2011 Christmas Seals

Depicted are the 2011 Christmas Seals issued by South Korea...My friend Eunju sent two of these sheets to my family as a Christmas gift. It appears the Pororo theme was quite popular in South Korea this year!

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

The Korean Liberator Cover - 20 May 1946 (Part 2)

Greetings! After a long absence I am back. Today's post features a cover marking the first trip of the Korean Liberator that occurred on 20 May 1946. I acquired my first Korean Liberator cover this past spring and I have since fallen in love with them and have been seeking them out for my collection. The one depicted is the second one I have acquired. In my opinion these are great to collect. So far all I have seen were mailed by U.S. Army personnel and naturally all of the covers have the 1946 commemorative stamps marking the liberation from Japanese rule. I haven't quite figured out why, but I am particularly fond of this stamp issue as well!

If you have any of these covers or stamps in your collection and are willing to part with them please send me an email.

I hope everyone has a great week!

State Visit of President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1960)

Today's stamp issue includes both the stamp and souvenir sheet issued to commemorate President Dwight D. Eisenhower's visit to South Korea. I added these two items to my collection sometime last year, first the stamp and later the s/s after getting a good deal on an auction site. I enjoy having these two items in my collection. Like many of the earlier produced souvenir sheets for South Korea the watermark is readily apparent on these. Here are the specifics for this issue:

• Date of Issue: 19 June 1960
• Scott Catalogue #: 305
• Korea Postage stamp Catalogue #: C131
• Quantity Produced: 500,000 stamps & 30,000 souvenir sheets

I have not been able to track down an official press release from the South Korean Ministry of Communication for this stamp issue, but I know from other research that President Eisenhower spoke to the National Assembly of Korea during his trip. Eisenhower's speech to the National Assembly of Korea can be read here. 

First Day Cover of Eisenhower Issue

The life of Dwight D. Eisenhower is a fascinating one. From his upbringing, to his career in the military, and later as President his life is an interesting one to study and one can't help but respect his time in service to the United States.

Greeting Sign for President Eisenhower during his Visit to South Korea

I've read about President Eisenhower during WWII quite a bit when he was a 5 star General, but I was largely unfamiliar with his trips to South Korea both in 1952 and in 1960. This is a neat stamp issue by South Korea and I am glad I have these two items in my collection.

Until next time....

"The Korean Liberator" Cover - 20 May 1946

Today's post is of a cover I recently purchased that commemorates the first trip of "The Korean Liberator", a Korean streamliner, that traveled from Seoul to Busan on 20 May 1946. This is a very interesting cover in my opinion and coincidentally the first cover to be added to my growing Korea collection. Tied to the cover are all six of the "Liberation from Japanese Rule" commemoratives, which is fitting for the first trip of "The Korean Liberator" streamliner. The cover was addressed to a Mr. & Mrs. John Knodle in Syracuse, NY by a Major H. C. Watkins who presumably worked in the Department of Finance for the U.S. Army Military Government in Korea (USAMGIK).

I tried to find additional information on "The Korean Liberator"; however, the information out there on the internet is rather sparse. I did turn up a couple similar covers for sale in the UK and a couple Korean websites that made brief mention of the streamliner, but I didn't find anything all that enlightening. Does anyone out there have additional background on this streamliner and the first trip on 20 May 1946?

I really like this cover and if I can find any other "first trip" covers for this streamliner I will try and snatch them up. Perhaps someone out there has one in their collection they would be willing to part with? If so, please send me an email!

Have a great evening! Until next time...

600th Anniversary of Founding Songkyunkwan (1998)

Today's stamp issue commemorates the 600th Anniversary of the founding of Songkyunkwan. I recently purchased a lot of stamps from 1998 and this one in particular caught my eye. Depicted on the stamp is a Confucian lecture hall and behind it is a gingko tree, which are commonly found near Confucian temples and schools. The production and catalogue details for this issue are as follows:

• Date of Issue: 25 September 1998
• Scott Catalogue #: 1940
• Korea Postage stamp Catalogue #: C1495
• Quantity Produced: 3,000,000 

The Korea Stamp Society has the official description of this stamp as given by the ROK Ministry of Communication on its website, which I've provided below:

The history of higher education in Korea began with T'aehak, founded in the Koguryo kingdom in 372 A.D. It was, however, not until Sungkyunkwan-the predecessor of Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)-was founded in the seventh cycle of the lunar calendar in 1398 during the early Choson period that a medieval university in its true sense came into existence. King Taejo founded Sungyunkwan four years after moving the seat of government to Seoul, endowing the new university with all necessary facilities.

Even then, the university was the same size as it is today, and stands on its original site in Myungyun-dong. As the supreme institution of higher learning all throughout the Choson dynasty, Sungkyunkwan served the people of Korea by producing talented government officials, It strove to live up to its founding spirit of "Building character and justly governing the people". Sungkyunkwan was indeed the alma mater of most of Korea's distinguished scholars, thereby contributing to the advancement of the national culture. 

In 1895, Sungkyunkwan became the nation's first modern university when the three-year Confucian classics department was established by royal decree by King Kojong. Sungkyunkwan was stripped of all its educational functions after the Janpanese annexation of Korea, prompting many of its alumni to participate with even greater determination in the country for the restoration of Korea's national sovereignty. After liberation, Sungkyunkwan University was reestablished as a private college in 1946 with Kim Ch'ang-sook, an independence fighter and prominent Confucian scholar, serving as its first dean. This venerable institution of higher learning has since been reinventing itself while carrying on the proud 600-year-long tradition as Korea's national university. 

On the occasion of its 600th birthday, the university is holding a number of different events including the "World Forum for Presidents of Time-Honored Universities". Most important, is that the university is working hard to uphold the ideals of Benevo Righteousness, Propriety, and Wisdom, and is unfolding its 'Vision 2010' Development Plan in expectation of remaking itsself as the world center of Asian and Korean studies. 

On September 25, 1998, the Ministry of Information and Communication is issuing a commemorative stamp to celebrate the 600th anniversary of Sungkyunkwan University, Korea's oldest such institution. This new stamp features Myungnyundang Hall, where students of Confucianism once studied, and a gingko tree is known as "Gingko Platform" and is a symbol of Confucian learning as legend has it that Confucius used to teach his students under a gingiko tree. Let friends and family have a glimpse into Sungkyunkwan University's unique and storied history by sending them letters bearing this stamp today. 

I was curious to see what the modern university looks like and found the university website (english version), which can be accessed here. The website is full of great information about Songkyunkwan...everything from notable students to a breakdown of the meaning of the university logo, which I've provided below.

Meaning of the Songkyunkwan Logo - as it appears on the university website

Quite an interesting history! Next time I'm in Korea I will have to see if I can't squeeze a visit to Songkyunkwan University and take a stroll around the campus...

Until next time...

Korean Postage stamp Catalogue (KPC)

Today's post is on the Korean Postage stamp Catalogue (KPC). For collectors of Korean stamps there is no better catalogue out there and I would go as far as to say that owning this catalogue is almost mandatory. My wife picked me up a copy of this catalogue while in Seoul last summer (~ $30) and at the time I was not yet decided on whether I wanted to specialize in collecting Korean stamps or not. Well needless to say after spending a week or so flipping through the catalogue and getting acquainted with the variety of stamp issues for South Korea I decided I was going to focus on this country.

While I do not necessarily use this catalogue as a price guide (one needs to convert from won to dollars if they do), I do rely on it heavily for details about the stamp issue and I use it as my checklist for what I own and what I still need to hunt for.

The pros to this catalogue is it depicts EVERY stamp that has been issued so you are able to clearly see color variations and stamp designs. One of my biggest problems with the Scott Catalogue is they only depict a small overall percentage of stamps issued, which makes identification difficult at times. Another thing I like about this catalogue is there are small empty squares beside the price, which is perfect for use as a checklist. For me I fill in the square if I have the stamp already and the remaining empty ones are the issues I still need to track down. The size of the catalogue is also convenient and allows for one to easily carry it around without being burdened by the size and weight.

The only con some people might find with this catalogue is the bulk of the written text is in Korean (understandably) and requires the use of a translator. I own an electronic pocket translator (SHARP PW-5300) that I rely on for this task.

For those who do not own a copy of this catalogue, but are interested in learning more about the stamps that South Korea has issued over the years...don't fret. The Korea Stamp Society (KSS) has indexed all of the issues by year and have included detailed information for each stamp! You can visit the KSS page here. If you are a collector of Korean stamps and are not yet a member please consider becoming one.

Cheers!

Relics from the Tomb of King Munyong (1972)

Today's post features two stamps issued in 1972 depicting relics excavated from the tomb of King Munyong. On the left is a gold ornament from the King's crown and on the right are a pair of gold earings. I don't recall exactly when I added these two stamps to my collection; however, I do know that they were included in a larger lot that I purchased from an auction site. The specifics surrounding this issue are:

• Date of Issue: 10 May 1972
• Scott Catalogue #: 822 (stamp on left); 821 (stamp on right)
• Korea Postage stamp Catalogue (KPC) #: C534 (stamp on left); C535 (stamp on right) 
• Quantity Produced: 1,000,000 each

Below is the press release provided by the South Korean Ministry of Communication at the time of this stamp issue. This information was made available by the Korea Stamp Society on its website.

The Ministry of Communications is issuing two special postage stamps featuring two prominent articles selected from 2,500 items of relics unearthed virtually intact from the tomb of King Munyong of Paekche, who reigned from 501 to 523.

These priceless historical relics were discovered in July 1971 during the excavation of the royal tomb situated at Keumsong-dong (Songsan-ri), Kongju, Chungchong Namdo. Kongju, which was the capital of the Paekche Kingdom for 63 years beginning 475, is the seat of six ancient tombs of Paekche, which have been officially designated together as the National Historical Remains No. 13.

The discovery that brought to light the brilliance of the old Korean culture of nearly 1,500 years ago marked the most remarkable archaeological gain since the liberation in 1945. As such, it has aroused unusual interest among scholars as well as the general public at home and abroad. 

1. Gold Crown Ornament These gold ornament of a crown by King Munyong are elaborately designed in the shape of flowers and leaves, measuring 14,2cm in diameter and 29cm in height. 

2. A Pair of Gold Earrings Also worn by King Munyong, each of these earrings has two pendants one made up of gourd-shaped ornaments and comma-shaped jades, and the other decorated with a heart-shaped gold plate.  

As a child I always dreamed of growing up to be an archaeologist or a sort of treasure hunter in the likes of an Indiana Jones. While I have grown up to be neither, I do have an interest and appreciation for those who spend their time and resources uncovering artifacts from the past. Were it not for the work of archaeologists and others we would not be able to understand and appreciate the rich history of different cultures. I personally do not find much beauty in this particular stamp set; however, I am fascinated by the topic of the stamps and can imagine how exciting it must have been to unearth these priceless treasures! 

Photo of the ornament recovered from King Munyong's Tomb

Photo of the earrings recovered from King Munyong's Tomb

The Tomb of King Munyong was nominated in 1994 for inclusion as a World Heritage Site; however, to date it appears it has not made the list. Below are a couple pictures of the tomb.

Front entrance of King Munyong's Tomb

Inside view of King Munyong's Tomb

I had a lot of fun pulling these stamps out of my stock book this morning and reading up on King Munyong's Tomb. Fun stuff. Until next time...

State Visit of the Emperor of Ethiopia (1968)

Today's featured stamp was issued in 1968 to commemorate the official state visit of Haile Selassie, the former leader of Ethiopia, to South Korea. Featured on the stamp are portraits of Haile Selassie and former South Korean President Park Chung Hee. I added the above stamp and souvenir sheet to my collection last summer and currently have a second MNH souvenir sheet available for anyone interested in a trade. I like the design of this stamp and give the color combination a thumbs up. As for the stamp specifics they are as follows:

• Date of Issue: 18 May 1968
• Scott Catalogue #: 601
• Korea Postage stamp Catalogue (KPC) #: C343
• Quantity Produced: 1,000,000 stamps; 100,000 souvenir sheets

The stamp description provided by the South Korean Ministry of Communication and listed on the Korea Stamp Society website is as follows:

His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie 1, Emperor of Ethiopia, will visit the Republic of Korea for three days at the invitation of His Excellency President Chung Hee Park, from 18 May 1968. H.I.M. Selassie`s historic state visit to Korea reaffirms the traditional bonds of friendship between the two countries, and it will serve to further cement mutual understanding and spirit of cooperation over various matters of mutual concern.

We Korean people will always be grateful to the Ethiopian people for their coming to our aid to help us defend freedom and justice during Korean war. The friendship shown by the noble sacrifice of their precious blood for the defense of freedom on this soil shall be long cherished in our heart. The state visit of H.I.M. Selassie will surely bring the two countries even closer together in our common efforts toward national development and prosperity. 

The Ministry of Communications issues a commemorative postage stamp to mark this historic occasion and it joins with the people in extending to H.I.M. their wholehearted welcome and praying that His Imperial Majesty`s stay in Korea will be a most comfortable and enjoyable one.

Haile Selassie

While I have always been interested in reading about the Korean War I am certainly not an expert on the subject and was thus surprised to learn that the Ethiopian military provided three 1,200 man Battalions to the UN Command starting in May/June of 1951. The Ethiopian units were designated as the 1st Kagnew Battalion, the 2nd Kagnew Battalion, and the 3rd Kagnew Battalion and they were integrated into the command of the U.S. 7th Infantry Division during the Korean War. This stamp was issued to commemorate and honor the "precious blood" spilled by the Ethiopian military for the defense of freedom and I've read that there were 122 KIA and 566 WIA from the Kagnew Battalions that fought during the war.

 

In January 2010, U.S. Army Africa published an interesting article about their visit with Kagnew veterans at the Korean War memorial in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. To read the article click here. I found this bit of military history to be fascinating!

During my research of this stamp issue I did not turn up much information about Haile Selassie's visit to South Korea; however, I learned a tremendous amount about Ethiopia's military role during the Korean War. Fascinating stuff that I may not have ever discovered had I not stopped to learn more about this stamp and souvenir sheet. 

Until next time...

2010 Korean Postage Stamps Yearbook

2010 stamp yearbook as it appears on K-stamp website

Today's post features the other gift I received from my friend Eunju in Korea for my birthday, which was yesterday. This is the first postage stamp yearbook I have held in my hands and these are beautiful! This stamp yearbook was issued on 18 February 2011 and comes in hardcover with a matching slip case. On the inside there are descriptions in both English and Korean of every stamp issued in 2010 and the actual stamps are also mounted within the book. If interested in taking a peek at this yearbook check out: http://www.kstamp.go.kr/fcatalog/ecatalog.jsp?Dir=647

 I really like these yearbooks. Prior to receiving this one as a birthday gift I was contemplating getting one ever year for my daughter starting with 2009 (the year she was born), so that she can learn about Korean culture through stamps when she gets older. After reading through the 2010 yearbook I'm convinced that adding one to my collection each year is the way to go....now I just have to go out and pick up the 2009 issue!

This was a really wonderful birthday gift! Thank you Eunju!!

Until next time....

Korean-Made Characters 1st Series: Pororo (2011)

This week's stamp feature is the first stamp issue of 2011 for South Korea and the first of a new series of stamps to highlight Korean-made animation/cartoon characters. The image above is a full sheet of ten stamps of characters from "Pororo, The Little Penguin." For those unfamiliar with "Pororo, The Little Penguin", it is one of the more popular cartoons in South Korea and images of these characters can be found emblazoned on just about everything over in Korea. Here are some specific details surrounding this stamp series:

• Date of Issue: 22 February 2011
• Scott Catalogue #: TBD
• Korea Postage stamp Catalogue #: TBD
• Quantity Produced: 400,000 each

The image below is from a pamphlet issued by the Korea Post that provides additional information on this Pororo stamp issue.

(click to enlarge)

This stamp issue is a special one for me for two reasons. First, my two year old daughter is crazy about Pororo and she has everything from a Pororo play mat to a set of Pororo chopsticks. Second and more importantly...this stamp sheet was included in a package my good friend Eunju sent me from Korea for my birthday that is coming up next week. Eunju's package from Korea was a complete surprise and she knows that I collect stamps from South Korea so she included this stamp issue and another special gift that I will cover in next week's post. I was extremely touched by my friend's thinking of me on my birthday and I'll always remember this thoughtful gesture of hers.

Picture of my daughter's Pororo play mat

Though this stamp series is geared for children I think adults will find some enjoyment collecting these stamps as well (or at least I will). Until next time...

v/r
Beezer

Campaign for Anti-Espionage (1972)

Today's stamp was issued in 1972 to promote the campaign for anti-espionage and victory over communism. The stamp design features the Korean flag and some Korean language characters set in a brick-like pattern that translates to "anti-espionage." My interest in this stamp is primarily due to the interesting topic than the design of the stamp itself. In some ways I actually find the design and color combination of this stamp to be mildly unattractive, but that is just me. Here are some of the details surrounding this issue:

• Date of Issue: 01 May 1972
• Scott Catalogue #: 819
• Korea Postage stamp Catalogue #: C532
• Quantity Produced: 1,000,000

The official announcement of this stamp issue provided by the South Korean Ministry of Communication and found on the Korea Stamp Society website is as follows:

The Republic of Korea has designated may, 1972 as the month of anti-espionage and victory over communism in a stepped-up move to foil any north Korean communists' attempts to reinvade the republic and strengthen the nation's posture to achieve a victory over communism.During the month, various national campaigns will be carried out under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Culture and Information. The republic is faced with unprecedented challenges posed by the recent local and international developments. 

On the one hand, Communist China was admitted to the United Nations. On the other, the communist in north Korea, ever bent on their aggressive scheme, have intensified their military preparations to communize the entire peninsula by force. To cope squarely with the critical situation, President Park Chung Hee declared a state of national emergency last December 6. While awaiting to seize what they call a decisive opportunity to reinvade the south, the north Korean communists have transformed the land in the north into a colossal military fortification and now are all out to produce arms and weapons in huge quantity. 

In addition to their 500,000 man regular armed forces, the communists have well-trained, well-equipped Workers and Farmers Red Guards of 1,400,000 men and women and 700,000 member Red Youth Guards. They are drilling even primary school children in military marksmanship. The communists, behind the facade of their acceptance of the Republic of Korea Red Cross proposal to hold talks to help locate and eventually reunite millions of families separated in the south and north, have been increasing their prevocations by infiltrating armed agents into the republic. 

This stark reality calls for the people of this republic to further reinforce its anti-espionage activities and renew its determination to win victory over communism not merely during the campaign month but beyond that period. 

In order to emphasize the importance of the campaign and thus help the nation to be better prepared to stave off north Korean espionage infiltrations and armed provocations and solidify the national unity and security stance against any eventuality, the Ministry of Communications is issuing this stamp.  

 The primary intelligence service in South Korea today is the National Intelligence Service, which has an interesting and colorful history, a part of which can be read about here.

Logo of the National Intelligence Service

Seal of the National Intelligence Service

The National Intelligence Service has been under a lot of scrutiny the past two years first following the North Korean attack on the South Korean naval vessel and now following the more recent North Korean artillery barrage against Yeonpyeong Island. However, this past week has been particularly hard on the National Intelligence Service as it came to light that several agents attempted (unsuccessfully) to surreptitiously enter the hotel room of a visiting Indonesian envoy and steal secrets from their computer's hard drives....Yes, a bit of egg on the face of the National Intelligence Service! The botched operation has been well publicized and many people are now calling for the director Won Sei Hoon to resign. The below picture of Won Sei Hoon was recently aired on Yonhap News.

Picture of Won Sei Hoon on Yonhap News

 
For those interested the National Intelligence Service maintains a website in english here. Below is a picture of the National Intelligence Service headquarters, which is located in Seoul.

National Intelligence Service Headquarters

The topic of this stamp issue is a fascinating one and I really enjoyed reading about the history of intelligence activities in South Korea. Who doesn't find espionage interesting?....

Until next time...

Campaign for National Tree Planting (1975)

Today's posting features four se-tenant stamps issued in 1975 to promote the campaign for national tree planting in South Korea. These four stamps attached together provide a nice panoramic nature scene that is pretty attractive in my opinion. I have seen these stamps when detached from one another and a bit of their beauty is lost when not viewed together and seen in context with one another. Here are some of the stamp particulars regarding this issue:

• Date of Issue: 20 March 1975
• Scott Catalogue #: 954a, 954b, 954c, 954d
• Korea Postage stamp Catalogue #: C661, C662, C663, C664
• Quantity Produced: 1,250,000

At the time of issue the South Korean Ministry of Communications offered the below statement to mark the campaign for national tree planting (as listed on the Korea Stamp Society website):

The total area of forests in our country amounts to 6,641,000 chungbo, or 16,600,000 aces, accounting for as much as 67 percent of the whole territory of Korea. The climate and other natural features, which are suitable for forestation, provide us with an ideal opportunity to make Korea a prosperous forestry state. 

In reality, however, Korea depends on imports form overseas to meet most of the domestic demand for timber. In order to bequeath green forests to our posterity, the government established in 1973 a 10-year forestation plan, under which all the people of the county are to plant 10 kinds of seeding, including those for fuel and fruits and fast-growing and slow-growing ones, on a yearly, step-by-step basis. 

As we did last year, we have again designated the period form March 21 through April 20 as the National tree planting period to have all our people take part in the nationwide campaign by planting, and closely attending to, trees for the eventual realization of our dream of green forests.
Hoping that the 10-year forestation plan will be successfully implemented through the combined effort of both the government and people, the Ministry of Communications is issuing this special Stamp in commemoration of the second National tree planting campaign. 

In South Korea today, the country still celebrates and promotes tree planting in what is known as National Arbor Day (식목일). National Arbor Day falls on April 5th and is a day where people plant tree seedlings throughout the country. In the United States Arbor Day is typically celebrated the last Friday in April and is marked similarly by the planting of tree seedlings. As a child growing up in Los Angeles I can remember taking field trips to the Tree People and receiving a little pine seedling to take home and plant. I'm not sure how our schools in the U.S. mark Arbor Day today...truthfully I completely forgot we had an Arbor Day until looking at these South Korean stamps a bit closer and reading about the background of these stamps. I live in a fairly rural part of Central Virginia and one of the most beautiful sights are the trees in the fall. Absolutely stunning sight.

For the hardcore arborists out there or those who like me don't know much about Arbor Day and how it is marked in South Korea...here is a link to an article from last year's National Arbor Day: http://www.korea.net/news.do?mode=detail&guid=45440

Until next time...

v/r
Beezer

American Philatelist (Feb 2011 Issue) ~ Korea in a Nutshell

Today's blog post features an article written by Bob Lamb for the Feb. issue of American Philatelist. One of my favorite sections of the American Philatelist is the "worldwide in a nutshell" article at the back of the journal. I usually take a sneak peek to see what country is covered first before I read from front to back. Much to my surprise this month the featured country is the Republic of Korea.

The article can be viewed in pdf format on the American Philatelic Society's website at: http://www.stamps.org/AP/Worldwide0211.pdf

The American Philatelist is a wonderful journal and this month's write-up on Korea made this issue extra special to me.

Until next time...

-Beezer

Encouraging Savings (1978)

Today's featured stamp was issued by the Republic of Korea in the spring of 1978. The design depicts two ants carrying coins and has Korean words in the bottom right which translates to "encouraging savings." There is something about this stamp that seems to catch my eye every time I'm flipping through my stockbook. Perhaps it is the giant ants depicted on it. I'm not sure, but I tend to like looking at this stamp. The details surrounding this stamp issue are as follows:

• Date of Issue: 01 April 1978
• Scott Catalogue #: 1129
• Korea Postage stamp Catalogue #: C785
• Quantity Produced: 3,000,000

Ants have a well known reputation for being industrious and for hoarding resources for their ant colony, so it is pretty obvious why two ants were selected to be on a stamp encouraging savings. 

A look at this stamp issue on the Korea Stamp Society's website also includes the below announcement in blue made by South Korea's Ministry of Communication for this issue. If you haven't visited the Korea Stamp Society's website and you are a collector of Korean stamps then you are really missing out and need to visit us. Here's the description of this stamp released by the Ministry of Communication:

We are well aware that the only way to overcome numerous disasters such as diseases, damages, conflagrations and thefts which we are bound to encounter in the course of life, is to practice savings. 

It is all more obvious that without savings, we can hardly except to enjoy such comforts of life as affluent living, happy marriage and good education for our children. Not only are savings indispensable for everyone of us on an individual basis, but are also vital for the supply of investment funds required for the construction of a viable national economy. 

Owing to successful implementation of economic development plans for three consecutive periods, during the past 15years from 1962 through 1976, the Republic of Korea has achieved a remarkable economic growth in terms of quantity. For the 4th economic development-plan period, which was launched last year, a target has been set at the building of a stable welfare state in which all our people can enjoy a well-to-do life, with emphasis placed on national security and qualitative improvement of the national life, so that the nation can establish a self-sustaining national economy. 

A self-supporting economy means that all the investment funds required for economic growth be made available solely by the savings of the people. In the case of 1977, the 1st year of 4th Economic Develolment Plan, the savings of the people accounted for 24.8 percent, and overseas savings 0.6 percent, of the investment funds used, showing that a considerable part of investment funds was borne by national savings. The government plans to supply all investment funds through national savings by 1981, the last year of the 4th Plan period. 

On the occasion of observing the 2nd anniversary of the property formation savings system, on April 1, the Ministry of Communications issues a special postage stamp for encouraging savings for the purpose of promoting savings practice among the people, to help realize our common goal of individual affluence of all our people, and increased wealth and power of our country as a whole.

For those of us who are citizens of the United States the subject of savings (or a lack thereof) strikes near and dear and is being felt everywhere in this country. Our country would do well to not only release a new stamp issue encouraging savings, but our elected officials should be forced to keep an ant farm on their desks and in the chambers where they cast votes on how to spend taxpayer's dollars. Spending is out of control and if serious measures are not taken to rein spending back in our national debt will sink this country. For a very interesting breakdown of our national debt check out: http://www.usdebtclock.org/

Back to stamps...if you are aware of any stamps (U.S. or foreign) previously released to encourage savings send me an email and let me know. Thanks.

Until next time...

v/r
Beezer

Pohang Iron & Steel Plant & Facilities (1973)

Today's featured stamp issue commemorates the opening of the Pohang Iron & Steel Plant in 1973. I can't recall exactly when I added this stamp to my collection, but I think the stamp was in a lot I purchased this past fall. Depicted on the stamp is a picture of the iron and steel plant with molten metal being poured in the background. The particulars for this issue are as follows:

• Date of Issue: 03 July 1973
• Scott Catalogue #: 873
• Korea Postage stamp Catalogue (KPC) #: C584
• Quantity Produced: 1,500,000

Checking this stamp issue on the Korea Stamp Society website yielded the following description of the stamp provided by the South Korean Ministry of Communication in 1973:

Pohang Iron and Steel Co., Ltd. (POSCO) will celebrate on July 3, 1973, the Inauguration of Pohand Steel Works which is the key industry of the nation's Third Five Year Economic Development Plan.

To pursue the Government policy for modernization and industrialization of the country, POSCO carried out the initial ground breaking for the construction of the integrated iron and steel mill to include modern type and large scale ironmaking, steelmaking and rolling mill plants on April 1, 1970, under positive assistance of the Government.

Normal operation of the mill will meet the domestic steel demand and consequently will lead to a better foreign exchange position of the nation. It also will greatly contribute to the well-balanced industrial structure of the country by expenditing the development of related industries such as machinery, construction, automobile, shipbuilding, mining, etc.

The Pohang Steel Works is capable of producing 1.03 million tons of crude steel per annum and the products mix of plates, hot rolled coil, sheets, skelps and billets. POSCO has also finalized an expansion project plan, under which construction will begin this year, to produce 2.6 million tons, aiming at final production capacity of 7 million tons, of crude steel per annum.

In order to give wide publicity of this historic dedication of Pohang Steel Works, the Ministry of Communications is issuing this commemorative postage stamp.  

Today, the Pohang Iron & Steel Plant, also known as POSCO, is one of the world's largest steel makers! The South Korean automobile and shipbuilding industries have made it so. For those interested in learning more about POSCO's history there is an interesting write-up at: http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/POHANG-IRON-AND-STEEL-COMPANY-LTD-Company-History.html

Additionally, here is the POSCO website (English):  http://www.posco.com/homepage/docs/eng2/jsp/s91a0010001i.jsp

Pohang will always have a special place in my heart. Pohang was the first place I visited in South Korea. The U.S. Marine Corps has a small presence in Pohang and maintains Camp Mu Juk (Marine Expeditionary Camp - Pohang) for training exercises that take place throughout the year on the peninsula. My first two visits to Korea in 1997/1998 were during these joint U.S.-ROK training exercises that are regularly conducted. One of the memorable highlights from my first two visits to Pohang was driving through the ROK 1st Marine Division's Headquarters and seeing some of the obstacle courses and other facilities used for ROKMC boot camp. Several years would pass before I would return to Pohang....in 2003, coincidentally the day after the Iraq War began, I was back near Pohang conducting amphibious landing exercises with a company of ROK Marines. This particular visit made a lasting impression in my memory because I got very very sea sick going from ship to shore and shore to ship. By the time we hit the shore and the vehicle ramps were lowered on the beaches half of us that were crammed like sardines in the amphib tracks had lost their breakfasts. Good times in Pohang. 

I have said time and time again that I enjoy stamps primarily due to the history and things that can be learned about our world from them...equally enjoyable is when a stamp issue helps bring to the surface memories of experiences and times in our lives that are either directly or indirectly tied to the stamp sitting before us.

I love this stamp issue not because of the design or topic of the stamp necessarily, but because of the memories it helps remind me of. Good times indeed.

Until next time...

-Beezer

Korea's Advance to Antarctica (1987)

Today's post highlights a stamp issued in 1987 to commemorate South Korea's exploration of Antarctica. Featured on the stamp is a South Korean explorer, a map of Antarctica, and a small base camp with three penguins. I'm not a topical collector, but I know there are some who collect stamps with penguins and I found myself wondering whether this stamp is sitting in someone's penguin collection somewhere. Maybe not, but it did cross my mind. This stamp issue did not come with a souvenir sheet....just the stamp. Here are some details:

• Date of Issue: 28 November 1987
• Scott Catalogue #: 1504
• Korea postage Stamp Catalogue (KPC)#: C1153
• Quantity Produced: 3,000,000 

The Korea Stamp Society includes a description of this stamp made by the South Korean Ministry of Communications at the time of issue:

Antarctica, which covers the continent and islands surrounding the South Pole, is an attractive frontier of today's world, with a vast amount of natural resources including coal and petroleum and also of marine sources such as whales and krill in the seas around it.

A turning point in our interest in Antarctica was made when a group of our scientists landed there and made observations and explorations from November 6 to December 9, 1985. It was thus that a way was opened for Korea to participate in a future exploration of the Antarctica resources, if it comes about, and to join the Antarctic Treaty nations. On November 28, 1986, as a result, Korea was able to become a signatory to the Antarctic Treaty, as the 33rd member country. It is expected that Korea's signing of the Antarctic Treaty will serve to highten not only our national pride as the host country the 1988 Seoul Olympics but our nations enterprising spirit of advancing out to the oceans as well.

The Ministry of Communications issues this postage stamp in commemoration of the meaningful event of our becoming a signatory power to the Treaty.

 

If you are like me and don't know much about Antarctica and the exploration treaty that was formed...check out the wikipedia page at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antarctic_Treaty_System

That's all for today...Have a great weekend!!!

-Beezer

15th Anniversary of Girl Scouts (1961)

Today's featured stamp issue for South Korea commemorates the 15th Anniversary of the Korean girl scouts. The design depicts a girl scout saluting in uniform and the girl scout logo in the top right with the motto beneath, which means "prepared" in English. I added the souvenir sheet to my collection this past fall and the stamp I acquired last month. I really like the design of this issue and the color combination helps make it an attractive stamp in my opinion. Here are the specifics:

• Date of Issue: 10 May 1961
• Scott Catalogue #: 325
• Korea postage Stamp Catalogue (KPC) #: C148
• Quantity Produced: 50,000 souvenir sheets and 500,000 stamps

The Girl Scouts of Korea were founded in 1946 and are headquartered, not surprisingly, in Seoul. Depicted below is a "line and block" chart of the current organizational structure of the Girl scouts of Korea:

I took a look online and found the website for the Girl Scouts of Korea. The website is well laid out and is rich in information about the organization. I do not know much about the Girl Scouts, but one thing I found interesting on the website (Korean Version) is the pictures of boys wearing Girl Scout uniforms alongside the girls. This is certainly a case of ignorance on my part, as I would not have guessed boys could serve in the organization. I've included the english version of the website here: http://www.girlscout.or.kr/eng_version/eng_main.html

For those who have daughters serving in the Girl Scouts of the U.S. there is a hyperlink off the english version of the Girl Scouts of Korea website that features contact information for the different branches of the Girl Scouts of Korea....a fun project might be to contact these Girl Scout Provincial Councils and establish a pen pal relationship between troops in the U.S. and in South Korea. 

Logo of the Girl Scouts of Korea

This was a fun issue to learn about. I have a daughter who is not quite of age to get involved in the girl scouts, but who knows, maybe once a bit older I'll get her plugged in and will be the one sending emails to her sister troops in South Korea....

Until next time...

3rd Korea Boy Scout Jamboree in 1967

Today's featured stamps and souvenir sheets were issued in 1967 to commemorate the 3rd Boy Scout Jamboree in South Korea. I added these stamps and souvenir sheets to my collection a few months back. Here are some of the particulars for this stamp issue:

• Date of Issue: 10 August 1967
• Scott Catalogue #: 580 (top image), 581 (bottom image)
• Korea Postage stamp Catalogue #: C331 (top image), C332 (bottom image)
• Quantity Produced (top image): 1,000,000 stamps and 80,000 souvenir sheets
• Quantity Produced (bottom image): 500,000 stamps and 80,000 souvenir sheets 

One of the enjoyable aspects of collecting Korean stamps for me is learning more about the topic featured on the stamps and without fail the first place I usually stop at to get some background is the Korea Stamp Society homepage. For this featured stamp issue the Korea Stamp Society has the following information on it's website:

The third Jamboree of the Boy Scouts of Korea will be held at Hwarangdae, Seoul, the site of the Korean Military Academy from 10th to 15th August, 1967. The Jamboree is a part of a series of colorful events to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Korean Boy Scouts.

Nearly 6,000 Korean Scouts and 200 foreign Scouts and Scouters from the Republic of China, Japan, Philippines and the United States of America will participate in the great events. The objects of the Jamboree are to give opportunities to Scouts from all the Provinces of Korea to live together as brother Scouts and to foster unity and solidarity among them and also to promote the idea of the world brotherhood of Scouts.

The word "Jamboree" was used by Sir Baden Powell of Gilwell for the first time in the Scouting since he held the first international Jamboree in August, 1920, at London, England. The third Korea Jamboree will be not only a pageant to celebrate its 45th anniversary but also will dramatically show the picture of the Korean Boy Scouts movements.

   

Reading about the background to this stamp issue jogs some memories of the couple years I spent in the boy scouts as a child (in the U.S.) and reminds me of this past year (2010) and being up in Washington D.C. the weekend of the Boy Scout Jamboree. Admittedly, I know very little about the Boy Scouts in Korea...aside from the fact my brother-in-law was one. However, as I began to look into the Boy Scouts in Korea I found the topic to be quite interesting. Below is the emblem for the Korea Scout Association that I obtained from their website...very good breakdown of the symbol's meaning.

Interesting stuff indeed! Maybe since I'm on the topic of scouting I'll take a look at the 1961 stamp issue commemorating the 15th anniversary of Korean Girl Scouts next. Until then...

New Year's Greeting - 1973

Today's featured stamp issue is one of two that celebrates the New Year for 1973. Pictured on this stamp are two children wearing hanbok riding in a hot air balloon. I added 2x souvenir sheets and 1x stamp to my collection back in October 2010. Here are the specifics regarding this issue:

• Date of Issue: 01 December 1972
• Scott Catalogue #: 841
• Korea Postage stamp Catalogue (KPC)#: N28
• Quantity Produced: 70,000 souvenir sheets and 1,500,000 stamps

Happy New Year ~ 2011