Title : Definitive Postage Stamp (500 won)
Stamp Serial#
 1113 
KPC#
 280 
MICHEL#
 1138 
StanGib#
 1069e 
Scott#
 1102 
Date of Issue
 11/10/1978 
Quantity
 To be issued as required 
Denomination
 500 won 
Design
 Tile with Monster Mask 
Designer
 Kim, Sung Sil 
Image Area
 19mm¡¿22mm 
Perforation
 13¨ö*12¨ö 
Sheet Composition
 10¡¿10 
Paper
 White unwatermarked
Print
 Government Printing & Mint Agency of the Republic of Korea 
Description
The Ministry of Communications is issuing a new 500-won definitive postage stamp showing "Tile with Monster Mask in Relief", made during the Baikje Dynasty, as its design to replace the existing definitive postage stamp of the same denomination, which bears as its design the "Golden Crown of the Silla Dynasty", excavated from Chonma-Chong Mound.

Tile with Monster Mask in Relief.
Excavated from Buyo County, Chunchongnamdo Province, this square tile is 28.55cm in height, 28.25cm in width and is 4.5cm thick. One of Treasure No.343, the tile, which is presumed to have been moulded during the Baikje Dynasty (circa 6-7th century), is preserved at the National Museum of Buyo.

On this tile is inscribed in relief a monstrous figure standing on a rocky mountain as if to overawe nearby mountains. The figure is so depicted as to look larger than the rocky mountain on which it stands. The mouth, eyes and nose of the monster remind us of a roaring beast. Its shoulders are supported by two stout arms, and the beard and hairs seen from behind the shoulders suggest an immeasurable strength of monstrous nature. A metallic belt is worn around the waist.

Although the lower part of the figure seems to be rather out of protection as compared with the upper half, the sharp finger-nails and claws are more than enough to overpower others around it.

Indeed, we can appreciate the highly exquisite skills and a refined artistic sense of the Baikje Dynasty from this "Tile with Monster Mask in Relief".