Detail

As postal rates will increase by 70 won effective July 1, 2026, Korea Post is issuing two new definitive stamps with face values of 500 won and 2,900 won. The basic-rate definitive stamp has featured the Taegeukgi, a national symbol of Korea, while the registered-mail definitive stamp has showcased national cultural heritage that reflects the artistic excellence and craftsmanship of the Korean people. The newly issued 500-won stamp continues this tradition with the Taegeukgi proudly flying once again. The Taegeukgi, the national flag of South Korea, consists of a white background, a central taegeuk symbol, and the four gwe (trigrams) of Geon, Gon, Gam, and Yi. The white background represents brightness, purity, and our traditional peace-loving national character. At the center, the taegeuk symbol expresses the harmony of yin (blue) and yang (red), embodying the principle that all things in the universe are created and develop through the interaction of these complementary forces. The four gwe (trigrams) positioned in the corners symbolize sky/heaven, earth, water, and fire, illustrating the continual transformation and development of yin and yang around the taegeuk. The KRW 2,900 stamp features the Celadon Prunus Vase with Inlaid Plum, Bamboo, and Crane Design, which was designated a National Treasure in 1986. Now housed in the National Museum of Korea, this Goryeo-period celadon maebyeong measures 39.8 cm in height, with a mouth diameter of 6 cm, a maximum diameter of 25.1 cm, and a base diameter of 15.7 cm. Starting with a short neck, its broad shoulders extend almost horizontally before flowing gently downward, creating a graceful upper-body silhouette that conveys remarkable stability and balance. Its surface is intricately decorated with lively plum blossoms and bamboo swaying in the wind, along with cranes moving among them. These motifs vividly convey the refined elegance of Goryeo celadon. May the pride of the Korean people and the enduring beauty of Korea’s artistic heritage be shared and appreciated by a wider audience through these two newly issued stamps.