Australia and Korea Year of Friendship is celebrated with a joint stamp issue
Friday, 28 October 2011
Australia and the Republic of Korea are marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries with the release of a joint stamp issue. This joint stamp release is a first between the two nations and is available 31 October 2011. The Australian stamps include a domestic rate (60c) stamp and an international rate ($1.65) stamp. The Korean stamps have their own denominations.
"Australia and South Korea have formed a significant bond since the Korean War. We're delighted to be releasing a joint stamp issue in this special Year of Friendship," said Australia Post Philatelic Manager, Mr Michael Zsolt. "We worked closely with Korea Post and hope this joint stamp issue further demonstrates Australia's growing relationship with South Korea."
Following a visit to Australia by President Lee Myung-bak in March 2009, this year was declared a Year of Friendship between Australia and South Korea to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The 2011 Year of Friendship will build on the professional, community and institutional links between Australia and South Korea to enhance mutual understanding, friendship and goodwill. It will also help to project a well-informed, contemporary image of Australia in South Korea.
The Australian Government, through the Australia International Cultural Council and the Australia-Korea Foundation is investing significant resources into the Year of Friendship.
The Australia-Korea relationship was forged during the Korean War and diplomatic relations were established in 1961. It has now developed into a broad-based partnership, including substantial trade and investment links. The Australian government is committed to strengthening the relationship on the basis of shared democratic values, commitment to human rights, freedom and the rule of law, mutual respect, trust and deep friendship.
The stamps feature ancient musical traditions of both countries. The 60 cent stamp features a woman playing a traditional Korean musical instrument known as a haegeum. This stamp was designed by Mr Jae-Yong Shin of Korea Post. Mr Shin recently designed the 2011 Korean-Made Characters stamps (series one).
The $1.65 stamp features an Australian Indigenous musician playing the didgeridoo, a long wind instrument that originated in northern Australia at least 1,500 years ago. This stamp was illustrated by well-known Australian designer Brian Clinton. Mr Clinton designed the 2010 stamp issue to commemorate the Kokoda Campaign of 1942.
This stamp issue includes a special large stamp pack with a sheetlet of 10 x 60c stamps. The pack also includes a Quick Response (QR) code for use with a smartphone. By scanning the code, customers can access a short film of a haegeum musician online.
The stamp products include a first day cover and joint first day cover, stamp pack and joint stamp pack, set of two maxicards, sheetlet of 10 x 60c stamps, and a self-adhesive sheetlet of five x $1.65 stamps. The stamps and associated products are available from participating Australia Post retail outlets, via mail order on 1800 331 794 and online at www.auspost.com.au/stamps from 31 October 2011 while stocks last.
Korea Post will release its stamp designs on 28 October 2011.
