Born in Vienna, Austria, a century ago as the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), the world body was reorganized and renamed as WMO on March 23, 1951, through a treaty concluded among the governments of the member countries.

Since 1961, March 23 has been designated and observed as the World Meteorological Day to commemorative the event. The primary aims of WMO, which is a specialized agency of the United Nations, are to establish a global network for meteorological and weather-elated geophysical observation, facilitate an exchange of meteorological information, standardize meteorological surveys and statistics, expedite a broader use of meteorological data for aviation, sea navigation, utilization of water resources and agriculture, and promote meteorological research and training.

The member countries of WMO, which is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, total 137. The Republic of Korea joined WMO as a regular member in 1956. In Korea, which is basically an agrarian country, King Sejong recognized the importance of meteorological knowledge and invented a rain gauge as early as in 1441, the oldest device of its kind ever made and used in the world.

Paying a high tribute to WMO for its remarkable achievements during the past century and in order to help our people appreciate the importance of meteorological service, the Ministry of Communications is issuing this commemorative postage stamp.