Mapo

Mapo is a term with multiple uses in geography and cuisine, most commonly referring to Mapo-gu, a district in Seoul, South Korea, and to Mapo tofu, a classic Sichuan dish.

In geography, Mapo commonly denotes Mapo-gu, a district located on the western bank of the Han River in Seoul. The district includes neighborhoods such as Hongdae, Sinchon, and Yeonnam-dong, and is known for its universities, cultural scenes, and vibrant nightlife. It features parks, cultural facilities, and commercial districts, and is served by several transit lines. Mapo Bridge, a notable landmark, spans the Han River and links the district to the southern riverbank.

In cuisine, Mapo refers to Mapo tofu, a hallmark of Sichuan cuisine. The dish combines soft tofu with a spicy sauce flavored by chili bean paste (doubanjiang), garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns, often with minced pork. It is commonly described as hot and numbing, and is widely served in Sichuan restaurants and Chinese eateries around the world. The name “mapo” is said to derive from a Chinese folk legend about a pockmarked grandmother.

Other uses: The term appears in other place names in China and Korea and may appear in corporate or organizational names in East Asia. In Chinese-language contexts, mapo can appear as part of compound place names or historical terms, while in Korean contexts it is most often associated with Mapo-gu and the district’s toponymy. Overall, Mapo reflects both a municipal district’s identity and a traditional culinary term.