Cover from Taiwan - 05.06.2008

http://wowphila.blogspot.com/2008/07/birds-of-taiwan-postage-stamps-iii.html

2008-07-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

First Day Entire Cover from Estonia - 31.05.2008

http://wowphila.blogspot.com/2008/07/peasant-war-at-mahtra-150th-anniversary.html

2008-06-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

Definitive Postage Stamp - June 30, 2008

With the launching of the new government (Feb. 25, 2008), Korea Post which was part of the Ministry of Information and Communication is now under the Ministry of Knowledge Economy. To mark this change, the current 250 KRW stamp featuring a brown hawk owl will be replaced by one featuring a Euryale ferox Salisb. This new stamp is produced as a self-adhesive stamp, to facilitate the convenience of stamp users.

The beautiful, purple Euryale ferox Salisb. is a lonely plant being the only species and genus that exists in the entire world. When the little tiny bud sprouts, large leaves spring up from its roots. Then, a flower stalk comes forth, from where a mysterious, purple colored flower blossoms. There are thorns all over the plant except on its petals. The leaves grow up to reach 20 cm to 2m, with their rumpled surface showing a lustrous hue. Even though Euryale ferox Salisb. is a yearly plant, there are times when they can’t be seen every year due to their “alternate year bearing.” Its flower that blossoms during July and August opens up in the daytime but closes down at night, making its admirers miss them even more. Being a plant that grows naturally only in the East Asian region, it is found in old reservoirs or ponds in Korea. Protected as an endangered wild plant, it is regarded as a rare plant all across the world.

2008-06-17T04:49:00.000-07:00

The 100th Birthday of Patriot Yun Bong-Gil - June 20, 2008

“I braced myself for this: in one’s youth, the love for one’s country is stronger and more resolute. It surpasses the love for parents, for brothers and sisters, even the love for wife and children. I was determined to leave this way, even at the sacrifice of my life, my fatherland’s rivers and mountains as well as my parents.” ? in the letter sent by Patriot Yun Bong-Gil on October 18, 1930, from Quingdao, China.

Born on June 21, 1908, during the Japanese colonial rule, at Yesan, Chungcheongnam-do province, Yun Bong-Gil was a spirited boy. Inspired by Korea’s March 1st independence movement against Japan that emerged in 1919, he rejected Japanese imperialistic education and learned both Chinese classics in a private school and modern scholarship. Acting as a farm activist devoted to enlightening farmers and reviving the farming villages, he operated evening classes and reading clubs, organized agricultural cooperatives and wrote books for farmers. In March 1930, when he was 23 years old, he headed to China after realizing his bigger ambitions for his country and the Korean people. Young Yun Bong-Gil met Kim Gu, the independence activist, at Shanghai, the home to the Provisional Government of Korea during Japanese colonial rule. On April 29, 1932, he, after clarifying his great cause of the fatherland’s independence, threw a bomb into the platform where Japanese army’s leaders were participating in a ceremony held at Honkou Park, Shanghai to celebrate a Japanese victory. This incident exposed, in and out of the country, of the Korean people’s lamentable reality under Japanese colonial rule, and provided a turning point in the languishing movement to gain independence from Japan. Arrested immediately on the spot, Patriot Yun Bong-Gil was executed by a firing squad on December 19, 1932 at the outskirts of Kanazawa city, Japan, ending his short 25 years of life. This happened two years after he sent the letter about his strong and resolute love for his fatherland.

Now, on the 100th anniversary of the birth of Patriot Yun Bong-Gil, a commemorative stamp is issued. It features both Patriot Yun Bong-Gil and the written oath of the “Hanin aegukdan” (Korean Patriot Society), reflecting on the meaning of the sublime death he chose as a brave son of his fatherland.

2008-06-04T00:36:00.000-07:00

OECD Ministerial Meeting on the Future of the Internet Economy
- June 20, 2008

In June 2008, 1,500 significant personages such as ministers from 37 countries, global entrepreneurs, those representing international agencies and citizen groups, etc. will gather in Seoul to discuss the future of the Internet economy.

Today, the Internet has become an indispensable part of our lives and is becoming an important prop to almost every aspect of our society such as the economy, education, environment, hygiene, etc. In particular, with regard to economic activities, the need is growing to go beyond national borders and various interests to discuss and agree on policies related to the Internet economy. Such discussion will focus on implementation methods, with emphasis placed on both the benefits Internet brings to our economic activities, the accompanying obstacles and the possible solutions, as well as on growth, development and evolution in the Internet environment that will unfold in the future. This round of OECD ministerial meeting on the future of the Internet economy will serve as an important opportunity to present the outline of Internet-related policies that will be pursed by countries around the world over the next 10 years.

Following the previous meeting held 10 years ago in Ottawa, Canada, on the subject of electronic commerce, the 2008 meeting marks both the second ministerial meeting to be organized by the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) concerning the field of information and communication as well as being the first OECD ministerial meeting to be held in Asia.

In the wish that this OECD ministerial meeting on the future of the Internet economy, through effective and constructive discussions, will be productive in coming up with an astute roadmap that will spur the growth of the global Internet economy, a new stamp is issued, featuring “Korea -- the Hub of the Internet.”

2008-05-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

A Happy Nation that Nurtures Kids - May 8, 2008

Among the many different sources of delight that exist in the world, Pestalozzi talked about the joy of parents looking at their children. Merely gazing at children who are as wholesome and pure as angels purifies our hearts and enables us to know happiness of life, just like magic. Giving birth and raising a baby are true blessings from God and our given mission to fulfill. But at some point, the idea of giving birth and raising a baby has taken a negative connotation in our society. Particularly in advanced countries, the issue of child rearing pitted against the growing freedom and desire of women to fulfill a career and the soaring expenses, including education expenses, has engendered a reluctance to have children. Meanwhile, in developing countries with relatively high birthrates, many kids are not properly nurtured, often denied such basic rights as education, hygiene, and even food. This issue of whether to give birth and raise children has become increasingly polarized, requiring the keen interest and strong support at the government level. Giving birth and raising a baby well are not roles only to be shouldered by individuals and families. The joyous mission of rearing children needs to be embraced by all nations and international societies.

Dreaming of a world where people can relish the happiness of raising a child without worries, works selected as the recipients of the Grand Prize as well as the Award of Excellence in the 2008 international postage stamp design contest are issued as new stamps. Isaiah Otieno Nondoh (Kenya) expresses an image of a mother smiling brightly with her baby in her arms. The picture drawn by Jazayeri Shirin (Iran) depicts babies juxtaposed over happy faces in contrast to frowning faces that have no babies in their midst.

2008-05-25T04:02:00.000-07:00

PHILATELIC EXHIBITIONS OF KOREA!

http://philakorea.blogspot.com/

2008-04-10T19:27:00.000-07:00

Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay - April 27, 2008
Special Postmarks for Torch Relay, Seoul

2008-04-10T05:08:00.000-07:00

2008 Hampyeong World Butterfly & Insect Expo, Korea
- April 18, 2008

2008-04-05T01:14:00.001-07:00

PHILAKOREA 2009 24th Asian International Stamp Exhibition
- April 10, 2008

PHILAKOREA 2009 24th Asian International Stamp Exhibition will be held for 6 days from July 30 to August 4 2009, at COEX (Convention and Exhibition Center), Seoul.

Following the exhibitions of the 1984, 1994 and 2002 PHILAKOREA World Stamp Exhibition, the PHILAKOREA 2009 Asian International Stamp Exhibition will mark the first hosting of the Asian stamp exhibition by Korea. PHILAKOREA 2009 is anticipated to present a wonderful opportunity for Asian countries, who have been operating in a deep-rooted, cooperative relationship both geographically and historically, in exchanges of stamp culture while solidifying their long friendships. PHILAKOREA 2009 will be participated by 30 Asian countries, who will present 1,500 frames of stamp exhibits. Along with PHILAKOREA 2009, the 17th FIAP (Federation of Inter-Asian Philately) Congress and executive committee meeting will be held.

Wishing for the success of PHILAKOREA 2009, four commemorative stamps featuring Korea’s traditional dances are issued: the Buchaechum (fan dance) displaying the perfect harmony between the exquisite beauty of the folding fan and the dancer’s dynamic actions; Salpurichum (A solo dance for spiritual cleansing) where the dancer holding a long piece of white cloth shows delicate dance movements performed with restraint; Seungmu (Monk's dance) where the dancer in a Buddhist attire comprised of a white long-sleeved robe and crimson surplice and white peaked hat, shows an understated and tranquil dance; Taepyeongmu (Dance of Peace), a dance that depicts the wish for the peaceful reign of the country, showing the culmination of the beauty of “movement within stillness.” white long-sleeved robe and crimson surplice and white peaked hat.

2008-02-24T05:51:00.000-08:00

African Savanna Special - March 26, 2008

Africa - the unknown continent that warrants at least one visit in a lifetime.

The vast plains and deserts that stretch out on extensive terrain, countless tribes and religions, and a variety of natural environments ? all such unique features co-exist sustaining Africa’s distinctive traditions and aboriginal culture. The African people are experts at living harmoniously with nature. This African Savanna Special Stamp derives its motive from the nature and tribal life of Africa ? things we conceive as something remote and far away.

Among the animals that migrate through the huge African savanna, familiar breeds such as leopard, elephant and zebra are featured in the new stamps in an endearing style, along with the compassionate face of an African child and an African traditional mask that projects Africa’s unique zest. Overlapping the child’s face is a whirlwind design that symbolizes the sun. The amusing mask featured in the stamp was created by combining the mask commonly used in various African festivals and a mask featuring feathers to embellish the faces of hunters. In designing the new stamp, an engraving technique was employed to show Africa in a more vivid manner. The new stamp is issued in the sticker type, the first in Korea to take the form of a folding fan in order to provide additional enjoyment. It is hoped that this new African Savanna Special Stamp will spark new interest in Africa’s enormous nature and aboriginal traditions, taking people one step closer to Africa.

2008-02-24T05:42:00.000-08:00

The Inauguration of the 17th President - February 25, 2008

February 25, 2008 is a significant day of national celebration when the Honorable Lee Myung Bak is inaugurated as the 17th President of the Republic of Korea.

The new government led by President Lee Myung Bak will endeavor to serve the nation by attaining economic revival and national harmony. The new government is dedicated to taking the nation a step forward towards standing among the advanced nations of the world.

The new government led by President Lee Myung Bak aims to form a ‘practical government’ that serves the nation through hard work. Based on economic revival and national harmony, the new government is dedicated to taking the nation a step forward towards standing among the advanced nations of the world.

Korea Post issues a commemorative postage stamp reflecting the hopes of the nation that the people will strive in high spirits and that the Republic of Korea will take a great leap forward in the days of the new administration.

With ‘global Korea’ and the Korean National flag, Taegeukgi as the backdrop, the stamp shows the ‘working President’ who is endeavoring to generate future-oriented strategies for the nation’s development. And against the backdrop of a broad vision represented by the color of blue that symbolizes hope, the souvenir sheet expresses the image of the “strong Korea” that forges a quantum leap into a better future.

The commemorative stamp pack contains not only the souvenir sheet and pane but also the My Own Stamp that embodies, through 15 appealing characters, the image of a compassionate and “familiar President” who always stands for the nation’s people, as well as the First Day Cover that shows “the President who is assiduously reflecting” about the nation’s future.

2008-01-29T05:04:00.000-08:00

The King Sejong Station Special - February 15, 2008

It is a place that guards the secret of ancient times. A place of extreme cold with temperatures plunging as low as 50 degrees below zero. This is about the South Pole located at the southern end of the earth.

As the earth’s environment undergoes profound changes resulting in global warming, destruction of the ozone layer, etc., these changes have emerged as the critical issue that will determine the very survival of human beings. In this regard, the South Pole has become a very important subject for research designed to identify and predict the changes. Rich in natural resources such as fishery resources, petroleum, minerals, etc., the South Pole is attracting growing interest from and competition among the world’s nations.

After the Antarctic Expedition, an arm of the “Sea Explorers of Korea,” first set its foot on the South Pole in 1985, South Korea established the King Sejong Station in February 1988 on King George Island in South Shetland Islands. At King Sejong Station, a 17-member winter research team and 60~70 member summer research team conduct research & exploration activities year round. Having legitimized its status through the ATCP (Antarctic Treaty Consultative Party), South Korea has reaped many accomplishments in its Antarctic research through exhaustive research and countless explorations on icebound rivers, meteorites, and changes in the earth’s climate. Currently, in the South Pole area, 47 stations from 20 countries are carrying out research activities.

The year 2007~2008 is the International Polar Year that comes once every 50 years to promote joint research on South and North Poles by all related scientists around the world. On this occasion, countries who have established themselves in the South Pole area are trying to strengthen their international position through both independent research projects and international joint research projects. This is the first International Polar Year to be participated in by Korea, which has a 20-year history of research in polar regions. In particular, Korea has an ambitious plan of constructing an ice-breaking ship by 2009 and building a second station on the Antarctic Continent by 2011.

It is expected that the King Sejong Station, which celebrates its 20th anniversary, will make meaningful contributions to the shared prosperity of all mankind.

2008-01-23T01:24:00.000-08:00

Rivers of Korea Series (2nd) - January 18, 2008

The beautiful scenery presented by the Seomjin River winding through the foothills of Jiri Mountain and epitomizing the impressions of the southern parts of the Korean Peninsula will be introduced in the second part of the "Rivers of Korea Series."

The small, pristine Demi Fountain can be found at a hillside of the Palgong Mountain located in Baekwoon-myeon, Jinan-gun, Jeollabuk-do province. This is where the Seomjin River originates. The water streams of Seomjin River starts to flow from here to all the corners of Jeollanam-do and Jeollabuk-do provinces, via the Hadong area, the boundary between Jeollanam-do province and Gyeongsangnam-do province, and finally into the South Sea.

The name "Seomjin River" dates back to the era of the Goryeo Dynasty. In the 11th year of the reign of King Woo (1385), when the Japanese invaders intruded around the mouth of the Seomjin River, they made a detour to avoid the bellowing of tens of thousands of toads. From this time on, this river was called Seomjin River, with Seom standing for toad (蟾), and Jin, for ferry point (津). Boasting natural abundance and richness, the Seomjin River has long served as the foundation of the livelihood of the people inhabiting Jeollado and Gyeongsangdo provinces. Meandering 212.3 ㎞ in length and spanning 4,896.5 ㎢ in its basin area, this clean, blue river has long been a habitat to various kinds of flora and fauna including rare creatures and natural treasures such as the osprey, wildcat, kestrel, otter, Fabriciana nerippe, etc.

2008-01-16T01:09:00.000-08:00

Share Love Special - April 20, 2000

Traditional Culture Special (1st) - March 19, 2003

2007-12-26T01:50:00.000-08:00

2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan

2007-12-14T23:32:00.000-08:00

Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity Special - December 7, 2007

In the Gangneung area, a joyous festival unfolds from April 5 until the Dano festival day in the lunar calendar, where all Gangneung citizens from the young to silver-haired elderly mingle together with the tourists.

As one of Korea's most loved traditional festivals, Dano falls on May 5th of the lunar calendar and its purpose is to entreat to the spirits for peace in the village and an abundant harvest. The Dano festival held in the Gangneung area (Gangneung Danoje Festival) starts on April 5th in the lunar calendar with the brewing of the sacred liquor that will be presented to the spirits. When the sacred liquor is brewed, a veneration ceremony to Seonghwangsin (Spirit of the Castle who guards the village and its land) is held on Daegwallyeong Ridge and the sacred tree is cut down to be put into the Seonghwangdang (village shrine) in downtown Gangneung. On May 3rd of the lunar calendar, Yeongsinje (the spirit-welcoming ceremony) is held, signaling the start of the Danoje Festival in full swing. At the Danojang (the place where Danoje Festival is held) located within downtown Gangneung, various events take place to amuse the audience such as worship ceremonies held in the mornings and evenings, shaman's rite, mask drama, swing-riding contest, Ssirum (Korean wresting), instrumental music of peasants, etc. And then, sacred tree is burned, and Songsinje (the sprit-sending worship) is held, closing the one-month-long Gangneung Danoje Festival.

A Korean traditional culture that has been handed down from generation to generation, the Gangneung Danoje Festival displays various artistic cultural heritages and customs such as worship ceremonies, shaman's rite, mask drama, instrumental music of peasants, farming songs, swing-riding contest, washing one's hair with water boiled with sweet flag leaves, etc. Recognized for its cultural uniqueness and artistry, the Gangneung Danoje Festival was designated in 2005 by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity Special.

The new stamp features Gangneung Danoje Festival's Gwanno mask drama, a pantomime used to be performed by the servants of the government offices in old days, about the love story between a Yangban (nobleman) and a bride who symbolize the female/male Seonghwangsin (Spirit of Castle who guards the village and its land), each. Also featured is a scene from Tapdeunggut, one of the exorcisms held during Danoje festival in order to light up the road on which the Spirit goes back.

2007-12-02T07:43:00.000-08:00

New Year's Greetings - November 30, 2007

2007-11-23T06:11:00.000-08:00

The Opening of the New Building for the Seoul Central Post Office - November 22, 2007

2007-11-20T07:16:00.001-08:00

Protecting Children's Human Rights Special - November 20, 2007

2007-10-25T22:47:00.000-07:00

Korean Film Series (1st) - October 26, 2007

Korea’s movie industry got its start in 1919 when movie scenes were inserted into the Kinodrama titled . So far, the Korean movies have succeeded by realizing a great deal of growth and development, influencing our lives in the form of art, culture and industry. Blockbuster movies with more than 10 million viewers are being released one after another, with Korean movies being selected as award-winning works at leading international film festivals. At this time when Korean people’s interest in Korean movies is at a peak, new stamps representing Korean movies will be introduced, over 5 different series.

Arirang
Expressing the pent-up rage and sorrows of the people who lost their fatherland, the landmark movie gave compelling inspiration to early Korean movies. It also served as a stepping stone to making Chunsa “Na Woon-Kyu” (1902-1937) into a star of that time. Called the pioneer of Korean movies, he carried out voracious activities in various areas as an actor, director, script writer and moviemaker. Having acted in his youth as a leader of the national independence movement against Japan, he worked tirelessly to lead the era of silent films ever since his entrance into the movie world until his death at the age of 36. was produced in 1926 by Chosun Kinema Production.

Looking for Love
Cited as one of the representative works of the era of silent films, portrayed the sorrow of the Korean people, who suffered greatly under Japanese colonial rule, leave their fatherland for Manchuria. This movie, for which Na Woon-Kyu was both the director and main actor, was filmed in Manchuria. Originally titled , this movie went through lots of anguish: after inspection by the Japanese governor-general of Korea, the movie was forced to modify its title to and once again to , with several of its original scenes cut out. was produced in 1928 by Na Woon-Kyu Production.

The Ownerless Ferryboat
Regarded as one of the representative realism films of Korea, together with Arirang, during the Japanese colonial rule of Korea, symbolically described the dismal reality of that time through the tragic incidents a boatman and his daughter came to experience. In this movie, Lee Kyu-Hwan was the director and Na Woon-Kyu was the main actor. The inspection by the Japanese governor-general of Korea led to several of its scenes being cut out. This movie is assessed as a film about Korean people’s resistance. was produced in 1932 by Yushin Kinema

Chunhyangjeon (The story of Chunhyang)
As Korea’s first film with sound, ended the era of silent films, taking Korea’s movies a step forward technologically. Planning for this movie was done by Lee Phil-Woo, Korea’s first film photographer, and Lee Myeong-Woo, his younger brother, who also directed it. The movie was an adaptation of the widely known classic story “Chunhyangjeon”. was produced in 1935 by Kyeongseong Movie Studio.

2007-10-21T05:48:00.000-07:00

Protection of Wild Animals and Plants - March 21, 1998

2007-10-18T08:35:00.000-07:00

Celebrated Mountains of Korea Series (4th)
- October 18, 2007

Featured in the fourth series of the “Celebrated Mountains of Korea” is Mt. Baekdusan (Mt. Paekdu), the mountain that symbolizes the heart and soul of the Korean people. This new stamp, a joint work by South and North Koreas, features the picturesque scenery of Mt. Baekdusan, shown in a photo taken by Lee Jeong-Soo and Kim Yong-Nam -- photographers from South and North Korea.

Covering the Hamgyeongnam-do Province and Hamgyeongbuk-do Province in North Korea, as well as the northeastern region of China, Mt. Baekdusan rises 2,750 meters above sea level making it the highest mountain on the Korean peninsula. As indicated by its name, the top of the Mt. Baekdusan is covered with snow almost throughout the year on white flat stones. The mountain serves as habitat to a wide variety of fauna and flora that vary by the climate which in turn vary significantly depending on the sea level. The mountain was designated in 1989 as a “biosphere reserve” by UNESCO.

Lake Samjiyeon (Lake Samji)
As indicated by its name, Lake Samjiyeon comprises three lakes which are often cited as the most superb view among those in Mt. Baekdusan. These three lakes, a byproduct of volcanic activity blocking the course of the river, are 4.5 km in circumference, with the largest lake being 1.8m deep on average. Well matched with the whinstones that are spread out nearby, the lakes present a truly grand spectacle.

Lake Chonji (Lake Chon)
A crater lake at the top of Mt. Baekdusan, Lake Chonji has a circumference of 14.4㎞, a total area of 9.16㎢, and an average depth of 213.3m, with the deepest point extending 384m deep. Surrounded by dozens of peaks that stretch like a wall, such as Janggunbong ?- the highest peak on Mt. Baekdusan -- Hyangdobong, Baekunbong, etc., Lake Chonji is a crater lake located at one of the highest locations in the world. As a habitat to rare alpine flora, the Lake is also very important in academic terms.

Hyeongje Falls (Hyongje Falls)
As indicated by its name, Hyeongje Falls are two waterfalls that come splash down side by side on a rock cliff. They are located about 1 km from Baekdu Waterfall. Falling perpendicularly over the rock cliff, the waterfalls create water fog, presenting a truly wondrous sight of nature. Around the falls live such alpine flora as a kind of rhododendron, blueberries, etc.

Rimyeongsu Falls (Rimyongsu Falls)
Unlike typical waterfalls that descend from the upper stream, Rimyeongsu Falls is very unique: from the breast of a cliff, underground water gushes out to descend in several streams. Comprised of underground water and with a height of 6 meters, the falls don’t freeze even in the midst of the coldest winter, presenting a mystical view, together with pure white frost all around.

2007-10-14T08:14:00.001-07:00

The Year of People's Exchange between ROK and PRC
- November 20, 2002
The 10th anniversary of the Korea-Vietnam Diplomatic Relationship
- December 21, 2002
The 30th Anniversary of Korea-India Diplomatic Relations
- December 10, 2003

2007-10-04T08:41:00.000-07:00

Train Series (3rd) - February 4, 2002
Train Series (4th) - February 4, 2003
Train Series (5th) - February 4, 2004

2007-09-28T02:20:00.000-07:00

Korean Bridge Series (4th) - September 28, 2007

In this fourth segment of the Korean Bridge series, such representative suspension and truss bridges of Korea as Gwangan Bridge, Seongsu Bridge, Seongsan Bridge, and Yeongjong Bridge are featured. A suspension bridge has two main towers at each end, between which cables hang. A truss bridge is shored up by a web of triangles composed of timbers or steel rods.

Gwangan Bridge
Gwangan Bridge lies across the sea between Namcheon-dong, Suyeong-gu and U-dong, Haewundae-gu of Busan city. It was completed in 2002 as a double-deck bridge combining the features of a suspension bridge as well as a truss bridge. Of its total length of 7,420m, the suspension-bridge section extends 900m. This is the longest among all suspension bridges in Korea, thus launching a new era in Korea’s bridge construction methods. Boasting beautiful illumination comprising about 100,000 different colors, the Bridge provides a splendid sight. The bridge is 18~25m wide.

Seongsu Bridge
Linking Seongsu-dong and Apgujeong-dong of Seoul, Seongsu Bridge is 1,160m long. To relieve the traffic congestion of Seoul, the Bridge was completed in 1979 as a truss-bridge, becoming the 11th bridge built over Han River. Since its disastrous collapse in 1994, two rounds of restoration work were conducted. In 1997, the Bridge was reopened with 4 lanes that only directly linked North to South, with no ramps to enter from adjoining roads. In 2004, the Bridge width was expanded from 19.4m to 35m, becoming an 8-lane bridge.

Seongsan Bridge
Boasting excellent representative beauty through the representation of harmony between half-moon-shaped Oriental curvature and lineal beauty, Seongsan Bridge was completed in 1980 as the 12th bridge over Han River. Linking Mangwon-dong and Yanghwa-dong of Seoul, the Bridge connects to Seobu Trunk Road and Gyeongin Highway. As a result, much traffic crosses over the Bridge. As a truss bridge, the Bridge is 1,415m long and 27m wide and has 6 lanes.

Yeongjong Bridge
Shaped after traditional eaves of time-honored Korean houses, Yeongjong Bridge links Gyeongseo-dong (Jang Island) and Unbuk-dong (Yeongjong Island) of Incheon City. The Bridge was completed in 2000 after 60 months of construction that started in 1995. As the exclusive link to Incheon International Airport, the Bridge has two decks which are used for both general traffic and railroad conveyance. The Bridge is 36.1m wide and 4,420m long, 550m of which comprise the suspension bridge section and 2,250m for the truss bridge section.

2007-09-26T20:06:00.000-07:00

Korean Orchid Series (1st) - November 12, 2001

The new Korean Orchid Series will be issued during the next five years from 2001 to 2005. In the first bundle of the series, a variety of orchids including Dendrobium moniliforme (L.) Sw., Gymnadenia camtschatica (Cham.) Miyabe & Kudo, Habenaria radiata (Thunb.) Spreng. and Orchis cyclochila (Franch. & Sav.) Maxim. are featured.

Dendrobium moniliforme (L.) Sw.
This evergreen perennial plant that grow on rocks in the southern part of Korea is 5 to 25 centimeters in height. The blooms vary in hue from white to pale pink. This fragrant orchid bears one or two blossoms in May or June. Normally, the plants thrived naturally but are now on the verge of extinction as they are picked recklessly for medicinal or ornamental purposes.

Gymnadenia camtschatica (Cham.) Miyabe & Kudo
This perennial plant, which grows deep in the mountains of Korea, is 20 to 50 centimeters in height. The blooms are light reddish in color. The flower forms a raceme of 5 to 15 centimeters from May throughout July. It is a rare strain that grows wild in Ulleung Island in North Gyeongsang Province and in the high mountains in the northern part of Korea.

Habenaria radiata (Thunb.) Spreng.
This perennial plant grows in the wet grasslands in the central and southern part of the nation and is 20 to 40 centimeters in height. White in hue, one to four blossoms bloom in the trunk of the plant from July to August. Suggesting the image of a night heron in flight, the shape of the flower is truly beautiful.

Orchis cyclochila (Franch. & Sav.) Maxim.
This perennial plant grows in North Hamgyeong Province, Jeju Island, Halla Mountain and Jiri Mountain. It is 10 to 15 centimeters in height. Two to three light pinkish blossoms bloom in May and June.

2007-09-18T05:28:00.000-07:00

Nature of Baengnyeongdo - January 18, 2006

The third packet of the Islands of Korea Series features the nature at Baengnyeongdo Island.

Located at a latitude of 37 degrees and 58 minutes north, Baengnyeong-do is Korea’s northernmost island in the Yellow Sea. Its unique geopolitical location has made it difficult for the general public to access the island, allowing its ecosystem to flourish and remain relatively well preserved.

The name “Baengnyeong-do” means the island of white feathers, so named because the island seems to be entirely covered with wings of birds. Baengnyeong-do has long been home to many different species of migratory birds. Currently, the island houses a wide range of wildlife: birds such as falcon (Falco peregrinus), Pelagic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pelagicus), Temminck's Cormorant (Phalacrocorax filamentosus), Chinese Egret (Egretta eulophotes), Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) and Pacific Reef Egret (Egretta sacra); various rare animals such as the Eastern golden frog (Rana plancyi) which is one of the world’s most endangered species, the tiger crab (Orithyia sinica) that lives only on the west coast; and small fish called Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes personatus). In particular, 200~300 common seals (Phoca vitulina largha) make up a unique population that lives exclusively on Baengnyeong-do. The island also hosts a wide variety of flora. It is the northernmost habitat for evergreen Camellia japonica L. Iris dichotoma Pall., which has been designated as an endangered plant by the Ministry of Environment, grows naturally on the island. Such rare plants as Morus tiliaefolia Makino, Amsonia elliptica (Thunb.) Roem. et Schult., Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm., and Senecio nemorensis L. can also be found. Baengnyeong-do boasts numerous picturesque sceneries free from contamination by human hands, such as Doomujin which is lined with fantastic rocks and cliffs, Sagot natural airfield, one of the world’s two natural airfields and Kongdol Beach.

2007-09-11T01:34:00.001-07:00

International Olympic Fair Seoul 2001 - April 27, 2001

The International Olympic Fair Seoul 2001 will be held in the Olympic Park in Seoul, Korea for nine days from April 28th through May 6th in 2001.

Organized under the theme "Challenge 21-Dream of Sports," this event aims at dispersing the Olympic movement and the Olympic spirit, fostering the fledgling domestic sports and leisure industry by offering expanded venues for international exchanges, and strengthening its competitive edge on the international market.

The fair will comprise many characteristic yet closely linked exhibitions, conferences and academic events. Feast your eyes on the collections of world-renowned collectors of Olympic memorabilia put up for sale, trade and exhibition in the International Olympic Collectors' Fair Seoul 2001. Information related to Olympic memorabilia will also be made readily available for trades during the exhibition. Those interested in acquiring the advanced technology of the sports industry will find their needs answered in the International Sporting Goods Fair Seoul 2001. The Exhibition of the Collections of the Lausanne Olympic Museum in Switzerland will surely merit your visit.

The stamps to be issued in relation to this international event respectively feature the gold medal and the commemorative stamps of the 1st Olympiad held in Athens, the coins issued to commemorate the historical Helsinki Olympics, and the emblem of the International Olympic Fair Seoul 2001. It is fervently hoped that the event will prove to be successful in achieving the organization's ambitious and lofty goals: to promote appreciation for Olympic memorabilia and expose the general public to the global collection culture.

2007-08-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

The 20th Anniversary of the Opening of the Independence Hall of Korea - August 14, 2007

2007-07-14T06:06:00.000-07:00

Philately Week Special - August 1, 2007

The 2007 Korean Philatelic Exhibition will be held from August 1 to 5, 2007 at the Forth Exhibition Room, Asia Pacific Hall, COEX.

At this Exhibition, approximately 500 frames of excellent stamp exhibits and invited stamp exhibits will be displayed. To celebrate the holding of the PHILAKOREA 2009 24th Asian International Stamp Exhibition in Seoul, the PHILAKOREA 2009 emblem will be announced. In addition, to facilitate the sharing and mutual understanding of inter-Asian culture, the “Asia Stamp Culture Room” where visitors can experience various Asian countries through stamps and photographs will be operated. The “Korea Stamp Culture Room” will also be a new feature, introducing Korea’s traditional daily life culture, together with stamps, photos and related objects. At the “Living Things Stamp Experience Room” designed for young stamp-collectors, animal and plant specimen will be displayed together with stamps, with the program being named “Fascinating Biology that Can be Learned from Stamps”. Together with these elements, other interesting stamp-based events will be operated through the “Cyber Stamp Culture Room,” “History of Stamp & Currency Room,” “Original Drawings of Stamps Exhibition Room,” “Stamp-Collecting & Letter-Writing Culture Room,” a musical puppet show, magic show, etc.

This year’s special stamp issued to commemorate the “Philately Week” will take the form of “stamps in a stamp.” The inner stamps are composed of a “5-Mun” unit stamp and a “10-Mun” unit stamp (Mun used to be a Korean currency unit), two stamps that were actually issued and used among the “Mun unit” series stamps, Korea’s first stamps. In addition, this special stamp will be a photochromic stamp: a light-sensitive pigment which changes color when exposed to ultraviolet light is capsulated and applied to the stamp printing: The letter ‘五文’ on the two sides of the “5-Mun” unit stamp and the letter '拾文’ on the two sides of the “10-Mun” unit stamp were printed with light-sensitive ink. As a result, the letters, which normally have no color, turn red when exposed to ultraviolet-containing sunlight. This special stamp will provide fun and delight to stamp collectors.

2007-07-10T06:50:00.000-07:00

Definitive Postage Stamp (70 won) - July 10, 2007

According to the practice of periodic replacement of definitive postage stamps, the 70 KRW stamp featuring a Chinese lantern, issued on March 15, 1995, will be replaced by a stamp featuring an Arctous ruber (Rehder & Wilson) Nakai, beginning July 10, 2007.

Arctous ruber (Rehder & Wilson) Nakai, which produces small and appetizing fruits, is designated as a rare and endangered species of wild flora. It is a leaf-dropping shrub that grows in the alpine plain, and its only known habitat within South Korea is Seoraksan Mountain. In North Korea, it can be found on Baekdusan Mountain, the Gaema Plateau, etc. There are three species of genus Arctous found around the world and one of them is indigenous to Korea. Their stems creep into the underground, with 2~3 light-yellow-colored flowers blossoming between May and July. From August to September, the shrub bears a round, red-colored fruit that tastes sweet and sour.

Title : Definitive Postage Stamp (70 won)
Types : 1
Date of Issue : July 10, 2007
Quantity : Two million stamps (Continue to be issued as required)
Denomination : 70 won
Design : Arctous ruber (Rehder & Wilson) Nakai
Stamp No. : 2569
Printing Process and Colors : Photogravure, five colors
Size of Stamp : 22mm x 25mm
Image Area : 22mm x 25mm
Perforation : 13
Sheet Composition : 10 x 10 (242mm x 280mm)
Paper : White Unwatermarked
Designer : Roh Junghwa
Printer : Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation

2007-07-08T06:02:00.000-07:00

Goguryeo Series (3rd) - July 2, 2007

What was daily life like in Goguryeo? Around the mid 5th century, Goguryeo occupied the largest territory in Korea’s history. The initial mural paintings in ancient tombs, drawn around this period, described the details of daily lives and customs, in the hope that an abundant life in this world will be renewed in the afterlife. The last segment of the Goguryeo series re-introduces the life of the people of Goguryeo seen through the murals in ancient Goguryeo tombs.

Goguryeo people, both men and women, wore the jeogori (jacket) and baji (trousers), with women usually wearing a chima (skirt) on top of the baji. A cloth of different color was attached to the parts of clothing that could get easily dirty and worn-out, such as the edge of the outerwear sleeve or the chima’s hem. This attached cloth also served a decorative purpose. As for their diet, they ground grains such as millet, bean, wheat, barley, African millet, Chinese millet and steamed them in an earthenware steamer. They raised cows, pigs, chickens and dogs, while hunting mountain pigs, roe deer, pheasants, etc. Maekjok, thought to be a Goguryeo meat dish, is the predecessor of today’s bulgogi. Also shown in the tomb murals are various architectural styles. A nobleman’s mansion was composed of sarangchae (men’s quarters) and anchae (women’s quarters). Around the anchae were a kitchen, butcher’s area, rice mill, stable, horse barn, carriage shed, etc. with a garden cultivated on the corner of the wide yard. A commoner’s house had a simple, one or two room structure, as shown by the ruins of house sites. In addition, the murals indicate that the Goguryeo people enjoyed archery, hunting and various arts such as dancing and playing musical instruments.

The new stamps feature the kitchen of the Anak Tomb No. 3 murals (South Hwanghae Province, North Korea) and the part of Muyongchong (Muyong Tomb, Jian, China) murals that describes a host welcoming his guest. The selvage of the stamp sheet features: the part of Deokheung-ri Mural Tomb (Nampo, N\orth Korea) that depicts a noblewoman going out on a visit; several parts of the Muyongchong murals that depict dancers, servants carrying small dining tables and people playing horns; the part of Susan-ri Mural Tomb (Nampo, North Korea) that describes people performing acrobatics; and a Saiho (four-eared pot), Goguryeo’s representative earthenware.

2007-06-27T23:56:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-06-14T07:53:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-06-08T04:49:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-06-08T04:38:00.000-07:00

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.

2007-05-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

2007-04-26T09:10:00.000-07:00

the Centennial of Dr. Albert Schweitzer - January 14, 1975

2007-04-25T02:13:00.000-07:00

the 14th World Jamboree, Norden - July 29, 1975

2007-04-22T23:13:00.000-07:00

A Wholesome Internet Culture Special - April 20, 2007

2007-04-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

PHILAKOREA 1984 - October 22, 1984

2007-04-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

The 42nd WORLD SHOOTING CHAMPIONSHIPS TO BE HELD IN SEOUL IN 1978 - April 20, 1978

2007-04-05T19:51:00.000-07:00

Opening of the Fortress wall in Mt. Bugaksan, Seoul
- April 5, 2007

Located at the rear of the Blue House, the presidential residence, Bugaksan Mountain had been closed off as a military reservation for the purpose of national security ever since North Korean commandos slipped over the mountain to attack the presidential mansion on January 21, 1968. Sukjeongmun Gate (the North Gate of Seoul), one of the four main gates of Seoul together with the South, East and West gates located within this Bugaksan Mountain, was also closed off.

2007-04-03T17:40:00.000-07:00

Korea-Singapore Joint Issue (Traditional Wedding Costume)
- March 30, 2007

2007-03-30T00:11:00.000-07:00

2007-03-25T22:06:00.000-07:00

The Year of Biology 2007 - March 19, 2007

2007-03-25T21:05:00.000-07:00

9th Asia Pacific Orchid Conference - March 16, 2007

2007-03-25T21:02:00.000-07:00

Daehan Hospital's of 100th Anniversary - March 15, 2007

2007-03-13T21:04:00.001-07:00

2007-03-12T19:54:00.000-07:00

The 50th Anniversary of Korea-Turkey Diplomatic Relations
- March 8, 2007

2007-03-11T20:08:00.000-07:00

Old Maps of Korea Special - February 28, 2007

2007-03-05T19:51:00.000-08:00

The Centennial of the National Debt Repayment Movement
- February 21, 2007

"History throughout the ages has revealed: if the people of a nation are loyal and esteem justice, the nation thrives and its people live in peace. But in contrast, if a nation's people are disloyal and unjust, the nation collapses...." (an abstract from the statement on the "intent of national debt repayment movement" published in 1907)

2007-03-02T18:52:00.000-08:00

The World of Nam June Paik Special - January 29, 2007

Artist Nam June Paik coined a very special phrase: "The Braun Tube will replace the canvas." His free soul was full of experimentation, challenge, passion and courage leading him to explore the boundaries of video art, a new art genre. Meeting relentless challenges as a musician, artist and performance artist, he presented his own unique world of art.

2007-02-13T23:50:00.000-08:00

Gyeongnam Goseong Dinosaur World Expo 2006
- April 14, 2006

2007-02-01T19:49:00.000-08:00

EXTREME SPORTS SERIES (1ST) - September 5, 2006