Korea – the Unforgotten War: History and Philately

On 11 November 2025, the Royal Philatelic Society London (RPSL) will host Korea – The Unforgotten War, a one-day celebration dedicated to the history and philately of the Korean peninsula from Liberation in 1945 to the Armistice in 1953. Organised in association with the Korea Stamp Society (KSS), this special event coincides with the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and brings together collectors, historians, and postal scholars from around the world.

The programme will open with a welcome by Tony Bard FRPSL, followed by an impressive line-up of presentations. Dr Owen Miller will examine the nature of the Korean War itself, while Dr James Goulty will provide an overview of the British Armed Forces’ role between 1950 and 1953. After lunch, Jonas Hällström RDP FRPSL will explore the interplay between War and Philately, followed by Dr James Grayson’s talk on the first stamp issues of both North and South Korea after 1945. The day will conclude with Tony Bard FRPSL presenting Aspects of Korean War Postal History, linking the human experience of the conflict with the tangible traces left in letters and covers.

Alongside the lectures, visitors will enjoy an extensive range of philatelic displays highlighting major aspects of Korean postal history during this turbulent period. These exhibits, generously contributed by many of the leading specialists in post-1945 Korean philately worldwide, will provide a rare opportunity to view material seldom seen in public.

Attendance is open to all interested collectors and researchers. Registration is required — please contact Tony Bard at [email protected] for details. The Korea Stamp Society is proud to support this important event, continuing its mission of promoting Korean philately internationally since 1952.

Programme