Korea’s “Andong International Mask Dance Festival” Kicks Off in Late September

▲ Mask dance performers at the Andong International Mask Dance Festival don traditional masks to portray Korean stories through dance. (Photo / Korea Tourism Organization; all following images are from the same source)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Held in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, the city in South Korea that preserves the most cultural heritage, from September 30 to October 9Andong International Mask Dance Festivalfeatures a variety of daily performances and experience activities—including traditional Korean and modern-style mask dances, pantomime, and puppet shows—that are among the festival’s exciting highlights.

▲ Traditional Korean mask dances based on folklore encompass a wide range of themes.

The highlight of the Andong International Mask Dance Festival is the opportunity to enjoy representative Korean mask dance performances. Themed around the human life cycle, the changing seasons, regional beliefs, and unique cultural customs shaped by the natural environment, the richly physical performances allow even foreign visitors who don’t speak Korean to easily immerse themselves.

▲ In addition to traditional Korean mask dances, various other dance styles are also presented.

Beyond the captivating performances, a mask dance competition is held, allowing the public to participate. After donning a mask, participants can showcase their dancing skills with enthusiasm. Visitors can also experience local folk games and traditional culture in the Andong region, learn to perform mask dances, try their hand at making small traditional masks, engage in wood carving experiences, and enjoy the Andong Food Culture Festival showcasing the region’s cuisine—one of the festival’s exciting events. Be sure to try the famous Andong Samgyetang, a Korean-style three-cup chicken dish.

▲ Korean Andong Samgyetang (Photo / The Guy I Like’s Andong Samgyetang Restaurant / Little Dot)

This year, the Hahoe Byeolsin Exorcism Mask Dance is also being held in Andong as part of an annual event running until the end of the year. The Hahoe Byeolsin Exorcism Mask Dance consists of 10 segments, with six of the dances—performed by characters such as a dancing boy, sniper, butcher, old woman, monk who broke his vows, nobleman, and scholar—available as free permanent performances for audiences to enjoy. After the performances, interactive activities with the audience and photo opportunities with the performers are also offered.

▲ The “Hahoe Byeolsin Exorcism Mask Dance Permanent Performance” is held every weekend at the Mask Dance Transmission Hall at the entrance of Hahoe Village in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do.

Andong International Mask Dance Festival
Transportation: Take a bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Andong (06:00–23:00 / 41 departures daily / approximately 2 hours 50 minutes / fare: 15,100 KRW or 16,600 KRW) → Get off at Andong Intercity Bus Terminal → Turn right in front of the station and walk straight to the venue (about 10 minutes)
Ticket: 4,000 KRW for ages 18–64 / 3,000 KRW for ages 7–17 and 65+