This horse pass, called mapae in Korean, was issued to the officials of the central government of Joseon when they were ordered to make an official trip to regional areas. It was a certificate that permitted the use of the government horses kept at the stations of transportation hubs around the country. One side of the horse pass usually has a certain number of horse heads representing the holder’s rank, and on the other the date of issuance and the seal of Sangseowon (Office of Seals and Badges), a government agency responsible for the passes.