KOWOC to sell 2002 World Cup coins Mar. 19

The Korean World Cup Organizing Committee (KOWOC) will sell coins commemorating the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan beginning March 19.

KOWOC and Hwadong Co., a sales agency, unveiled the official World Cup coins Tuesday in a ceremony at the Seoul Hilton Hotel. Prime Minister Lee Han-Dong and KOWOC co-chairman Chung Mong-Joon and Lee Yun-Taek were among the attendees. Hwadong Co. will accept orders for the first batch of coins beginning March 19.

The coins will be issued on two occasions, this year and next. There are four types of coins in gold, eight types in silver and two types in gilt bronze. Designs include the 10 Korean World Cup stadiums, the official mascot and others commemorating the co-hosting by Korea and Japan.

The coins are the first of pure gold and silver ever issued here. Coins for the first-phase sale come in two types of gold, four types of silver and one of gilt bronze. Orders can be placed at Korea Housing and Commercial Bank branches, post offices and Hwadong Co. (822-3471-4586 or www.hwadong.com).

Bae Keuk-In bae2150@donga.com