Detail

`In commemoration of the issuance of Korea`s first postage stamp and the beginning of modern postal service on November 18,1884, the Ministry of Information and Communication has designated the week of November 18 as Philatelic Week since 1973. The first postage stamps were vouchers which were given in exchange for payment of postal fees. As time passes, more and more people are discovering the joy of stamp collecting, and postage stamps which show a nation`s historical, cultural, and social aspects are important meanings of overseas PR. Philatelic week this year will be celebrated from November 18 through 23 with a major event, the National Postage Stamp Exhibition, to be held at the Sejong Cultural Center in Seoul. The exhibition has been held every year since 1954, and it includes exhibits of philatelic works selected from among those which were winners at preliminary contests held by the local postal administrations. Different events will be held on each day of the week, including the philatelists` convention and the philately festival for young adults. On one day, philately enthusiasts will even be able to meet the postage stamp designers in person. Aside from the exhibits and events, a booth will be set up to showcase a chronologically arranged collection of Korean postage stamps so that visitors will be able to trace the 110-year history of the Korean currency, printing methods, social change, and scientific development. There will be ten computers where young adults will be able to access all sorts of interesting information on Korean stamps, all the way back to the first one in 1884. Viewers will actually be able to get information on any specific stamp issued in any year or under any theme. Philately is a tremendous outlet for the general public`s emotional sentiment and leisure. In expectations that this year`s Philatelic Week will further promote it, the Ministry of Information and Communication is issuing a special stamp featuring ``A Poppy and a Lizard``, an image taken from the fourth section of Lady Shin Saimdang`s ``Chochungdo-P`algokyung (painting of grass and insects on an eight section folding screen).```