Republic of Korea Fruit FDC

Republic of Korea FDC
Name: Definitive Postage Stamps: Arctous ruber (Rehder & Wilson) Nakai
Issue date: 2007 July 10th

According to the practice of periodic replacement of definitive postage stamps, the 70 KRW stamp featuring a Chinese lantern, issued on March 15, 1995, will be replaced by a stamp featuring an Arctous ruber (Rehder & Wilson) Nakai, beginning July 10, 2007.

Arctous ruber (Rehder & Wilson) Nakai, which produces small and appetizing fruits, is designated as a rare and endangered species of wild flora. It is a leaf-dropping shrub that grows in the alpine plain, and its only known habitat within South Korea is Seoraksan Mountain. In North Korea, it can be found on Baekdusan Mountain, the Gaema Plateau, etc. There are three species of genus Arctous found around the world and one of them is indigenous to Korea. Their stems creep into the underground, with 2~3 light-yellow-colored flowers blossoming between May and July. From August to September, the shrub bears a round, red-colored fruit that tastes sweet and sour.