Detail

`On October 16, 1995, when domestic postal rates are set to change, the Ministry of Information and Communication will begin issuing two new definitive stamps : one with a denomination of 120 won, the basic rate for non-priority postcards, and the other with a denomination of 330 won, the basic rate for priority postcards. The 120-won definitive stamp will keep the existing ``rose of Sharon`` design which graced the 110-won definitive stamp since it was first issued on March 30, 1993, changing only the background color to a light sky blue. The rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus L.) belongs to the family Malvaceae. This flowering deciduos and broadleaved shrub is widely distributed throught the southern region of Korea, China, India and Japan. It typically grows to about 3m in height, and its flowers begin to blossom from July to August, remaining in bloom over a long period thereafter. This hearty and robust plant is highly resistent to cold weather. It is cultivated chiefly for ornamental purposes or for use in medicine. It is also the national flower of Korea. The definitive stamps for priority mail will feature an airplane, signifying their speedy dilivery and distinguishing them from the definitive stamps for non-priority mail. The colors of the plane and the border of the stamps differ according to denomination and use : thus, the 330-won definitive stamp features an airplane with a lavender border, indicating its use for priority postcards. In issuing these postage stamps, the Ministry of Information and Communication hopes to provide added convenience to the users of the postal system as well as update and enliven the images of Korean stamps, thereby upgrading the standrds of Korean stamps.`