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`1995 was the Year of the Pig, and now 1996, the Year of the Rat, is right around the corner. 1995 was a very siginificant year as it marked the 50th anniversary of Korea`s Liberation from Japanese colonial rule. Throughtout the year, the entire country engaged in a globalization drive, the foundation was laid from which national development will proceed as Korea bids to become an advenced nation and leader in the Asia-Pacific ear in the next centry. On the economic front, Korea achieved a phenomenal $100 billion exports. On the educational front, the blueprint for reform programs was unveiled to foster creativity and an enterprising spirit in students in step with the new realities of the times. On the political front, a local autonomy system was introduced and implemented on a comprehensive scale. As a responsible member of the international community, Korea has also actively participated in various international activities concerning the settlement of disputes and resolution of problem related to the environment, illegal narcotics, and world peacekeeping operations. The new year,1996,is expected to be a year in which the nation will strengthen its sense of national unity, while pushing constantly ahead with reform in all sectors, including politics, economy, and society, as a preparatory step toward a future in which unification is closer on the horizen. As the country ushers out the old year with its good memorise and regrets and welcome the new year with high hopes and expectation, the Ministry of Information & Communication is celcbrating the season by issuing two kinds of New Year`s postage stamps, one featuring ``A Snowman and a Rat`` and the other ``A Pine Tree and a Crane.```