On February 11, 2005, there was a special presentation of the stamp issued to commemorate the “successful cloning of human embryonic stem cells” by a Korean professor, Hwang Woo-suk of Seoul National University. The Summer, 2005, issue of Korean Stamp Review said that this event was “a most brilliant, phenomenal achievement that has surely enhanced national prestige of Korea a step higher” (p. 4). How embarrassing, then, to discover that the story was fraudulent. Can you imagine having a stamp that celebrates your lack of integrity?
The November 7, 2005, issue of Linn’s (p. 19) contains a full page buy ad for Republic of Korea stamps from Edward Younger Co. This is always a good sign of the demand for the stamps of such a country. One interesting observation is that there are very few offers to buy used stamps, suggesting that there is not much excess demand for such stamps. The early stamps tend to be in the 30-40% of Scott’s range, but some (e.g., 209, 210, 212, as a group, actually exceed catalog value). Such an ad suggests that there may be a need to modify some of the prices in Scott’s. These prices might also reflect the fact that many stamps in this era were hinged, leading to difficulty in finding non-hinged stamps.
I am grateful for the wonderful response to my call for more articles. Our previous authors have been most generous with their time and knowledge in continuing to share their expertise with us in these pages. However, no new authors have stepped forward. So, I’m going to try one more bribe to see if I can get you to respond. If you have not written an article for KP before, send me an article (preferably electronically), and I will send you one of the following, that you choose (first come, first served). Be sure to include your address. Feel free to ask for more than one. If extras are available, I’ll send you more than one.
First is an official cover (Figure 1) from the DPRK used to send new issue information. It does not bear any stamps, but it does have interesting handstamps.
Second is the Catalogue from PHILAKOREA 1994 (168 pages).
Third, I have several items from PHILAKOREA 2002:
- Bookmark with Korean stamp attached; in cellophane packaging (3)
- Wall Posters (2 different, folded)
- Mascot Stickers (1 page, 1 missing)
- Program (one page)
- Guide Book with Program enclosed
- 2003 Design Contest Flyer (one page) (2)
- Bulletin No. 2 (90 pages)
- Catalogue (184 pages) (4 available)
- Official Envelopes, large size (3 used, 1 unused)
- Half-sheets of old definitives, CTO at the exhibition for distribution to children (2 types available) (7 half sheets available)
I hope there is sufficient here to tempt you and get you to write an article, short or long; electronic or snail mail; typed or handwritten. I’ll take what you have to offer.
(Originally from KP August 2005, Vol. 50, No. 3)
