Korea Post under the Ministry of Science and ICT will issue 540,000 commemorative stamps titled "Korean dancheong" on Oct. 1, it said on Sept. 22.
The stamps feature various "meoricho" patterns used in dancheong on Korean palaces. Meoricho are dancheong motifs that decorate the ends of wooden architectural members, showing the delicate shapes and colors characteristic of traditional dancheong.
Korean dancheong has developed as decorative art that raises the stature of buildings while also protecting wooden structures. The colors based on the five directional colors, or obangsaek, also carry meanings of wishing for auspiciousness and good fortune and of expressing the dignity of the royal court and the state.
Korea Post chief Park In-hwan (박인환) said, "I hope these commemorative stamps will serve as an opportunity to reflect on the artistry and meaning of our traditional dancheong and to make known the beauty of our valued cultural heritage."
Jin-ho Lee
jhlee26@d-today.co.kr