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`The year 1984 marks the centennial of the institution of modern postal service in Korea. The beginning ot postal service in our country dates back to A.D.487, the 9th year of King Soji of Shila, when ``postal stations`` were establighed in some places of the kingdom, between which horses shuttled with postal matters. This original Korean postal service, which underwent various changes during its existence up until Chosun, was not used for the general public, but for the military and the government only. It was not until 1884, the 21st year of King Kojong, that postal service in its modern sense was instituied. The first director general, appointed on April 22, was Hong Young-shik, who opened the General Bureau of Posts in a building at Kyeonji-dong, Seoul, (which is now the Communications Memorial Building) and started Korea`s first modern postal service between Seoul and Inchon on November 18. In commemoration of the Centennial Year, the Ministry of Communications stages various programs including PHIKOREA 84, the first world postage stamp exhibition that has ever been held in Korea. This exhibithion, at which more than 3,500 frames of stamps from 124 different countries will be shows, is scheduled to be held at the Korea Exhibition Center (KOEX) from October 22 through 31. The Ministry of Communications issues, on April 22, Communications Day, these postage stamps in commemoration of the Centennial Year of Korean Postal Service.`