MAPO-GU

Mapo District (Mapo-gu) is a gu, or district, within Seoul, South Korea. It lies northwest of the Han River. Several universities and government buildings are located there. Mapo is well known for the Hongdae club district around Hongik University. Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line 2, Line 5 and Line 6 pass through this district. The Seoul World Cup Stadium, a famous landmark in Seoul, is located in Sangam town in northwest Mapo. Neighboring districts include Yongsan, Jung, Seodaemun and Eunpyeong Districts. This area is also known of K-pop label companies including CJ E&M, YG Entertainment, Woollim Entertainment, A Cube Entertainment and Star Empire Entertainment.

Mapo District Office is located in Seongsan-1 precinct, near World Cup Stadium (15 minutes on foot). Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line 6 passes near the office, and it has a station name "Mapo District Office" 200 metres (660 ft) south of the office.

The name "Mapo" comes from the name of an old ferry across the Han River, and can roughly be translated as "hemp ferry."

Four college or university institutions, including Sogang University and Hongik University, are active in Mapo District. The area around Hongik University is well known as one of the cultural centers of Seoul. There are eight high schools, including Seoul Girls' High School, along with 12 middle schools and 20 elementary schools serving the community. There are three special schools for handicapped or industrial educations. Due to the presence of university students in the district, Mapo District offers a large variety of shopping and dining options. The area around Ewha Women's University is known for its affordable yet trendy merchandise, while neighboring Shinchon has an enormous number of take out and sit down restaurants.

The Japanese School in Seoul is in Sangam-dong in the district.

Mapo District was formed in 1944 from portions of Seodaemun and Yongsan Districts. The dong structure was revised in 1985 and 2008. Roughly 53% of Mapo District's area is taken up by residences, many of which are high-rise apartment buildings. Much of the remaining area (43%) is greenspace, including the World Cup Park and additional parkland along the Han River.

Mapo District recently revamped its precincts (2008). The revision aimed to merge some precincts into one big precincts. This effectively reduces number of administrative office for precincts. As a result, the number of precinct offices decreased to 16 from 24. However, the administrative revamp did not change the address system. For example, let us suppose you live in Changjeon precinct. This precinct is now merged to Seogang precinct. The precinct name in your address is still retained as Changjeon precinct.

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