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The year 2026 corresponds to Byeongo, the 43rd in the sexagenary cycle, known as the Year of the Red Horse. Among the twelve zodiac animals, the horse, known for its dynamism and vigorous life force, has long been cherished as a symbol of progress and vitality. To celebrate the Year of the Red Horse, Korea Post is issuing a New Year’s stamp themed around the horse, the emblem of passion and leap forward. Horses have been deeply connected with the Korean people throughout history. Traces of horses appear widely in ancient art, pottery, murals, historical records, and across diverse areas of folk culture. In ancient times, horses were revered as sacred beings that bridged gods and humans and connected heaven and earth. This belief can be seen in the mystical depiction of the heavenly horse in Silla’s “Jangni Cheonmado from Cheonmachong Tomb in Gyeongju”. In the Samguk sagi (History of Three Kingdoms) and Samguk yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms), horses appear as auspicious signs at the births of founding figures such as King Geumwa, Park Hyeokgeose, and Jumong, and during times of peril in Baekje, they are depicted as prophetic beings foretelling the nation’s fate. This symbolism continued into later periods, remaining in seasonal customs such as the ritual offerings held for horses on the sangoil of the first lunar month. Over the ages, the horse has thus become inseparable from our lives, standing as a symbol of health and success. This New Year’s stamp conveys the vitality and life force of the coming year through the image of a red-tinted horse in full stride. Like the leap of the Red Horse in the year Byeongo, may the New Year be a time when everyone moves forward with renewed strength.