Korea issued its first postage stamps of five different designs in 1884, the 21st year of King Kojong, following the inauguration of modern postal service. Since then, a total of 55 kinds of stamps had been issued by the end of the Yi Dynasty. Stamps issued in Korea since its liberation in 1945 total 914 kinds.

Today, postage stamps serve not merely as receipts for the government-designated fees for the delivery of mail but also as media of introducing a nation`s history, arts, economy, society and other aspects of life. Those who are enjoying the hobby of collecting stamps, which are popularly regarded as merchandise of artistic value, are estimated to number more than 50 million in the world.

This year's Philatelic Week, the second such observed in Korea, coincides with the 90th anniversary of the issuance of the nation`s first postage stamps. In celebration of this significant occasion, the Ministry of Communications is issuing this special stamp showing the designs of two kinds of the initial Korean stamps issued in 1884.