Stamp Investment Tip: South Korea 1957 Boy Scout Souvenir Sheet (Mi. Block #109)

In 1957, South Korea issued a set of stamps (Scott #245-46) and imperforate souvenir sheet (Michel Block #109) celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Boy Scouts. While the set is relatively common (200,000 issued), only 1,000 of the souvenir sheets were issued, and Michel '06 values it at 4,200.- Euros for unused (Scott does not list the sheet). Michel does not issue a catalog for Asia every year, and its 2006 edition is its most recent. While the catalog value may seem high, it is sometimes possible to purchase the better, Michel-listed souvenir sheets of South Korea in VF NH condition for 30%-50% of catalog at auction.


I'm attracted to this scarce souvenir sheet both because it is an undervalued item from South Korea and because it is a Scouting Topical. I've tipped a number of better Scouting Topicals in the past, because the market for Scouting-related collectibles (including stamps) is similar to that of a mid-sized country. In 2007, Boy and Girl Scouts and Guides numbered 38 million members (of which 25 million were Boy Scouts) in 216 countries worldwide. Furthermore, the Boy Scouts actively promote the hobby among their members with a Stamp Collecting merit badge (pictured).

South Korea, a nation of about 50 million people, is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Currently, it is the world's 13th largest economy and eighth largest exporter. It's export-fueled economic growth has led to a miraculous explosion in its GDP, from almost nothing 50 years ago to about $1 trillion today. Annual GDP growth has averaged 4.2% over the last 5 years, reflecting a slowdown in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. Furthermore, South Korea may be the most rapidly aging nation on earth, as its 65+ population is expected to more than quadruple from 9% in 2005 to 38% in 2050. Obviously, this could pose economic challenges for the country, but it will almost certainly add to its stamp collecting population.

South Korea 1951-52 Participating Countries' Flags Issue (Scott #132-73)

In 1951 and '52, Korea issued a set of stamps honoring the countries which fought for it in the Korean War (Scott #132-73). Each stamp pictured the participating country's flag, the Statue of Liberty, and the flag of the Republic of Korea. 7,000 sets were issued, and Scott '10 prices the set at $ 351.00 ($ 600.00 for NH). In addition, 2,000 sets of twenty-two imperforate souvenir sheets (Scott #173Note; Michel Block #27-48; Scott '10 Catalog Value of $ 800.00) containing the green and blue stamps for each participating country were also issued.


I view both sets as prime targets for philatelic investors who wish to profit from South Korea's future economic growth, and the probable substantial increase in the number of Korean stamp collectors over the next few decades due to its rapidly aging population. Despite the impact of the recent global financial crisis, I believe that Korea will return to 4%-6% GDP annual growth over the next few years. Should re-unification with the North occur within the next decade or two, it will provide an additional economic shot in the arm, in the form of a youthful labor force and a vastly expanded natural resource base.


Many of the stamps of the South Korea's first ten years are quite scarce, and I intend to tip some of them in the future. It should be noted that most from the first five years were produced rather primitively, and rough perforations and uneven gum are normal for these issues.

Stamp Investment Tip: South Korea 1948 Olympic Issue (Scott #85-86)

In 1948, South Korea issued a pair of stamps commemorating its participation in the 1948 Olympics (Scott #85-86). 100,000 sets were issued, and Scott '10 prices the set at $ 80.00 unused ($ for 175.00NH).

The set has appeal both as a scarce issue from a rapidly developing "Asian Tiger" nation, and as a Sports/Olympics topical.