The Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corporation (KOMSCO) has officially unveiled two commemorative medals honoring the life, philosophy, and enduring legacy of Baekbeom Kim Koo on the 150th anniversary of his birth. 

In October of last year, UNESCO designated 2026 as an official "UNESCO Anniversary Year", recognizing that Kim Koo’s vision for peace, human dignity, and cultural diversity profoundly aligns with the organization's core ideals. To celebrate this global milestone and honor the revered independence activist who led the Korean Provisional Government against colonial rule, KOMSCO has applied its state-of-the-art coin manufacturing technologies to create high-quality premium cultural products. 

Detailed Design: Symbolism of Peace and Cultural Strength 

The commemorative collection consists of two distinct types: a gold medal and a silver medal, both struck with a flawless proof finish. 

The Gold Medal is crafted from 99.9% pure gold (Au 999), measuring 32 millimeters in diameter and weighing 15.55 grams. 
The Silver Medal is made from 99.9% pure silver (Ag 999), with a diameter of 40 millimeters and a weight of 31.1 grams. 

The obverse of each medal features a detailed portrait of Kim Koo dressed in traditional white attire, a visual symbol of his personal integrity and clean-cut principles. The design is intricately composed with elements inspired by his autobiography Baekbeom Ilji, books, the national flower (Mugunghwa), and maps of both the Korean Peninsula and the global map. This artistic arrangement reflects his steadfast nation-building philosophy centered on education and his lifelong dream of achieving the "power of a high culture". 

The reverse side focuses heavily on Kim’s famous cultural ideals. It incorporates a stylized "150th" graphic motif inspired by the shape of his signature eyeglasses, accompanied by key passages drawn from Baekbeom Ilji and his renowned essay My Wish (Na-의 소원). An open book motif is prominently displayed to convey his core belief that knowledge and education form the foundational pillars of a peaceful and culturally prosperous nation. 

Pre-Order Schedule and Distribution

Advance reservation for the commemorative medals runs for 18 days, starting at 10 a.m. on August 14 through midnight on August 31. Interested buyers can place their orders through the official KOMSCO online shopping mall. Following the conclusion of the pre-order period, the custom-manufactured medals will be distributed sequentially to applicants starting in early October. 

"It is deeply meaningful to present these commemorative medals capturing the life and philosophy of Kim Koo on the occasion of the UNESCO anniversary designation," said KOMSCO President Sung Chang-hun. "We hope these medals serve as a meaningful opportunity for the public to reflect on the independent leader's profound patriotic spirit and his noble commitment to culture and education".

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