Mapo is located in western Seoul on the northern bank of the Han River, bordering the Gyeonggi Province city of Goyang to the northwest, and the Seoul city districts of Gangseo to the west, Yeongdeungpo to the south, Yongsan to the southeast, Jung to the east, and Seodaemun and Eunpyeong to the north.

During Mayor Park Won-soon's administration, before the integration of acquisition and property taxes by Seoul's main office, Mapo's financial independence rate exceeded 50%.

As of 2024, due to the impact of the integrated taxation of acquisition and property taxes, Mapo's financial independence rate has dropped to 28%.

In particular, the Hongdae Street area near Hongik University Station has grown into a major tourist destination since the 2020s, attracting visitors from around the world, with foreign consumer spending becoming a driving force of Mapo District's economy.

Gongdeok Station, in particular, has become a major transportation hub with the intersection of four different lines, causing real estate prices to skyrocket.

The area around Hongik University, also known as Hongdae, is well known as one of the cultural centers of Seoul, and was named one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world in 2016.

Much of the remaining area (43%) is greenspace, including the World Cup Park and additional parkland along the Han River.