Detail

`With the adjustment in the postal rates effective as of January, 1, 2003, 1,380-won definitives (over 5 grams and under 25 grams) and 1,410-won definitives (over 25 grams and under 50 grams) for priority registered mail, 1,290-won definitives (over 5 grams and under 25 grams) and 1,310-won definitives (over 25 grams and under 50 grams) for non-priority registered mail will be raised to 1,580 won, 1,610 won, 1,490 won and 1,510 won respectively. While the existing designs on these definitives will continued to be used, changes will be added to the colors in the margin of the sheet. Definitives for priority registered mail present a speedy image the design of 「transportation modes (airplane, train, truck)」. Changes are also made to the margin of the 1,580-won definitives to purple, and a silvery tone for the 1,610-won definitives for distiction of use. The 1,490-won definitives feature the roof-end tile of the kylin design. Roof-end tile refers to the roofing tile placed on the edge of the eaves. This roof-end tile from the Unified Silla Period takes the shape of a powerfully winged kylin with its tail raised head turned to the side. (Displayed at the Gyeongju National Museum) The ridge-end tile depicted in the 1,510-won stamp was excavated from the site of the Hwang-ryong Temple and belongs to the Silla Dynasty period. This is the largest of the ridge-end tile found to date in Korea. The ridge-end tile is a decorative tile placed on the outer ends of the ridge (center of the roof) and also served the function of preventing the spread of fire. The tile is decorated with patterns of lotus and faces of men and women. (Displayed at the Gyeongju National Museum)`