On May 3, Juche 61 (1972) President Kim Il Sung set forth the three principles in his talk with representatives of south Korea who attended the north-south high-level political talks in Pyongyang.

The main idea of the principles is to achieve the national reunification independently and peacefully free from outsiders' interference and without reliance on armed forces and promote the great unity of the nation irrespective of differing ideology and social system.

Seen in the upper part of the stamp are letters "In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the three principles for national reunification" and "May 3, Juche 61 (1972)".

Also printed in it are letters "Independence", "Peaceful reunification" and "Great national unity" and pictures of the Korean Peninsula flag and the Three Charters for National Reunification Memorial Tower.