The earliest temple in Taiwan to the goddess Matsu is found on Makung. Makung is therefore also known as "Magong Ao" (馬宮澳 or originally, 媽宮澳), or "Matsu Palace Seaport". The character ma was changed from "mother" (媽) to its present form in 1920 under the Japanese Occupation. There had been proposal from the Executive Yuan to revert the character, but there was little support.
It contains a domestic Makung Airport.
Administration
Makung City contains 34 municipal villages (里 li):
Taitung City, Beinan Township, Luye Township, Yanping Township, Guanshan Township, Haiduan Township, Chihshang Township, Donghe Township, Chenggong Township, Changbin Township, Taimali Township, Jinfong Township, Dawu Township, Daren Township, Lanyu Township, Lyudao Township
MagongCity, Husi Township, Baisha Township, Siyu Township, Cimei Township, Wang-an Township
Sinhua Township, Sinshih Township, Yongkang City, Rende Township, Gueiren Township, Guanmiao Township, Longci Township, Zuojhen Township, Nanhua Township, Nansi Township, Yujing Township, Shanshang Township