Detail

`The 70th anniversary of the inauguration of the railway service falls on September 18, 1969. Since the first railway service was opened for traffic between Seoul and Inchon in 1899, the railroad of this country has continued steady progress in the face of various obstacles until it finally has become the main artery of this nation with the railroad extending 5,318 kilo-meters in its total length and 15,956 of various type cars running on them. The railroad is today major means of transportations, making great contributions to modernizing this country in the economic, social and military fields. Especially in recent years, there have been noticeable improvements in the railroad equipment and facilities, keeping pace with the fastly expanding rail transportation quantities which has been growing annualy on the average 11.6% in passengers and 10.8% in freight. The old locomotives were completely replaced by modern diesel engines on September 1, 1967 and it remains today only as a memory of the old days. Currently the efforts is being stepped up to produce more domestic rail cars and equipment; to electrify the railroad system; to construct double tracks; and to improve safety operation control system. The Ministry of Communications issues a commemorative stamp to mark the 70th anniversary of the inauguration of the railway service taking note of the striding progress of our railroad in spite of adverse conditions.`