New Banknotes' design in the UK

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Today, I’d like to talk about an interesting change in the UK—putting wildlife on banknotes instead of historical figures.

Traditionally, British banknotes have featured famous people like Winston Churchill and Jane Austen
just like Korea.

These figures represent important parts of British history.
So, if they are replaced by animals, some people worry that national identity could become weaker.
They may feel that their heritage is being overlooked.

Another issue is choosing which animals to include.
Different regions may prefer different animals, so this can easily lead to disagreements.

For example, someone might love a cute bee, while others might prefer a strong and brave lion.

A famous person can remind us of important events, but an animal might not carry the same educational meaning.

On top of that, many people are simply used to traditional designs.
So, sudden changes can cause resistance and dissatisfaction.

But there are also interesting advantages.
For one thing, drawing animals—especially fur or feathers—is actually very difficult.

These fine details make banknotes harder to copy, which helps prevent counterfeiting.
In other words, animals can improve security.

Recently, Royal Mint redesigned many coins to include British animals and plants. This reflects King Charles III’s strong interest in environmental conservation.

These new designs also encourage people to think more about nature and the environment, which is a positive change.

So, in conclusion, replacing historical figures with wildlife is not just about design.
It’s a cultural and political issue, with both pros and cons.

I posted about the animals already featured on new UK coins from 2023 to 2026, as well as the animal candidates being considered for the 2026 banknotes.

I hope you find it interesting and enjoy choosing your favorites!

The puffins I met in Iceland
When I was traveling in Iceland, I happened to come across a puffin habitat.
I was so fascinated by these mysterious birds, which I was seeing for the first time in my life, that I couldn’t leave the spot for quite a while and kept pressing the shutter.
It’s also nice to hear that people in the UK love puffins so much!