Korea issued postage stamps of five different designs for the first time in 1884, the 22nd year of Emperor Kojong, following the inauguration of the modern postal service. Following the first year, a total of 55 kinds of stamps were issued by the end of the Yi Dynasty.

Stamps issued in Korea since the Liberation in 1946 up to this date total 983 kinds. Today, postage stamps serve not only as receipts for the official fees for the delivery of mail but also as media of introducing at home and abroad a nation's history, culture, economy, arts, society and other aspects of life. Those who enjoy the hobby of collecting stamps, which are popularly regarded as merchandise of artistic value, are estimated to outnumber 50 million in the world. In Korea alone there are more than 300,000 philatelists at present, and the Ministry of Communications is exerting itself to comply with the requirements of those stamp-collectors by issuing postage stamps with varied designs and beautiful colorings.

In observance of the 3rd Philatelic Week, the Ministry is issuing this special postage stamp in the hope that more of our people will come to enjoy stamp collecting.