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`Universal Postal Union(UPU). The UPU eliminated great inconveniences that previously arose from the lack of International uniformity in the postal rates and the mean of delivery. Founded to establish unified postal territory for easy, free International exchange of mail and thus promote International postal service, the UPU has greatly contributed to the development of the human society. A non-political International organization, the UPU as such has a long, meritorious tradition. The UPU consists of Congress, the Executive Council, the Consultative Council for postal Studies and the International Bureau. Today, the UPU has a membership of 154 countries. Our country joined the UPU on January 1,1900 after our envoy to the united states, Lee Chin-bom, and consul, Min Sang-ho, submitted our country s application for entry into the UPU when they attended the fifth UPU Congress held in Washington in 1897. However, Japan deprived Korea of its UPU membership o January 1,1922 After Japan s colonial takeover of Korea. Our country regained its UPU membership as the Republic of Korea on December 17,1949, after Korea s liberation and the birth of the Republic. The Republic of Korea has participated in all of the five UPU Congresses from the 13th Congress which was held in Belgium in 1952 to the 17th and latest Congress convened IN Switzerland in 1974, thereby enhancing its National interest and standing in the International postal services. The Ministry of Communications, joining our people I wishing continued progress in the development of postal of services, is issuing this commemorative Stamps.`