Detail

2022 is the Year of the Tiger, also called the Year of Imin, which is the 39th term of the sexagenary cycle. Tigers are known to represent Korea because their temperament is similar to the Korean people, and the shape of the Korean Peninsula resembles a tiger, which is known to have such a courageous vigor. Korea Post is issuing the commemorative stamp series New Year`s Greetings for 2022 to greet the Year of the Tiger, symbolizing bravery and tenacity. All the way from the myth of Dangun to the official mascot Hodori of the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympic Games, tigers have always been mystical creatures that symbolize Korea and the Korean people throughout history. Korea used to be referred to as `the country of tigers` for its numerous mountains that were home to the domestic tiger population. In folktales and stories of the founding of Korea, tigers appeared as animals that maintain a close relationship with humans. In the History of the Three Kingdoms (Samguk Sagi) was a tiger depicted as the guardian and assistant that suckle a hero named Gyeon Hwon, the founding king of Later Baekje. There is even a story that Gang Hogyeong, a 6th generation ancestor of King Taejo Wang Geon, was saved by a tiger according to the History of Goryeo (Goryeosa). Tigers can also be found in art field. The Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites are installed with `seokho` (stone sculptures of tigers). Hung on the doors of late Joseon-era government offices were large paintings of dragons and tigers presumed to be `sehwa` (paintings exchanged between the king and his ministers in celebration of the new year). As such, tigers have remained in both the history of Korea and the hearts of Koreans, always regarded as guardians. This year`s New Year`s Greetings commemorative stamp series features tigers in two different versions. (삭제) One features an adventurous tiger stretching for a great leap forward, and the other features a close-up facial depiction of a courageous tiger. We hope that everyone accomplishes their goals in 2022 inspired by the high-spirited and courageous tigers in the commemorative stamps.