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. Eosa with Mapae were allowed to have a special access to saddle horses kept at government-run post stations upon presenting their Mapae medal.