Detail

`In 1992, the Ministry of Information and Communication drew up a master plan to phase in new definitive postage stamps to replace old ones which have been in use for some time, and at the same time to upgrade the standards of Korean stamps. In accordance with this plan, ``An Ch`ang-ho``, who graced the 300-won definitive postage stamp since it was first issued on November 25, 1983, is now being replaced by a ``skylark``. The skylark (Alauda arvensis), belonging to the family Alaudidae, is typical of the resident birds found throughout Korea, China and Japan. Skylark inhabit river-side grass, barley, and wheet fields. It is normally about 17cm long. The brown-backed bird is generally reddish brown in color with blackish brown streaks, its color varying somewhat with season. From the crown or its head hangs an erectile tuft of feathers. It has dark brown spots on the breast. During its breeding season of April to July, it lays three to six light gray eggs with brown speckles. It feeds chiefly on grass seeds and insects. As skylarks are gradually disappearing due to accelerating environmental pollution caused by regional development and the use of pesticides, they are in urgent need of special protection. This new stamp is being issued by the Ministry of Information and Communication to bring the public`s attention to the importance of Korea`s precious living resources and conservation of natural environment, and at the same time as part of a regular change in definitive stamp designs to update and enliven the image of Korean stamps. `