Words of Praise for PHILAKOREA 2025

Foreign FIP officials who visited PHILAKOREA 2025 later sent the following sincere messages of congratulations and praise. If we had been perfect, these messages could perhaps be dismissed as something obvious. However, because this event was completed only after overcoming countless hardships and many small crises, each kind word gave us a quiet but deeply moving encouragement — a recognition that, although we did our best, we were far from flawless. Here we introduce a collection of these simple writings from ordinary people who hope to preserve not philately alone, but lifelong friendship.

“When unexpected things arose, you handled the problems with such ease. PHILAKOREA was the 11th international philatelic event I have experienced, and in my judgment it was among the very best.”
— Canada Juror Sam Chiu

“Thank you for making PHILAKOREA the most enjoyable exhibition.”
— New Zealand Commissioner Stephen Chivers

“In the past 35 years I have been to so many exhibitions, but I will remember PHILAKOREA standing at the very top. You were simply the best.”
— Bulgaria Commissioner Nikolay Penev

“Korea offered the highest levels of culture and hospitality. I hope we will remain lifelong friends.”
— Russia Commissioner Igor Ryss

“I have no complaints about PHILAKOREA. It was among the best exhibitions in which I have served as juror, and it will remain a very happy memory.”
— United States Juror John Hotchner

“The stage, the hotel, the city, and the country — everything was satisfying. But the happiest memory was meeting both old and new friends at PHILAKOREA.”
— Ecuador Commissioner Diego Vasconez

“From my own experience as a former Commissioner General, I can say that minor mistakes or issues never undermine the dedication and professionalism of the Organizing Committee staff. I will keep only good memories of this great exhibition.”
— Switzerland Juror and Commissioner Jean-Marc Seydoux

“Thank you for everything. Everything was handled with care, and the facilities provided were impressive. I especially thank you for procuring one extra Palmares ticket for me at the last moment.”
— Malaysia Commissioner Ng Soo Ha

“Thank you for the hospitality and formal courtesies shown to commissioners, jurors, and all visitors. My special gratitude goes to ‘Kim Da-eun (김다은)’ who worked hard on preparing the ‘Dubai Night’ program.”
— FIP Asia Representative Abdulla Khoory (UAE / United Arab Emirates)

“All participants on-site reported their satisfaction with PHILAKOREA. Congratulations on a successful event, and thank you for the tremendous support you have shown.”
— FIAP Vice President Chen Yu An (대만 / Taiwan)

“I am 100% satisfied with PHILAKOREA. Small problems are inevitable.”
— Jury Secretary Sato Koichi (일본 / Japan)

“The days spent in Seoul were genuinely enjoyable. Congratulations to your entire team for making PHILAKOREA a highly successful event.”
— French Juror / Former Longest-serving FIP Vice President Bernard Jimenez

“Among recently held exhibitions, PHILAKOREA was among the finest. We will all remember that you poured your heart and soul into creating the best exhibition.”
— Assistant Jury Secretary Kelly Ong (싱가포르 / Singapore)

“You simply did your job — excellently. I am grateful.”
— Finland Commissioner Dr. Seija-Riitta Laakso

“You prepared a wonderful show and gave us unforgettable moments. If possible… I hope I can come back to this country again.”
— Slovenia Commissioner Igor Pirc

“Not only the philatelic programs but also the non-philatelic events were impressive.”
— Hong Kong Commissioner Pang-Chui Shaw

“I was satisfied with everything you did for the jurors. Thank you.”
— Australia Juror John DiBiase

“There will always be someone who complains. Just ignore them. Your efforts achieved valuable results. And I greatly appreciated the orange cover (color of the Netherlands flag) on the exhibition catalogue.”
— Netherlands Juror Hans Wilderbeek

“I express my respect for this fantastic exhibition and convey my praise to the entire Organizing Committee. I was also amazed by the speed with which you solved the problem that occurred in the last digital literature section.”
— France Commissioner Pascal Bandry

“I have safely arrived back in Argentina. Thank you for everything — to all members of the Organizing Committee, and especially to you.”
— Argentina Commissioner Roberto Cravero

“My wife and I remember that everything was satisfying during our stay in Korea. The event was excellent, and PHILAKOREA will be remembered for a long time.”
— Canada Commissioner David McLaughlin

“It was an indescribably wonderful exhibition. I send congratulations to all friends in Korea.”
— North Macedonia Commissioner Sinisha Pavleski

“It was a perfectly prepared exhibition. I offer my praise to everyone involved.”
— President of the Spanish Philatelic Federation José Antonio Arruego (스페인 / Spain)

“My wife and I fell in love with the disciplined manners, the diligence, the support, and the warm hospitality of the Korean people. The Organizing Committee transformed this memorable exhibition into a high-level international event.”
— Cyprus Commissioner Stelios Theophilou

“From the airport to the hotel, from the opening of the exhibition to the Palmares, everything was systematically and well organized. My wife and I were very comfortable.”
— Germany Commissioner Frank Blechschmidt

“It was a wonderful exhibition everyone could enjoy. It was a personal honor for me to participate.”
— Israel Commissioner Les Glassman

“Thank you for all the kindness shown. It was a precious week of philately and friendship.”
— Vice Chief Juror Miguel Casielles (아르헨티나 / Argentina)

“I tasted top-class Seoul. Everything was first-rate. Invite me again next time.”
— Venezuela Juror Pedro Meri

“To the Organizing Committee whose efforts created a well-prepared exhibition that gathered the highest-level philatelic exhibits, I offer my thanks. For some time, it will be difficult to find an exhibition that equals or surpasses PHILAKOREA 2025.”
— Romania Juror Francisc Ambrus

“During the exhibition, and even after it ended, this feeling of absolute satisfaction was surely not limited to Mexico. I thank you and all your staff.”
— Mexico Commissioner Mario Ramirez Bahena

“Thank you for the cooperation and kindness shown by you and your staff during our pleasant stay in Korea.”
— Norway Commissioner Atle Fossmark

“Both the philatelic and non-philatelic events were impressive. Strong leadership ensured efficient organization. I hope we will meet again someday.”
— Costa Rica Commissioner Rafael Pinto

“Everything exceeded my expectations — the scale of the exhibition, the size of the venue, the quality of the exhibits, the enormous amount of preparation and participation — I had no idea that all this was what you had to handle at once. You have every reason to feel proud for successfully carrying out such a massive event.”
— Korean Stamp Society (KSS) Member Paul Scholtens (호주 / Australia)

“From the moment I got off the plane and arrived at the hotel to the moment I entered the jury room, I was amazed that everything unfolded exactly as I had been informed in advance. Starting from the spacious hotel room to the meal vouchers offering multiple choices, the infrastructure of PHILAKOREA was among the best I have experienced.”
— Singapore Juror Henry Ong

“Your effort on behalf of world philately must have been arduous, but it was extraordinary. I salute this tremendous achievement.”
— Germany Juror Henrik Mouritsen

“I never imagined that several issues could be resolved so quickly. I express my admiration for the efficient organizational response.”
— Russia Juror Aleksei Borodin

“The good working conditions of the jury room and the fact that the hotel was located inside the exhibition complex were very satisfying, and the exhibition itself was outstanding. All staff were kind. I hope I will be able to return to Korea again.”
— Australia Juror Glen Stafford

“PHILAKOREA was the best exhibition I have ever experienced. Thank you for your efforts and for the hospitality extended to us.”
— Thailand Juror Jenwit Apichainunt

“I was especially impressed by the dedication and hospitality of the volunteers. We will long remember the great success of this exhibition.”
— United States Juror Mark Banchik

“PHILAKOREA 2025 will surely leave a long-lasting afterglow. For me, it will remain a cherished memory as the first FIP-level show in which I ever exhibited.”
— China Commissioner Chang Yue

“PHILAKOREA 2025 was one of the top-level exhibitions in terms of organizational management and infrastructure. I was amazed at the tempo and dynamics with which you addressed and resolved almost every problem on the spot.”
— India Juror Ajeet Singhee

“I thoroughly enjoyed this tremendous exhibition and event. The short sightseeing in Seoul and the time devoted to enjoying Korean cuisine will remain an eternal memory.”
— Belgium Juror Lars Jorgensen

“Unfortunately I was injured, but I thank the staff member who accompanied me all the way to the hospital, providing guidance and support without hesitation.”
— Singapore Juror Yang Yan Choy

“All the arrangements during my first visit to Korea were satisfactory, and I personally enjoyed the honor of receiving my second Large Gold. I sincerely congratulate Mr. Kim Young-gil (김영길) on winning the National Grand Prix.”
— Japanese Traditional Philately Large Gold Winner Kikuchi Emi (菊地恵実)

“I enjoyed the exhibition immensely. Thanks to everyone who helped lead this event to success.”
— Hong Kong Juror Stephen Chan

“I felt true joy in being able to participate in such a successful exhibition built upon your hospitality, patience, and genuine support across all events.”
— Romania Commissioner Iulian Cherata

“From the moment I arrived at Incheon Airport to the time I departed again through Terminal 1, I felt sincerely welcomed and well treated. Of all my experiences as commissioner, Korea was the best.”
— Honduras Commissioner Mauricio Mejia

“Everything was satisfying and enjoyable, but what I envied most was that you had excellent staff members and devoted volunteers of all ages.”
— Belgium Commissioner Koenraad Bracke

“The information and services provided before the exhibition, the transportation and logistics, the exhibition stage, the hotel, and finally even the departure procedure at the airport — every step was smooth and outstanding.”
— Iraq Commissioner Nader Saad

“Participants of PHILAKOREA 2025 should learn how such a large event can be organized so systematically.”
— Saudi Arabia Philatelic Association

“I can say with certainty that no commissioner, no juror, no FIP executive, no booth participant, and no visitor complained during those five days — at least not in my presence. You overcame the crisis moments when the show itself seemed in danger due to repeated delays and postponements, and you pulled it off in the end. You are, quite frankly, one hell of a guy.”
— United Kingdom Commissioner Anthony Bard

“My thanks go to all the staff who prepared the exhibition. I hope that another PHILAKOREA will be held in the near future.”
— Hong Kong Juror Andrew Cheung

“Each day was a festival. This event, achieved through the efforts of so many people, will remain an unforgettable memory.”
— Iran Commissioner Massoud N. Farahbakhsh

“It was thanks to you that our delegation was able to enjoy everything smoothly during our stay in Korea. I could feel how much effort is required to prepare an event of this scale. I was honestly afraid you might have sacrificed your own health in the process.”
— Japan Championship Class Exhibitor Yoshida Takashi (吉田隆)