KPC3469-3470: New Year’s Greetings (Year of the Ox)

2021 is the Year of the Ox. Since long ago, Koreans have considered oxen to be important partners in agricultural society, inviting wealth and preventing disasters. Korea Post is issuing the commemorative stamp for the New Year in celebration of 2021 as the Year of the Ox, which symbolizes relaxation and peace.

From ancient to modern times, oxen have been important animals for humans. In ancient society, which observed traditional beliefs, oxen were used as sacred offerings in village rituals, such as byeolsingut and jangseungje, and their bones and horns were used as fulu to drive away ghosts. Since agricultural society began, oxen became more valuable as agricultural partners. Oxen helped with farming work, which was difficult to do with humans` strength alone, and transported crops. In paintings of the mid-Joseon pastoral art genre of gyeongjikdo, oxen often appear plowing the field or carrying something heavy. In addition, oxen were also sold to secure emergency funds as in the saying “Sell oxen to send kids to college”. As such, oxen have been indispensible life-long partners for Koreans. As seen from oxen`s behaviors and characteristics, they are known to be diligent, honest and sincere. Because of such characteristics, there have been sayings reminding people of the importance of diligence like “Oxen have 12 virtues without talking,” meaning to realize true virtues while working diligently in silence, and “Slow but walks like an ox,” meaning to be slow but meaningful and reliable.

This commemorative stamp for the New Year is issued in two versions: one depicts a winking calf bearing good fortune with a lucky bag on its back and showing a gentle smile; and the other holographic version portrays a mother cow and calf facing each other and smiling together, expressing heartwarming maternal love and abundance. With this commemorative stamp, we hope 2021 can be a year where you can relax and spend valuable time with your loved ones.