Title : Definitive Postage Stamp (500 won)  
Stamp Serial#
 2334 
KPC#
 438 
MICHEL#
 2361 
StanGib#
 2711 
Scott#
 1997A 
Date of Issue
 07/11/2003 
Quantity
 2,000,000
Continue to be issued as required 
Denomination
 500 won 
Design
 White Porcelain Bottle with Underglaze Iron-Painted Rope Design 
Designer
 Moe Ji-whan 
Image Area
 26mm*36mm 
Perforation
 13 
Sheet Composition
 10 x 5 
Paper
 White unwatermarked
Printing process
and colors
 Photogravure, four colors 
Print
 Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation 
Description
In 1992, the Ministry of Information and Communication drew up a master plan to phase in new definitive stamps to replace the old ones, which have been in use for a long time, and simultaneously to upgrade the standards of Korean stamps. In accordance with this plan, the 500-won definitive stamp featuring a "celadon water dropper in the shape of a pomegranate"", which was first issued on November 6, 1995, is now being replaced with the image of a "White porcelain bottle with underglaze iron-painted rope design".

This white porcelain bottle with underglaze iron-painted rope design was made during the Chosan period. Among the white porcelains of the Chosan period, this bottle is highlighted by its unique decorative patterns. The bottleneck is tied with a knot with the strand hanging loose which is rolled into a round shape. Ferric paint with a touch of a brownish hue was used on the surface in different shades to exhibit a natural and refined look that portrays the feeling that an actual knot had been tied. The bottleneck is slender to enable easy handling while the distended mid section of the bottle holds an abundant amount of liquor. The base of the bottle is high and wide, and the inner bottom carries the Hangul inscription of

Underglaze iron-painted white porcelains produced during the 15th and 16th centuries are extremely rare, as they became popular in the 17th century. This white porcelain is one of the more rare specimens made during the late 16th century and is representative of the white porcelains of the Joseon period demonstrating unique patterns. It is displayed at the National Museum of Korea. The bottle is 31.4 centimeters in height, the diameter of the opening of the bottle is 7 centimeters and the diameter of the base is 10.6 centimeters. (Treasure No. 1060).