Mapo-gu is one of 25 cities, counties and districts in Seoul. It has 16 neighborhoods (16 dong) and 355,806 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Seongsan 2-dong with 37,741.
16neighborhoods
355,806residents
Landmark stamp: Mangwon Market
This lively neighborhood marketplace in Mapo-gu draws local residents and visitors alike with stalls offering affordable street food, fresh produce, and delicacies.
Food nearby
Tasty street foods such as stuffed fried peppers and sweet chicken bites attract crowds along the lively market alleys.
Visitor tip
Grabbing takeaway snacks and heading to the nearby Hangang Park makes for a relaxing and enjoyable outdoor picnic.
What to see
A sheltered arcade roof protects visitors from rain and snow, allowing pleasant shopping regardless of the weather.
Food, festivals and stories of Mapo-gu
Local food
Dohwa-dong and Gongdeok-dong in Mapo-gu are renowned for historic dining alleys serving seasoned pork ribs, savory pancakes, and jokbal.
On screen
Sangam Digital Media City served as an impressive high-tech urban filming location for the Hollywood blockbuster film Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Festivals
Held at World Cup Park, the Mapo Naru Salted Seafood Festival revives the historic vibrancy of Joseon Dynasty Han River trading ferries.
Did you know?
Seoul World Cup Stadium in Sangam-dong is the home venue for FC Seoul and celebrated Korea's historic 2002 World Cup matches.
Neighborhoods of Mapo-gu (16)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Ahyeon-dong아현동dong · 28,575 residents
Name: The name traces back to an old hilltop pass affectionately called Aego-gae, historically associated with steep trails difficult for children to climb.
Story: People colloquially nicknamed the pass Aeogae, meaning baby hill, because it looked noticeably smaller than the nearby towering Mallijae Pass.
Food: Historic furniture workshop avenues and delightful pancake vendors inside the traditional market maintain a warm, nostalgic neighborhood charm treasured by locals.
Name: The name stems from Chinese characters signifying profound virtue and gentle terrain, reflecting wishes for villagers to live peaceful lives.
Story: Traders carrying dried seafood and salt regularly journeyed over the Mallijae Pass along this historical pathway leading directly into old Seoul.
Food: Gongdeok Market welcomes evening visitors with mouthwatering aromas from sizzling savory pancake stalls and generous platters of braised pig trotters.
Name: The village earned its poetic name because pink peach blossoms bloomed abundantly across the hillside orchards every spring.
Story: Boatmen traveling along the Han River were said to moor their boats along the shore, charmed by sweet peach blossom fragrances drifting downhill.
Food: The skirt meat barbecue street stays lively at night with diners enjoying tender grilled pork served with golden egg crust cooked around the pan.
Name: The name originated from the lively gathering of salt merchants who traded salt transported through the nearby Mapo Ferry.
Story: Alleys once bustled with energetic laborers carrying heavy sacks of sea salt delivered from boats anchored along the river.
Photo spot: The plaza around Mapo Arts Center serves as an inviting cultural venue filled with visitors enjoying various theatrical performances and art exhibitions.
Name: The name originated from the historic western stretch of the Han River and its bustling wharves where trade boats docked.
Story: Local villagers built King Gongmin Shrine after an elder saw the monarch in a vision, continuing centuries of ceremonial offerings for community peace.
Fun fact: Bamseom, a river islet shaped like a chestnut, flourishes as an untouched urban bird sanctuary where migratory waterfowl rest safely.
Name: The name traces back to an old village named Seojandari, meaning the western part of a stream crossed by small stone bridges.
Story: Local residents fondly called the village Jandari because several tiny bridges were built across a wandering creek for easy crossing.
Photo spot: The plaza outside KT&G Sangsangmadang thrives as a bustling hub of youth culture featuring colorful indie busking performances and street art.
Name: The neighborhood initially used a Chinese character for clams because its pure village well resembled the shape of a clam shell.
Story: A rocky cliff resembling a silkworm head became a solemn memorial honoring the Catholic martyrs who sacrificed their lives during historic persecutions.
Photo spot: Yanghwajin Foreign Missionary Cemetery offers a tranquil atmosphere where visitors can reflect on modern Korean history under quiet leafy trees.
Name: The district derives its name from Mangwonjeong, an elegant Joseon pavilion named for its sweeping views over the beautiful Han River.
Food: The bustling traditional market attracts hungry visitors with affordable street delicacies ranging from crispy glazed chicken bites to steaming bowls of handmade noodles.
Photo spot: Mangridan-gil features charming residential alleys dotted with quirky lifestyle shops, independent artisan studios, and cozy neighborhood coffee houses.
Story: King Sejong visited the pavilion during an intense drought, and when welcoming rain suddenly poured, he named it Huiujeong to celebrate the joy.
Photo spot: Seoul Battleship Park sits right by Mangwon Hangang Park, allowing guests to explore a retired naval frigate beside the river.
Fun fact: The scenic waterside paths where Hongjecheon Stream meets the Han River offer wonderful vantage points for cyclists watching evening sunsets.
Name: The neighborhood got its peaceful name simply by indicating that it is located directly south of neighboring Yeonhui-dong.
Photo spot: The green lawns of the transformed railway park provide a wonderful setting for relaxing on picnic mats under warm sunshine.
Food: Established Chinese restaurateurs serve delectable authentic dishes like handmade pan-fried dumplings along vibrant backstreets filled with rich culinary traditions.
Name: The area was named Seongsan because the surrounding mountain ridge naturally resembles an ancient fortress wall built around the community.
Story: Local folklore tells that ancient military commanders piled up earth upon the hills to form defensive fortress encampments centuries ago.
Photo spot: Mapo Central Library welcomes book lovers with its expansive reading halls, modern facilities, and quiet spaces ideal for study and relaxation.
Photo spot: The Oil Tank Culture Park showcases uniquely converted petroleum storage tanks that now host artistic exhibitions and creative community gatherings.
Photo spot: Shaped like a traditional Korean shield kite, Seoul World Cup Stadium vibrates with thrilling energy during major soccer matches and musical concerts.
Story: Built during the 1970s oil crisis, the hidden site strictly barred public entry for decades while safeguarding emergency oil reserves.
Name: The neighborhood title was crafted by combining syllables from historic riverside villages, including one famous for an owl-shaped boulder.
Photo spot: Haneul Park on the hill features waving silver grass in autumn and breathtaking panoramic views of the wide Han River.
Story: Once a mountainous municipal landfill, Nanjido transformed through ecological restoration into a lush sanctuary filled with seasonal flowers and migrating birds.
Local notes were drafted with the help of AI from public information. Population: Ministry of the Interior and Safety resident registration, September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.