This text on the history of the KPF up to 1984 was originally published in the January 1984 issue of Woopyo and reprinted for the 40th anniversary (see KPF anniversary book, pages 30-35). The article was written by Kang Yun-hong, at the time Vice President of the then very recently established Korea Philatelic Federation. Interesting for members of the KSS are the references to PHILASEOUL74.
1. The Birth of the Korea Philatelic Federation and Joining International Organizations
March 15, 1974, is undoubtedly a significant day in the history of philately in Korea. This is because it was the day when Korean philatelists, recognizing the growing international cooperation and expansion of philately worldwide, gathered to create an organization that would represent Korean philately both domestically and internationally. On that day, representatives and heads of 74 organizations across the country gathered in room 502 of the Korea Go Association Hall in Jongno, Seoul, and founded the Korea Philatelic Federation (KPF). Jin Gi-hong was elected president, and two vice presidents were elected: Lee Gyu-bong and Seo Byeong-gap.
Very interesting about the mentions of the Korea Stamp Society. The statement was a bit off, I believe, as that would have meant the the KSS was formed in 1949. “Coincidentally, 1974 was the 25th anniversary of the Korea Stamp Society, which held the PHILASEOUL74 exhibition in April.” I wasn’t member yet, back then, but I just looked at the KP’s back in 1974. In the August 1974 issue, it mentions that the KSS gave awards at various stamp shows back then, I wasn’t aware of that and when we scanned all those back issues, I either missed this fact or forgot it. In that issue, it mentions that the KSS may have awards at the PhilaSeoul74 stamp show. (That August 1974 KP also has the article about the different size font on the Boy Scout souvenir sheet which I have never been able to find a copy). I will write more as I need to see if I can find more about the awards and also I see that the KSS in mentioned in 1980. Bob
I believe I solved the mystery of the “25th Anniversary of the Korea Stamp Society” at PhilaSeoul74. I believe this was not a reference to our KSS society, but to a Korean “Philatelic” Society. In the Korean Philately magazine of February 1975 on page 21, there is article about a book review of the PhilaSeoul74 by Kyu-Bong Lee President of the “Korean Philately Society” and it is that organization in Korea that was celebrating its 25th anniversary. So it appears that our KSS did not participate at this philatelic event. Likewise, the 1980 mention of the “Korea Stamp Society” was actually the Korean Philatelic Society in South Korea.