Highlighted with commemorative stamps including the Jumi Daehan Jeguk Gongsa-gwan

Cultural Heritage Administration and Korea Post to Issue Stamps on the 24th
Righteous Army Documents and Imperial Seal of Emperor Gojong Also Featured

The Cultural Heritage Administration and the Korea Post will issue commemorative stamps titled "Precious Cultural Heritage Rediscovered" on the 24th. The stamps highlight repatriated cultural heritage to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day and to reflect on the value of independent sovereignty.

'Precious Cultural Heritage Rediscovered' Commemorative Stamp

Since 2021, the two organizations have been issuing commemorative stamps featuring repatriated cultural heritage. This year, the stamps prominently feature the Korean Legation in the United States, documents related to the Korean Righteous Army during the late Joseon period, the Imperial Seal of Emperor Gojong of the Korean Empire, and woodblocks from the collected works of scholar Cheokam. Each represents a product of our history, reflecting efforts to protect Korea’s independent sovereignty and identity.

The Korean Legation in the United States, repatriated in 2012, is a building located in Washington D.C. that was purchased with Naetanggeum (personal funds used by the king) bestowed by Emperor Gojong. It served as the Korean Legation from February 1889 until the Eulsa Treaty in 1905, a total of 16 years. During the Japanese colonial period, it was regarded as a symbol of independence inspiring Korean Americans to restore national sovereignty. Recognized for its historical and cultural significance, it was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in September last year.

The documents related to the Korean Righteous Army during the late Joseon period consist of thirteen items, including correspondence related to the 13-Province Righteous Army. They contain records of Japanese suppression and coercion against the Righteous Army, as well as the army’s determined resistance. The Cultural Heritage Administration successfully acquired these documents last year using funds from the Overseas Cultural Heritage Foundation and the Lottery Fund.

The Imperial Seal of Emperor Gojong of the Korean Empire was used on secret letters to resist Japan’s infringement on Korea’s sovereignty. It was made in a small size suitable for carrying and is said to have been personally managed by the emperor. It was repatriated from the United States in 2009 and designated as a national treasure in September of the same year.

The woodblocks from the collected works of scholar Cheokam, created in 1917, are among the woodblocks of Kim Dohwa (1825?1912), who condemned the illegitimacy of the Eulsa Treaty and led anti-Japanese resistance. Repatriated from Germany in 2019, the collection now consists of twenty-one woodblocks managed domestically.

A total of 544,000 commemorative stamps will be issued. They can be purchased by applying at post offices or through the online post office.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.