information on Korean stamp
Date of Issue |
: 2024.11.14 |
Types |
: 2 |
Denomination |
: 430 won |
Design |
: |
Stamp No. |
: 3784 |
Printing Process
& Colors |
: null |
Size of Stamp |
: 30.6 x 38 |
WholeSheet
Composition |
: 4 x 4 |
Image Area |
: 29.1 x 36.5 |
Paper |
: null |
Perforation |
: 13¼ × 13 |
Printer |
: POSA |
Designer |
: Ryu,Ji-hyeong |
Quantity |
: null |
Detail
Korea`s traditional games, which have been passed down for thousands of years, are rich in charm and diverse meanings. Among these, flying kites and sledding have long provided enjoyment for people of all ages. The act of launching a kite into the sky and racing on a sled over ice embodies the wisdom and emotions of our ancestors, making them cherished traditional Korean games.
Flying kites is a traditional Korean game in which a kite is constructed by attaching thin bamboo sticks to paper and connecting it to a string, allowing it to be lifted into the sky using the wind. According to the Samguk Sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms), there is a record of General Kim Yushin from the Silla Dynasty using kites to simulate the ascent of stars into the sky to boost the morale of his soldiers. This suggests that kites were originally used for military
purposes before evolving into a popular recreational activity. The term ‘kite’ is derived from the word for the black kite (known as ‘solgae’ in Korean), and the traditional shapes of kites in Korea primarily include the diamond-shaped ‘gaori (meaing stingray)’ kite and the slender rectangular ‘bangpae (meaning shield)’ kite. The string used for flying kites is typically made from various materials such as cotton thread, hemp thread, and silk, with the durable silk
thread being the most commonly used. To strengthen the string further, substances like isinglass or glue mixed with boiled water were sometimes applied. The tool used for winding and unwinding the string is called a ‘eolle,’ which comes in various shapes, including square, hexagonal, octagonal, and round. Kite fighting involves two main activities: cutting the opponent`s string and flying the kite at a higher altitude. During the first full moon of the lunar calendar, a traditional event called ‘aekmakyi kite’ is celebrated, where kites are flown to chase away misfortune and pray for peace.
Sledding is a winter activity where children ride sleds on snow or ice and enjoy the thrill of sliding down hills. Originally, sleds were used for transporting people or goods over snow, but over time, they evolved into a fun pastime for children. This transformation occurred as wooden boards were attached parallel to the bottom of the sleds, allowing children to sit comfortably, and bamboo or metal strips were added underneath to enable smooth gliding over
ice. When sledding, children hold poles in both hands to push off the ice or steer their direction. They can increase their speed by being pushed from behind or by riding down sloped areas. Activities often include races to see who can reach the finish line the fastest or dividing into teams to try and knock each other`s sleds over. In the past, when entertainment options were limited, children would connect multiple sleds together to create a train-like formation or
play games similar to ice hockey, using sleds to hit a ball into a goal. Thus, sledding became a cherished source of enjoyment for children during the cold winter months.