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Title : Definitive Stamp (40 won)
	Stamp Serial#	1225
	KPC#	294
	MICHEL#	1250
	StanGib#	1371
	Scott#	1256
	Date of Issue	08/20/1981
	Quantity	To be issued as required
	Denomination	40 won
	Design	Mugungwha, National Flower
	Designer	Kim Sung-sil
	Image Area	19mm*22mm
	Perforation	13
	Sheet Composition	10×10
	Paper	White Unwatermarked
	Print	Government Printing & Mint Agency of the Republic of korea
	Description
The Ministry of Communications has decided to seek a more systematic issuance of definitive stamps by dividing them into three classes; high-priced, middle-priced, and low-priced stamps-each of which will have its thematic aim of design fixed for five years. This newly issued 40-won stamp, which is to become the main stamp used most frequently, belongs to the low-priced class. For its theme of design, the rose of Sharon (Hibiscus Syriacus), Korea's national flower, has been chosen in accordance with the thematic policy that favors things Korean for the design of low-priced stamps. "Mugungwha", as the flower is called in Korean, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to Malvaceae. Growing to a height of 2-3m, with its flowers blooming over a long period from June to October, the Rose of Sharon has long been planted to serve as the house fence in the Korean countryside. The flower was so widely diffused throughout the country that Korea was once called the "Land of Rose of Sharon" and began to be symbolized by it. Thus, without any government ever deciding on the national flower, Mungungwha began to be popularly recognized as such, during the late period of the Yi Dynasty, and has since kept its status. To us Koreans, the rose of Sharon gives a special affective meaning as well. When we were denied our national flag by the Japanese colonial rule, the ubiquitous Rose of Sharon came into our hearts as the symbol of our country like the national flag. This is how our national flag, today, has come to have its pole top decorated with a Mugungwha bud.