Northern Velebit National Park
Velebit is the longest mountain in Croatia and it also covers the largest surface area. In 1978, UNESCO included this mountain in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The Northern Velebit National Park was established in 1999 with an area of 109 km². The Park encompasses several areas under special protection, as well as numerous hiking trails. In addition to absorbing all the other natural beauties, make sure you don’t miss a walk along the most beautiful hiking trail in Croatia: the Premužić Trail.
The Velebit Mountain mostly consists of sedimentary carbonate rocks created over long periods of geological history. Natural forces have endowed this region with some of the most beautiful karst phenomena, thus including it among the most prominent examples of karst morphology in the world. The Velebit Mountain is a natural border between inland and Mediterranean Croatia. One of its most prominent features is the bora – the wind that blows from land to sea, often reaching hurricane strength. This has been confirmed by the long-standing witness to the weather Zavižan, the highest, snowiest and windiest mountain meteorological station in Croatia.
Almost all of Velebit's peaks are covered by forests and the rocky terrain abounds in rugged shapes, amongst which you can find unique plant life. Grasslands delight the eye with colourful flowering plants and their pollinators. Velebit is home to three large carnivorans: the bear, wolf and lynx. The Velebit Botanical Garden is located near Zavižan and houses around 300 plant species.
Many speleological objects have been discovered within the Park and most of them fall into the category of pit caves. The subterranean fauna, rich in endemic species, is well-adjusted to the eternal darkness, high air humidity and constant temperature. The most well-known subterranean species is the Velebit leech, endemic to Northern Velebit, which was discovered in Luka’s Cave.
Northern Velebit is a perfect destination for everyone who prefers to spend time surrounded by nature. Dynamic changes in the landscape and wildlife provide great opportunities for photographing the excellent motifs and landscapes.
Northern Velebit National Park
Seoraksan National Park
The Seoraksan National Park’s vast expanse, which amounts up to 398 km² in total, boasts one of the most spectacular sceneries in Korea, with its awe-inspiring thirty mountain peaks, including the tallest peak, Daecheongbong. In 1982, the park was listed in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves. In Korea, Pinus Pumila, commonly known as the dwarf stone pine, can be found only in Mt. Seorak. This shrub has leaves that are shorter than those of other types of pine trees, and the branches that grow horizontally. Because the plant grows in a cold, dry environment at a high altitude of 1,500 m above sea level, it is deemed to be particularly vulnerable to the threat of global warming. Thus, Korea National Park Service has started a campaign to protect the habitat of the dwarf stone pine.
Our mutual responsibility to protect nature is not bound by borders. With the joint issuance of these commemorative stamps, Korea Post wishes to let the world know of the beautiful nature that can be found in Croatia and the Republic of Korea, and we sincerely hope that the friendship of these two countries will continue to blossom.
Song, Myeng ho
