North Korea Stamps
Identification, history, popular series & stamp values
About North Korea Stamps
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) occupies the northern portion of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia, bordering China and Russia. Following the division of Korea after World War II, the DPRK established its own postal administration, issuing its first definitive stamps in 1948, marking a definitive break from the unified Korean postal system. Stamps are predominantly printed in Korean, often featuring themes of Juche ideology, military strength, and national achievements. The country's postal history is characterized by its isolation from international philatelic norms, particularly after the Korean War, leading to unique issues often produced for foreign collectors rather than domestic use.
Issuer Overview
- Region:
- Asia
- Subregion:
- East Asia
- Issuing period:
- 1946 – present
- Languages:
- Korean
- Currency:
- KPW
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Stamp Catalogs
North Korea stamps are listed in the following catalogs:
Popular North Korea Stamp Series
Juche Ideology (1970s-Present)
Stamps celebrating the self-reliance ideology of Juche, often featuring Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, national achievements, and socialist construction.
Military Power (1960s-Present)
Issues depicting military parades, weaponry, and the Korean People's Army, emphasizing national defense and strength.
Flora and Fauna (1950s-Present)
A popular thematic series showcasing North Korea's natural beauty, including native plants, animals, and birds, often with vibrant designs.
North Korea Stamp Value Overview
Value Notes: North Korean stamps are often produced for the foreign collector market, leading to a wide range of values. Common issues are inexpensive, while early definitive sets, errors, and certain thematic issues (especially those with low print runs or specific political significance) can fetch higher prices. Mint condition is generally preferred.
How to Identify North Korea Stamps
Key features to look for when identifying North Korea stamps:
- 1 Look for inscriptions in Korean (Chosŏn'gŭl) and often English or other languages for export issues.
- 2 Common themes include Juche ideology, national leaders, military, flora/fauna, and propaganda.
- 3 Many stamps feature the national emblem (Mount Paektu, red star, hydroelectric dam) or national flag.
Related Issuers & Topics
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are North Korea stamps?
North Korea stamps are postage stamps issued by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) since 1948. They often reflect the country's political ideology, national achievements, and cultural themes, with many issues specifically produced for the international philatelic market.
Are North Korea stamps valuable?
The value of North Korea stamps varies significantly. While many modern issues produced for collectors are relatively inexpensive, early definitive sets, stamps with printing errors, or those with specific historical or political significance can be quite valuable, ranging from a few dollars to several hundred dollars or more for rare items.
How can I identify North Korea stamps?
North Korea stamps can be identified by their Korean inscriptions (Chosŏn'gŭl), often accompanied by English or other language captions on export issues. Common themes include national leaders, military strength, Juche ideology, and diverse flora and fauna. For precise identification and cataloging, consider using a stamp identifier app or consulting specialized philatelic catalogs.
Which catalogs list North Korea stamps?
North Korea stamps are comprehensively listed in major international philatelic catalogs, including Scott, Michel, and Stanley Gibbons. These catalogs provide detailed information on issue dates, designs, denominations, and estimated market values for collectors.
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