Here is the latest philatelic news from Korea, compiled by Jin Hur, editor in chief of KPF’s magazine Woopyo. This column was originally published in the September 2025 issue of the Korean philatelic magazine Woopyo. The main focus this month is on the exciting final preparations and special releases for the upcoming PHILAKOREA 2025 World Stamp Exhibition.
Publication of the International Philatelic Federation (FIP) Regulations
In celebration of the PHILAKOREA 2025 World Stamp Exhibition, the Philatelic Federation of Korea has produced a not-for-sale edition of the FIP Regulations. This volume includes the FIP Statutes, General Regulations of the FIP (GREX), specific guidelines for each exhibition class, the General Regulations for the Evaluation of Exhibits (GREV) revised at the 77th FIP Congress in Jakarta, Indonesia in August 2022, and regulations concerning the duties of jurors and commissioners.
A previous version of this rulebook was produced by the organizing committee for PHILAKOREA 2014. In 2021, the Philatelic Federation of Korea published a bilingual (Korean/English) edition that contained only four key documents: the FIP Congress regulations, general regulations, and guidelines for jurors and commissioners. This new edition, however, has been updated to include all the revised guidelines for each exhibition class.
PHILAKOREA 2025 Commemorative International Reply Coupon
The Universal Postal Union (UPU), in consultation with Korea Post, has reportedly produced an International Reply Coupon (IRC) featuring the PHILAKOREA 2025 logo to commemorate the exhibition. Traditionally, due to the historical French influence in the founding of many international organizations like the IOC and FIFA, IRCs are printed only in French.
With a print run of only 1,000 pieces, there is speculation that this IRC could become an extremely rare item. Conversely, some are astounded by the low quantity, questioning if 1,000 pieces are sufficient, even in a shrinking stamp and philatelic market. These commemorative IRCs are scheduled to be released on the exhibition’s opening day, September 17th.
Spain Issues Vending Machine Stamp to Commemorate PHILAKOREA 2025
Spain, which will have a booth at PHILAKOREA 2025, has issued a vending machine stamp (ATM) as shown on the maximum card in the photo. The design features a pattern blending Korea’s national flower, the Rose of Sharon (Mugunghwa), with Spain’s national flower, the carnation. The first-day cancellation also depicts both flowers. Prior to incorporating the PHILAKOREA 2025 logo on the stamp, Spanish officials formally inquired with Korea Post and the Federation about usage rights. The organizing committee granted permission to use the logo without levying a royalty fee.
Universal Postal Union (UPU) Competitive Exhibition at PHILAKOREA 2025
PHILAKOREA 2025 will host not only the FIP competitive exhibitions but also a competitive class for government-run and privatized postal authorities from UPU member countries to showcase their stamps and printing techniques. Participation is formally open to UPU members who are also part of the World Association for the Development of Philately (WADP). Entrants compete in one of three classes based on their annual stamp issuance volume:
- Group A: Fewer than 300,000 stamps per year
- Group B: 300,000 to 690,000 stamps per year
- Group C: 700,000 or more stamps per year
At last year’s exhibition in China, the winners were Slovakia (Group A), Macao (Group B), and Greece (Group C).
The exhibition at PHILAKOREA marks the 20th edition of this competition. While not widely known to the public, similar exhibitions have already been held this year at the Uruguay World Stamp Exhibition in February, Bernaba 2025 in Bern, Switzerland in May, and the Great American Stamp Show (GASS) 2025 in Chicago, USA in August. A total of 28 countries will participate in this exhibition, each displaying their recent stamp issues across 16 pages in a single frame. These exhibits will also be judged and evaluated by FIP-accredited jurors.
This event gained significant traction after the UPU and FIP agreed in 2024 to regularly hold it in conjunction with FIP-affiliated exhibitions. The initiative is strategically focused on promoting e-commerce, aiming to build an online platform where collectors can purchase stamps and related products directly from postal administrations worldwide.
PHILAKOREA 2025 World Stamp Exhibition Organizing Committee Holds Second Meeting
On July 28th, the Philatelic Federation of Korea held its second internal organizing committee meeting for PHILAKOREA 2025. The meeting was attended by committee members, who are also directors of the federation, along with officials from Korea Post and the Korea Postal Service Promotion Agency. They reviewed final-stage preparations, discussed unresolved issues, and prioritized immediate action items. The committee also shared lessons learned from shortcomings during PHILAKOREA 2014 to prevent similar incidents from recurring. The next preparatory meeting is scheduled for early September, just before the exhibition opens.
Suwon Philatelic Society Member Lee Mun-yeon Holds Third Solo Exhibition
Lee Mun-yeon, a member of the Suwon Philatelic Society, held his third exhibition of stamps and marathon bibs at the Wellside Gallery and the main building’s basement gallery of Suwon Sungkyul Church. Mr. Lee held his first stamp exhibition at the Jangan-gu Community Hall to mark his 60th birthday and his second for his 70th. This third exhibition commemorates the completion of his 300th marathon.
The display offers a panorama of his 70-year life, featuring his entire collection of daily diaries kept since 1970, along with the bibs and medals from his 300 marathons at home and abroad, and records of his and his father’s lives. His collected stamps were carefully presented in handmade exhibition frames. The exhibition ran from Saturday, July 19th to Wednesday, July 30th, 2025.
From left: Yun Eui-young, Secretary-General; Yoo Yong-sang, Vice President of the Philatelic Federation; Lee Mun-yeon, the exhibitor; Cho Dae-sik, President; Park Young-deok, member.
