Gampo

Gampo is a name that appears in different contexts, most prominently associated with Songtsen Gampo, a seventh‑century Tibetan king who founded the Tibetan Empire and helped consolidate central Tibet. Reigning around the early 620s to the mid‑7th century, he expanded Tibetan territory and established the capital in the Yarlung valley, contributing to the state’s administrative and political development. Songtsen Gampo is traditionally credited with promoting Buddhism in Tibet, notably through his marriages to Princess Wencheng of China and Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal, which facilitated cultural and religious exchange. His era is linked with early efforts to organize governance, economy, and military expansion, as well as with the beginnings of Tibetan writing and script development by later accounts and scholars.

The name Gampo is also used as a toponym in Korea, where it designates several coastal towns and districts. In these contexts, the term refers to contemporary geographical locations and bears no direct historical connection to the Tibetan ruler beyond the shared name in modern usage. The Korean uses reflect separate linguistic and historical origins.

Beyond these, Gampo may appear in various historical, literary, or cultural contexts as a personal name or title in different regions. The precise reference depends on the regional linguistic background and historical period being discussed.