Detail

`In 2000, the train series makes its debut, featuring steam, diesel, and electric locomotives as well as passenger and freight trains and railroad maintenance equipment.It will be issued in 20 stamps of five collections.The first collection being issued this year depicts the PASHI, TEHO, MIKA, and HYOUKI types of steam locomotives, which were previously in service on Korea. Steam locomotives made their first appearance in Koreawith the opening of the Kyung-In line in September 1899.Soon they were crisscrossing the country, the smokestacks belching black smoke into the air, the whistle tooting loudly, and a rhythmic chug-chug noise that became a familiar and comforting sound to all.Steam locomotives played an active role in the modernization of the country, carring goods and passengers along the main arterial railway line until they were retired from regular main line service in September 1967 with the launching of diesel-electric locomotives operations.At present, a handful of steam-powered vintage vehicles are operated as tourist trains, offering an unforgettable and romantic ride.Featured on this issuance of stamps are steam locomotives, including : PASHI locomotives, Korea`s largest passenger trains when they entered regular service on the Kyung-Bu and Kyung-Oui lines TEHO locomotives, a basic type of Japanese large train engines that were widely used for freight and passenger transportation freight-hauling MIKA locomotives developed to suit Korea,where brown coal was used fuel and eight-wheel HYOUKI locomotives, which used to run on Korea`s narrowest gauge tracks. We invite you to come aboard a steam-locomotives train for a most pleasing and romantic trip.`