Korean War Legacy Project

Mapae Grants

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Mapae Award

The World History Digital Education Foundation and the Korean War Legacy Foundation are honored to have a cadre of dedicated educators sharing information on Korea and the Korean War to teachers throughout the United States. To recognize the outstanding work of these teachers, the Mapae Grant was created.

The Mapae medal is based on the medallion used by officials of the central government during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The King’s hand-picked special officials, called “Eosa” (literally meaning the official dispatched by the King) traveled through regional areas on public duties and primarily prosecuted corrupt officials in the provinces. In most instances, the King secretly appointed Eosa, who were often the first prize awardee in Joseon’s national civil service examination called Gwageo. Eosa were given a medal, the Mapae, which identified their special status as the King’s appointed secret prosecutor and gave them the right to conscript horses for transportation to the provinces. Eosa with Mapae were allowed to have a special access to saddle horses kept at government-run post stations upon presenting their Mapae medal. The bearer of the medal, which was issued by a government agency called the Sangseowon (Office of Seals and Badges), was entitled to use the number of horses carved on the badge and was typically accompanied by a station attendant who guided him to the next station approximately 16 kilometers away. The attendant returned to his home station with the horse under his charge, while the traveler continued on his journey via other stations to his final destination.

Similar to the Joseon officials, teachers who have been awarded the medal will be provided resources based on the number of horses on their medal. The goal of the Mapae Grant is to help educators share knowledge about Korean history, South Korea’s simultaneous rapid economic development and democratization, and the Korean War. Foundation staff is available to assist teachers in developing program agendas.

Mapae Grants Awarded

Mapae Application

Mapae Grant Report

One Horse

One Horse Medal

Qualification

Available Resources

Two Horses

Two Horse Medal

Qualification

Available Resources

Three Horses

Three Horse Medal

Qualification

Available Resources

Four Horses

Four Horse Medal

Qualification

Available Resources

Five Horses

Qualification

Available Resources

Mapae Application