Haechi, Symbol of Seoul

Seoul city has officially used Haechi (origin of Haetae) as the symbol of Seoul since 2009.

In English ,it is called as "the Unicorn-lion" or "an omniscient mythical beast"

Sent on: 12 Jul, 2011

Definitive postage stamp Date of issue: 02.03.2006.

Design: Crinum asiaticum var. japonicum Baker

According to the practice of periodic replacement of definitive postage stamps, the 100 won stamp featuring a dishcloth gourd, issued in March 5, 1997, is replaced by a stamp featuring a crinum (Crinum asiaticum var. japonicum Baker), starting from March 2, 2006. Though it is easily mistaken for a type of orchid due to its name “crinum,” which name in Korean is “Moonjuran,” (with “ran” denoting an orchid), it is, in fact, a perennial herb belonging to the daffodil family. About 50cm tall, it grows in sandy soil at seacoasts, with leaves opening out in all directions. In July and August, its white flowers blossom, emitting a sweet scent. Around August and September, it bears globular fruits. In Korea, crinum grows only on Rabbit Island -- an island located east of Jeju Island. Rabbit Island is so called because during the hot summer season, the island, covered with white crinum flowers, looks like a white rabbit. Rabbit Island, being the crinum’s northernmost habitat, has high significance in terms of scientific research and has been designated and is protected as Natural Monument No. 19.

Definitive postage stamp Date of issue: 30.06.2008

With the launching of the new government (Feb. 25, 2008), Korea Post which was part of the Ministry of Information and Communication is now under the Ministry of Knowledge Economy. To mark this change, the current 250 KRW stamp featuring a brown hawk owl will be replaced by one featuring a Euryale ferox Salisb. This new stamp is produced as a self-adhesive stamp, to facilitate the convenience of stamp users. The beautiful, purple Euryale ferox Salisb. is a lonely plant being the only species and genus that exists in the entire world. When the little tiny bud sprouts, large leaves spring up from its roots. Then, a flower stalk comes forth, from where a mysterious, purple colored flower blossoms. There are thorns all over the plant except on its petals. The leaves grow up to reach 20 cm to 2m, with their rumpled surface showing a lustrous hue. Even though Euryale ferox Salisb. is a yearly plant, there are times when they can’t be seen every year due to their “alternate year bearing.” Its flower that blossoms during July and August opens up in the daytime but closes down at night, making its admirers miss them even more. Being a plant that grows naturally only in the East Asian region, it is found in old reservoirs or ponds in Korea. Protected as an endangered wild plant, it is regarded as a rare plant all across the world.