Detail

`To celebrate World Stamp Day on October 9, the Universal Postal Union(UPU) has proposed that each country issue a special commemorative stamp to be known as the World Stamp. The Korean Ministry of Information and Communication has reaponded enthusiastically to this proposal, holding the International Postage Stamp Design Contest to create the new stamp. The world`s first postage stamp was the British Penny Black, issued on May 6, 1840, as a result of Rowland Hill`s postal reforms. The first stamp to be issued in Korea was the MoonWi Stamp, created by Hong Young-shik on November 18, 1884, to commemorate the landmark opening of the Postal Services Bureau. Today, people around the world enjoy collecting postage stamps as a hobby. As collector`s item, the importace of stamps now far exceeds their original postage function. Postage stamps are often regarded as a cultural treasure trove theat embraces the politics, economy, society, culture, and customs of the issuing country, all in a fingernail-sized space. Through stamps, we can get a glimpse of the unique customs and lifestyles of countries all over the world. Stamps are also an easy and fun way to world history , as many stamps are issued in commemoration of specific people or events. The Korean contribution to World Stamp Day will be the winning disign submitted in the Ministry of Information and Communication`s contest. This stamp, which will be issued on October 9, features a hot-air ballon with a globe-shaped canopy and a stamp-shaped underhanging basket, symbolizing an around the world trip. We invite you to celebrate World Stamp Day by adding this truly unique stamp to your collection.`