Dedication of the UNESCO Building in Paris in 1958

Shown above is the second stamp and souvenir sheet I added to my Korean stamp collection. This issue commemorates the dedication of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) building in Paris that was inaugurated on 03 November 1958. Here are some of the specifics for this stamp issue:

• Date of Issue: 03 November 1958
• Scott Catalogue #: 286
• Korean Postage stamp Catalogue (KPC): C119
• Quantity Produced: 5,000 s/s and 500,000 stamps

Depicted on the stamp is the main headquarters of UNESCO, which is located on the Place de Fontenoy in Paris, France. The UNESCO headquarters is noted for the architectural design of its buildings and sunken courtyards. Below is a satellite image taken from the UNESCO website of the main building that is depicted on the stamp and souvenir sheet.

The mission of UNESCO is to "contribute to the building of a culture of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information." For more information on UNESCO visit their web page at: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/

Interestingly, South Korea became the 55th country to become a member of UNESCO having joined the organization on 14 June 1950. Following the Korean War, UNESCO contributed school books to South Korea and helped build a factory to produce other educational materials. Today South Korea serves as a model nation for UNESCO and is a very active member of the organization. For more information on South Korea's involvement in UNESCO visit the web page of the Korean National Commission for UNESCO at: http://www.unesco.or.kr/eng/front/unesco_kr/unesco_kr_02.asp

One of the things I appreciate the most about collecting stamps is the history that can be learned by studying the subject/topic of the stamp more closely. I learned a tremendous amount about the UNESCO (more than I could possibly cover in this post) that I would likely not have discovered had I not added this stamp and souvenir sheet to my collection. The beauty of the stamp coupled by learning about UNESCO brought me a lot of enjoyment.

Until next time...

-Beezer