What Makes Mapo-gu the Most Attractive Tourist City in Seoul?

Analysis by Seoul Digital Foundation: Mapo-gu the Most Attractive Tourist District in Seoul
Top Autonomous District for Young Generation's Favorite Self-Photo Studios and Festivals
High Rankings in Restaurants, Sports Facilities, Performances, Exhibitions, Experiences, Educational Courses... Drawing Domestic and International Visitors

Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, with children at the Shrimp Jeot Festival held last year

Mapo-gu, Seoul (Mayor Park Gang-su) has risen as the most attractive and top autonomous district in Seoul through diverse tourism infrastructure and experiential content.

In July, the Seoul Digital Foundation analyzed data on the development status of experiential tourism content, gourmet tourism, and nighttime city sectors to maximize the appeal as a global tourism city, and Mapo-gu stood out in all categories.

Looking at visitor trends first, Mapo-gu ranked 4th among the 25 autonomous districts in total visitors combining domestic and foreign tourists, as well as in the number of foreign visitors. It also ranked in the top 5 for local visitors moving within Seoul and outsiders moving into Seoul from other regions, showing it is loved by many tourists.

It is understood that Mapo-gu attracts the attention of trend-sensitive domestic and international tourists because it has the highest number of self-photo studios, a favorite pastime of the younger generation, and a large concentration of restaurants selected by the Michelin Guide and Blue Ribbon.

In particular, Mapo-gu holds various festivals throughout the year, such as the Lycoris Festival and Red Road International Dance Festival, Countdown Festival, and Food Culture Festival, which are rare to see in Seoul, making it the district that hosts the most festivals among Seoul’s autonomous districts.

Not only festivals but also in the fields of performances, exhibitions, and educational experiences, Mapo-gu received high evaluations, being recognized as an autonomous district rich in sights and activities.

Mapo-gu was selected as the district with the most facilities such as performance halls, exhibition rooms, and youth spaces, and it ranked 2nd among autonomous districts in operating various educational courses including crafts, hobbies, art, and urban agriculture.

Also, thanks to sports facility expansion policies focused on by the district, such as opening the district gymnasium 365 days a year and establishing a children’s sports center, Mapo-gu was ranked fourth among Seoul’s autonomous districts in terms of public sports facilities. This achievement led to Mapo Sports Club winning the sole ‘Grand Prize’ in the sustainability category among 131 nationally designated sports clubs.

This enhancement of Mapo-gu’s status deepens the affection of its 370,000 residents for their region.

According to the '2023 Mapo-gu Social Survey' announced earlier this year, 95.9% of respondents expressed their intention to continue living in Mapo even after 10 years, and the '2023 Seoul Survey' showed that Mapo-gu ranked first in happiness index among Seoul’s 25 autonomous districts, indicating increased satisfaction with district administration among residents.

Mayor Park Gang-su of Mapo-gu said, “We prioritize the development of Mapo-gu and the happiness of residents, and will continue to become a more attractive autonomous district through continuous expansion of tourism infrastructure and preparation of various cultural and experiential programs.”