Supporting Philatelists Since 1952
News about Korean philately in general.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many events have been successfully held in grand style. These include the annual Korea Philatelic Exhibition and celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the Philatelic Federation of Korea, the 700th issue of the Monthly Stamp Magazine, and the 60th anniversary of the Monthly Stamp Magazine’s first publication. Furthermore, by consistently participating […]
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With the grand opening of PHILAKOREA 2025 just around the corner, the excitement is palpable. In the September 2025 issue of Woopyo magazine, Jin Hur offers a unique perspective from his dual position as Head of the Collection Committee and editor-in-chief of the Korean language stamp magazine. He shares his candid, behind-the-scenes reflections on the […]
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Korea Post has officially announced the release of a new series of “Personalized Postcards,” scheduled for issuance on August 1, 2025. This release, detailed in Notice No. 2025-78, will offer a range of customizable options for both domestic and international mail.
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On 15 August 2025, the Russian Post (Почта России) released a postage stamp in cooperation with the Korea Stamp Corporation, the issuing authority of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea). The joint issue is titled “Architecture” and commemorates the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945.
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The exhibitor list for PHILAKOREA 2025 has been finalized, and the countdown to the grand opening has officially begun. The Korea Philatelic Federation is now intensifying its well-organized and systematic preparations across all its divisions.
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This article, originally published in the August 2025 issue of Woopyo magazine, provides a comprehensive update on preparations for the upcoming PhilaKorea 2025 international philatelic exhibition. Written by Jin Hur, Secretary General of PhilaKorea 2025, the report outlines key statistics, exhibit classifications, venue logistics, and organizational priorities. It also addresses the role of Korean exhibitors […]
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When September arrives, the long-awaited “PHILAKOREA 2025 World Stamp Exhibition” will open at COEX’s new Magok Exhibition Hall, which debuted last November. Since social-distancing measures were eased in 2022, Korea Post, the Korea Post Business Headquarters, and the Korea Philatelic Federation agreed to organize “PHILAKOREA 2024” and have been preparing ever since. Various circumstances, however, […]
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This month’s Woopyo Philatelic News offers readers a concise snapshot of the most significant events, exhibitions, and organizational updates shaping Korea’s vibrant stamp community—and its connections to the wider international philatelic world—as reported in the latest issue of Woopyo.
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Through a video conference held on April 25 with the FIP, the outline of the exhibits for PHILAKOREA 2025 began to take shape. In attendance were FIP President Prakob Chirakiti, Vice President and PHILAKOREA advisor Richard Tan, and FIP Secretary General Kelly Ong. Representing Korea were the author, along with two Deputy Commissioners General Ryu […]
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Based on the outcome of the Zoom video conference with the FIP held on Friday, April 25, the fourth meeting for the selection of PhilaKorea exhibits and jury members was held on Monday, April 28, at the Korea Philatelic Federation (KPF). During this meeting, the selection of exhibits and the assignment of jury members were […]
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The following article is a translation of content originally published in the May 2025 issue of Woopyo (우표), the official monthly magazine of the Korean Philatelic Federation. It is republished here in English to help the international stamp community stay informed about recent developments in Korean philately. Covering topics such as upcoming exhibitions, catalog updates, […]
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(By Cho Kwon-haeng) The monthly Stamp Magazine (“Woopyo”) celebrates its 60th anniversary. First published in May 1965 to enhance national sentiment, deliver philatelic information, and support domestic and international stamp-collecting activities, the magazine has created numerous stories and significant information, playing a pivotal role in advancing philately. This issue marks the 713th publication.
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Fifty years ago, in 1975, Spain commemorated its 125th anniversary of stamp issuance by hosting the World Stamp Exhibition “ESPANA 75” from April 4th to 13th in its capital city, Madrid. Today, such exhibitions typically last about five or six days, yet this event remarkably lasted double that duration—ten days. This particular exhibition holds significant […]
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(Original Korean text by 유용상 / Yu Yong-sang, Vice President, Korean Philatelic Federation) Currently, the nation is experiencing considerable turmoil, raising concerns about continued instability through September, when PHILAKOREA will take place. This unrest is primarily due to issues surrounding citizens’ adherence to laws and institutions’ effectiveness in enforcing them.
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In commemoration of the 140th anniversary of the founding of modern postal services, the PhilaKorea World Stamp Exhibition—which was originally scheduled for 2024—has been postponed and will now be held from September 17 to 21 this year (2025). It should be noted that during the FIP General Assembly held in Shanghai, China last year, the […]
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Last July, I wrote an article about fake sheets of the unissued 1940 very rare Korea Christmas/TB seal that were being sold on eBay. The seller did state that they were forgeries by “Werner”. Now there are four more fakes blocks of very high value Korea and South Korea stamps being sold by the same […]
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The New Year of 2025 has dawned. Although the entire world is in disarray, this is a year of celebration—especially with PhilaKorea 2024 taking place. It is a year filled with the expectations and hopes of philatelists around the globe.
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As 2025 approaches, South Korea is preparing to release a diverse and exciting range of new stamp issues, reflecting the nation’s rich cultural heritage, technological advancements, and environmental commitments. From celebrating rediscovered cultural treasures to commemorating significant anniversaries and milestones, these stamps offer a unique window into the vibrant spirit of South Korea. Stamp collectors […]
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Willem van der Bijl, a stamp collector and dealer from Utrecht, is not just any philatelist. His lifelong passion for stamps took him from the Zadelstraat in Utrecht to the most closed-off borders in the world. With over half a century of experience in philately, international travels in search of rare pieces, and even an […]
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(Opinion by Jo Kwon-haeng, President of the Korea Philatelic Federation) Another year has passed. The Year of the Blue Dragon, Gapjin, is quickly slipping away. This year marks the 140th anniversary of modern postal services, which began with the establishment of the modern postal system in Korea. To commemorate this milestone, we had planned to […]
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