Designer Lie Sang-bong, who is notable for prints inspired by the Korean alphabet or Hangeul, will design the uniforms of 17,000 postmen nationwide. This is the first time that a top-notch designer is doing the job.

A Korea Post Office spokesman on Monday said, "Until now, uniforms for postmen have only focused on the functional aspect and have not been sophisticated in terms of design and color. We are currently negotiating details of the contract with Lie." He said the post office considers working with the designer "an honor."

Postmen nationwide will be able to wear Lie's designs from November if the contract is successfully concluded.

Lie, who takes practical aspect of fashion seriously, received great reviews for his reinterpretation of Hangeul characters with a modern touch at one of the world's most prestigious fashion shows, the Pret-a-Porter in Paris in 2006.