FDC from south Korea

Korean-Made Character series stamps (4th)

FDC from south Korea

FDC from south Korea

FDC from south Korea

FDC from South Korea／FDC de la Corée du Sud

Year of Rabbit／année de lapin

FDC from South Korea／FDC de la Corée du Sud

2010 FIFA World Cup／

Coupe du monde de football de 2010

FDC from South Korea／FDC de la Corée du Sud

Korea´s Skating Victories at the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games／
Victoires de la Corée du patinage à Vancouver Jeux Olympiques d'hiver


In the breathtaking moment of the deciding event, Koreans tightly held hands, fretting that Kim Yu Na might fall during the triple lutz–triple toeloop combination jump. Becoming one with the skaters who raced the clock in a dash toward the finish line, we pushed our will onto the ice chanting “one two, one two.” In the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games where all the Korean people cheered in one voice, the Korean athletes showed incredible flair as if they were repaying the Korean people’s ardent cheering. Kim Yu Na, who with impeccably perfect form rose to the position of the undisputed queen of world figure skating. Mo Tae Bum, Lee Seung Hoon, and Lee Sang Hwa who emerged as new hopes in speed skating. Lee Jung Su, Sung Si Bak, Lee Ho Suk, Kwak Yoon Gy, Kim Seoung Il, Lee Eun Byul, and Park Seung Hi who carried on Korea’s rightful reputation as the global power in short-track. The other 35 members of the Korean representative team also showed the beauty of putting forth their best efforts to the very last moment. Thanks to all of them, Korea was able to achieve its best record in history with 6 gold medals, 6 silver medals, 2 bronze medals and win golden medals in the 3 events of figure skating, speed skating and short track speed skating, rising high as a new, skating power. The 11 Vancouver heroes who won medals are introduced through commemorative stamps, sending loud applause to all 46 athletes who endured lengthy periods of patience and pain, falling dozens, or hundreds or thousands of times on the ice. The deeply touching moments of gazing at the Taegeukgi, the national flag of Korea, rising to the top of the Olympic victory stand will be cherished for a long, long time in our hearts.

Postcard from South Korea／Carte Postale de la Corée du Sud

30th Anniversary of Gwangju Democratization Movement／
30ème anniversaire de mouvement pour la démocratie de Gwangju



The Gwangju Democratization Movement (Hangeul:광주 민주화 운동, Hanja: 光州民主化運動) or simply Gwangju Uprising refers to a popular rebellion in the city of Gwangju, South Korea from May 18 to May 27, 1980. During this period, citizens rose up against government and took control of the city. In the course of the uprising, insurgents took up arms, but were ultimately crushed by the ROK Army. The event is sometimes called 518, in reference to the date the uprising began.

The events of May 1980 were not a deliberate plot by the ROK government to massacre innocent civilians in South Cholla Province. Nor was the U.S. involved in the incident. Given the extent of the insurrection, the death toll was remarkably low: a fact that reflects the ROK government's efforts to minimize casualties. Those who continue to distort what happened at Kwangju should have their motives questioned. They seem determined to prevent the wounds from healing and to drive a wedge between the U.S. and the Korean people.

During 1980s, the incident was represented in official reports as a rebellion inspired by Communist sympathizers. But after civil rule was reinstated, the incident received recognition as an effort to defend democracy from military usurpation. Therefore, so called Kwangju Democratization Movement. However, there are claims supporting the official report. In South Korean media several North Korean refugees, including former Korean People's Army (KPA) members, claimed that the rebellion was truly supported by special KPA agents. In 1997, former presidents Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo, as well as 17 others, were convicted and subsequently pardoned for their "connections with the December 12, 1979 coup, the Gwangju Uprising, and slush funds." By 2002, a national cemetery and day of commemoration (May 18), along with acts to "compensate, and restore honor" to victims, were established.

Le mouvement pour la démocratisation de Gwangju (Hangeul:광주 민주화 운동 , Hanja: 光州民主化運動) est un soulèvement populaire prenant place dans le centre-ville de Gwangju en Corée du Sud, amorcé le 18 mai 1980. Au cours de ce mouvement, les citoyens s'élèveront contre la dictature en place et prendront le contrôle du centre-ville avant d'être sévèrement réprimés par l'armée qui reprendra le contrôle des lieux le 27 mai. Gwangju était le fief du leader de l'opposition démocrate, Kim Dae-jung, qui fut condamné à mort après ces émeutes, puis gracié par la suite.

Pendant le règne de Chun Doo-hwan, cet événement était présenté comme une révolte inspirée par des sympathisants communistes, mais une fois qu'un régime civil a été mis en place, il a été reconnu qu'il s'agissait d'un mouvement ayant pour but de défendre la démocratie contre la dictature militaire. En 1997, les anciens présidents Chun Doo-hwan et Roh Tae-woo ont été jugés coupables, avec 17 autres accusés, pour leurs "liens avec le coup d'État du 12 décembre 1979, le soulèvement de Gwangju et des fonds secrets", pour être par la suite graciés. En 2002 furent créés un cimetière national et une journée commémorative (le 18 mai), pour "compenser" les victimes et "restaurer leur honneur".

Cet événement est généralement appelé "5 1 8" ("오일팔", prononcé "o il pal", c'est-à-dire "cinq un huit" en français) en coréen, en référence à la date du soulèvement (avec, dans l'ordre, le mois et le jour).

FDC from South Korea／FDC de la Corée du Sud

Asia Becoming One through Stamps／
L'Asie Devenant Un par les Timbres


As is known by all of us, a stamp is attached to an envelop as an indication of the fee paid to send a piece of mail. The letter attached with a stamp, as if it had wings, flies across the sea, treks through the desert, and travels across the jungle to send the message across to the world. Besides playing such a role, the stamp has been an object that is widely collected and appreciated as the smallest-sized work of art in the world. The big world in a small square, the funny and interesting stories contained in stamps, and the stamps that continue to evolve in line with the changing times enchant all of us. Through the medium of such tiny stamps, numerous people around the world communicate and interchange with each other. At PHILAKOREA 2009 24th Asian International Stamp Exhibition, we can meet the Asia that, through stamps, becomes one and lives together in unity. PHILAKOREA 2009 that will be held from July 30 to August 4, 2009, is the first Asian International Stamp Exhibition to be held in Korea. Held under the patronage of FIAP which has 32 Asian countries as members, this exhibition will provide a wonderful opportunity to understand Asia’s history, culture and life. Wishing for the success of PHILAKOREA 2009, commemorative stamps are issued, featuring the award-winning works in the Youth Category of the 2009 International Postage Stamp Design Contest: the Grand Prize-wining work by Jaeseong YUN of Korea and Award of Excellence-winning work by Yu Hoi Dick Cherie of Hong Kong, China.

FDC from South Korea／FDC de la Corée du Sud

Love for the Earth／Amour pour la Terre



The earth is dying! Snow is falling in Africa. Unseasonable waves of cold and scorching heat are battering the earth. Glaciers in the polar regions are melting, causing coastlines to sink under water. Human efforts to make their lives more convenient and bountiful such as the industrial and technological revolutions have led to many problems such as the release of industrial wastes, destruction of the ozone layer, global warming, disruption of the eco system, etc. And now, human life itself is being threatened. Wouldn’t you think all of these problems are the earth’s warning to stop the reckless development and abuse of the nature, which resulted from selfish human being’s desires? The earth is both an asset for mankind and the basis of the life of our descendents. Now is the time for all mankind to put into practice their love for the earth, in order to rescue our one and only earth. This requires joint efforts across the world: efforts by individuals are called for, not to speak of the efforts at the national level such as energy saving, waste recycling, reduced use of fossil fuels, taking care of the forests, etc. In wishing for a green earth where human beings and nature can live together, new stamp are issued. The new stamps feature the award-winning works of the 2009 International Postage Stamp Design Contest: the Grand Prize-winning work by Seo Hye Min of Korea and the Award of Excellence-wining work by Cho Zaw Aung of Myanmar.

FDC from South Korea／FDC de la Corée du Sud

Old & Historic Trees of Korea／
Arbres vieux et Historiques de la Corée


Through the new “Old & Historic Trees of Korea Series,” superb and beautiful trees that represent Korea and are the basis for cherished and mysterious legends will be introduced during the next 4 years. Fir tree in Cheonhwangsa temple, Jinan (Natural Monument No. 495) Boasting the largest size among fir trees in our country, the 400 year-old fir tree in Cheonhwangsa Temple, Jinan is 35m tall and 5.2m in circumference. Planted on a mountainside south of Cheonhwangsa Temple in wishing for the prosperity of the temple, the majesty of this tree overwhelms its surroundings. Zelkova tree, Danjeon-ri, Jangseong (Natural Monument No. 478) Displaying the elegance of the semicircle-shaped tree, the zelkova tree in Danjeon-ri, which is 10.5m in circumference, is the thickest among all zelkova trees documented so far. Called “Janggun Namu (a general’s tree),” this tree is regarded as a divine tree because it was planted to commemorate a general who died defending his nation during the Japanese invasion of Korea. Seoksongnyeong, Cheonhyang-ri, Yecheon (Natural Monument No. 294) With thick side branches spreading out as far as 30m, this tree is approximately 600 years old. A resident of the village who loved this tree named it Seoksongnyeong and bequeathed his land, making it one of the most rare trees in the world to possess its own property. Gingko tree, Yongmunsa temple, Yangpyeong (Natural Monument No. 30) As the tallest and oldest gingko tree in our country, this tree is 41m tall and is estimated to be 1,100 years old. Legend says that this tree has sent warnings by crying out whenever Korea has faced a great crisis. This tree was even granted an official rank during the Joseon Dynasty.

FDC from South Korea／FDC de Coree du Sud

The 60th Anniversary of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps／
Le 60ème Anniversaire de L'infanterie de marine de République de la Corée



"Often referred to as the “Marine Corps that captures even ghosts” or the “Invincible Marin Corps,” the Republic of Korea Marine Corps celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The Republic of Korea Marine Corps that has engendered the myth that “once they begin a fight, they never fail to achieve victory!” was established in 1949 from the need to implement “dual land-and-water operations” due to the geographic characteristics of the Korean peninsula, with three sides of the nation surrounded by the sea. The Marine Corps has fought for its fatherland and maintained peace, distinguishing itself by bravery in numerous battles during the Korean War, Vietnam War, etc. During the past 60 years, it has also contributed to world peace by being dispatched to Iraq, Afghanistan, Georgia, India, Pakistan, Djibouti, etc., not to speak of conducting a wide variety of activities to defend the nation’s territory. As well shown by the phrase “once you are a marine, you are a marine forever,” protecting the “fatherland” and the “nation’s people” are the mission for the Marine Corps. Whenever the nation has faced difficulties, all marines who have served with distinction never failed to rise to the occasion to show indomitable commitment to protecting the nation. In celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, it is hoped that their robust and brave spirit of love for their country will last forever. The new stamp features the Marine Corps engaged in a coordinated landing operation with the Korea Amphibious Armored Vehicle (KAAV), Dokdoham (Landing Platform Helicopter) and helicopters. Reflecting the symbol of the Marine Corps, the octagonal hat, the new stamp is issued as an octagon-shaped stamp."-Korea Post

FDC from South Korea／FDC de Coree du Sud

The 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Korea and Philippines／
Le 60ème Anniversaire de Relations Diplomatiques entre la Corée et le Philippines

"2009 is a meaningful year that celebrates the 60th anniversary of Korea forming diplomatic ties with the Philippines. The Philippines is a friendly nation that sent more than 7,000 soldiers, as a part of the UN forces, to Korea during the Korean War. Korea and the Philippines have solidified their relations on the basis of goodwill and friendship in diverse areas. Celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations formed between Korea and the Philippines, new stamps are issued jointly with the Philippines Post, which features Korea’s “Sonori (Cow Play) in Hangawi” and the Philippines’ “Panagbenga Flower Festival.” “Sonori (Cow Play) in Hangawi” Hangawi (Chuseok) that falls on the 15th of August by the lunar calendar is one of the biggest national holidays in Korea, when people celebrate the year’s good harvest and observe worship service to family ancestors. At this time, when newly harvested grains and fruits are abundant, as indicated in the saying “May every day be neither more nor less than Hangawi!”, the Sonori is performed. To the tune of cheerful musical instruments of the farmer’s band, two people put on straw mats shaped like a cow and visit door to door, wishing for a year of good harvest and peace and tranquility. Panagbenga Flower Festival in the Philippines Panagbenga Flower Festival is held for a month every February at Baguio, the Philippines’ summer capital. Following a spectacular car festooned with floral decorations, for which this festival is known, dancers and the citizens who decorate themselves with flowers march through the streets, playing cheerful music."-Korea Post

FDC from South Korea／FDC de Coree du Sud

Bicentennial of Louis Braille’s Birth Commemorative Stamp／
Le bicentenaire de la Naissance de Braille Louis le Timbre Commémoratif



"The Braille characters used by blind people across the world were created by Louis Braille of France. January 4, 2009 is a meaningful day that celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille. Born in 1809 at Coupvray, a small country village near Paris, France, Louis Braille lost his eyesight at age 3 when he pricked one of his eyes with an awl in his father’s workshop and lost the other eye to infection. When he was 12, he was exposed to the system designating letters with 12 raised dots at a blind and dumb school. They were developed for nighttime military communication purpose by a commissioned officer named Barbier. In 1824, based on these raised letters, Louis Braille created a new system of representing letters with 6 raised dots that was both simpler and easier to read and write. Later on, he also devised mathematical symbols and musical signs into raised letters and announced them. Being more systematic and easier to learn, the raised letters created by Braille started to spread to more and more people. Even though Louis Braille unfortunately died early at age 43 without seeing his raised letters being formally adopted and used, the raised letters developed by him became a door to the outside world for blind people across the world who used to be locked in the dark. The Braille points comprise the 6 dots that are the most beautiful in the world. His name Braille is now referred to mean raised letters. On the 200th anniversary of the birth of Louis Braille, a new stamp is issued to commemorate his great achievements. The stamp features Louis Braille, the phrase meaning “the world seen by hands” and the image of the raised letters that expresses this phrase."-Korea Post

FDC form South Korea(ROK)／FDC de Corée du Sud

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FDC form South Korea(ROK)／FDC de Corée du Sud

FDC form South Korea(ROK)／FDC de Corée du Sud

(Click for large image)





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