This section presents the latest philatelic developments featured in the November 2025 issue of Woopyo Magazine, covering both domestic and international news of interest to Korean collectors. The articles have been compiled and curated by Jin Hur, who regularly reports on noteworthy exhibitions, auctions, and society activities. Together they provide a snapshot of current movements within the philatelic community in Korea.
Kim Young-gil’s (김영길) National Grand Prix Exhibit to be Specially Displayed at JAPEX in Japan
The exhibit on the postal history of Old Korea by Director Kim Young-gil (김영길), which received the National Grand Prix at PhilaKorea 2025, has been invited for a special exhibition at the 60th National Stamp Exhibition (JAPEX) hosted by the Japan Philatelic Federation, to be held in Tokyo from October 31 to November 2.
It is presumed that this decision is connected to the fact that a Japanese exhibitor won the PhilaKorea International Grand Prix, and thus JAPEX wishes to present both the PhilaKorea National Grand Prix and the International Grand Prix together in one display.
This exhibition will also feature, in addition to the usual competitive classes, a 120th Anniversary Russo-Japanese War Exhibition and a Danish Philatelic Exhibition as special displays.
Hong Kong AVA Auction – November Sale Notice
The Hong Kong-based AVA Auction, which made a sponsorship donation to PhilaKorea 2025, plans to bring a large-scale offering of philatelic material from Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, and elsewhere to auction over two days, November 29–30. As for Korean-related material, a wide range of items will be offered spanning Chinese Imperial Maritime Customs, Old Korea, and modern Korea.
Among the Hong Kong material, the international gold medal exhibit “Treaty Ports in China” by Dr. Andrew Cheung, who served as a juror at PhilaKorea 2025, will also be put up for auction. Bidding participation is possible through the website www.avaauctions.com, as well as via email or telephone.
“Korea – The Unforgotten War”
The Royal Philatelic Society London will hold a Korean-themed special event entitled “Korea – the Unforgotten War” on November 11.
The event consists of an exhibition and lecture series showcasing philatelic material depicting the turmoil and confusion of the intense and tumultuous period from the liberation of 1945 to the end of the Korean War in 1953.
Although the host and venue are in London, the internet-based Korea Stamp Society (KSS) is sponsoring the event, and presenters and exhibits have been drawn from various parts of the world.
This became possible because Anthony Bard, who served as the UK commissioner at PhilaKorea 2025 and is also the editor of The London Philatelist as well as Vice President and Editor of the KSS, is involved in the organization; Bard himself will deliver the opening remarks and act as moderator.
The program consists of five presentations:
- “What Sort of War was the Korean War?” by Owen Miller
- “The British Armed Forces during the Korean War, 1950–53: An Overview” by James Goulty
- “War and Philately” by Jonas Hällström
- “North and South Korea: The First Issues after the Second World War” by James Grayson
- “Aspects of Korean War Postal History” by Anthony Bard
Those wishing to participate in the event can contact koreanwar75@gmail.com Truthfully, had the exhibition period of PhilaKorea 2025 been a little longer, such an event could well have been held at the Magok exhibition venue itself.
Donation of Stamp Collections by Dae Han Stamp Society Member Jeon In-young
Jeon In-young (전인영) — honorary professor at Ewha Womans University and head of the Jeon San-cho (田山草) Academic and Educational Foundation — donated on September 1, 2025 more than 2,000 types of philatelic material that her mother, Dr. Jeon San-cho (田山草), had collected over her lifetime, to the Korean Philatelic Federation.
In return, the Federation expressed its appreciation by awarding a certificate and a plaque of gratitude, and the 3 million won proceeds from the sale of the donated philatelic material were deposited into and used for the PhilaKorea 2025 hosting fund.
Korean Philatelic Federation – Seoul Branch Autumn Event
The Seoul Branch of the Korean Philatelic Federation (Branch Chairman: Park Chan-soo (박찬수)) held its 3rd-quarter 2025 gathering on October 17 at a villa located in Jipyeong-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, owned by Ahn Dong-ho (안동호), president of the Tourist Communications Postmark Collectors’ Club.
President Cho Kwon-haeng (조권행) and Secretary General Hyun Byeong-rae (현병래) also attended, along with the leaders of various Seoul-based philatelic organizations, including the Korea Philatelic Association, the oldest existing philatelic society in Korea. After having dinner on the 17th, the participants stayed overnight at the villa, and on the following day, the 18th, they toured nearby tourist attractions such as Yongmunsa Temple.
The Seoul Branch is evaluated as having effectively created an opportunity both to invigorate exchange among philatelic organizations and to enable more in-depth discussions on current philatelic issues by organizing such overnight events.
PhilaKorea 2025 Hosting Fund
We express our gratitude for donations to the PhilaKorea 2025 Hosting Fund.
| Donor | Amount |
|---|---|
| Jeon In-young (Dae Han Stamp Society) | 3 million won |
| Korea Stamp Society (KSS) | 1.35 million won |
| Oh Byeong-yoon (Classical and Modern Philatelic Society) | 1 million won |
| Oh In-gyun (Classical and Modern Philatelic Society) | 1 million won |
| Chung Soon-jong, Advisory Committee Member | 1 million won |
| Shin Cha-sik (Korea Thematic Club) | 500,000 won |
| Hyun Byeong-rae, Secretary General | 300,000 won |
| Korea Postal Card Society | 300,000 won |
| Kim Heon-sik (Anyang Philatelic Association) | 200,000 won |
| Kim Chan-yeon | 50,000 won |
