Leap Forward as a Global Cultural City Where Tradition and Modernity Coexist
Andong, the center of traditional culture in South Korea, has been officially selected as the “2026 East Asia Culture City.” Following its designation as a Korean Culture City last year, Andong has now laid the foundation to become a hub for international cultural exchange.
◆ What is the East Asia Culture City?
This initiative has been promoted since 2014 by South Korea, China, and Japan to vitalize cultural exchange. Each year, cities with unique cultures and traditions are selected from each country to host a variety of exchange events, aiming to respect cultural diversity and strengthen mutual cooperation.
◆ Why Andong as the East Asia Culture City?
Andong is the heart of Korean Confucian culture and is known as the “capital of Korean spiritual culture,” having produced numerous Confucian scholars including Toegye Yi Hwang. The city is home to many heritage sites recognized for their cultural value, such as Dosanseowon and Byeongsanseowon (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites), Hahoe Village (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori (an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity), and the Confucian printing woodblocks.
Andong has also successfully hosted international events such as the Andong International Mask Dance Festival and the 21st Century Humanities Values Forum, strengthening its capabilities in global cultural exchange. As a result, Andong has been evaluated as the optimal city to play a central role in East Asian cultural exchange.
◆ Cultural Projects Andong Will Present in 2026
Under the vision of “Our Peaceful East Asia” and the slogan “A Place of Tranquility, Andong Where the Heart Rests,” Andong City will promote a variety of cultural projects.
◆ The main projects are as follows:
Spiritual Culture: East Asia Youth Climate Crisis Response Humanities & Arts Camp, East Asia Humanities Value Forum
Play Culture: Mask exhibitions and experiences, traditional and modern fusion music rock festival
Food Culture: Korean, Chinese, and Japanese traditional food culture experiences, Gyeongbuk Traditional Food Fair
Cultural Heritage: East Asia Paper & Script Biennale, Korea-China-Japan Young Artists Residency Program
◆ Leap Forward as a Hub for International Cultural Exchange
With the “2026 East Asia Culture City” designation, Andong plans to expand cultural exchanges among Korea, China, and Japan, and establish a sustainable growth model linking culture, arts, and tourism. To achieve this, the city will strengthen public-private cooperation systems and develop global promotional strategies to enhance Andong’s brand value.
Andong Mayor Kwon Kichang stated, “With this selection, Andong will establish itself as a cultural city not only in Korea but also on the global stage,” adding, “We will do our utmost to develop Andong into a global cultural city where traditional culture and modern sensibilities harmonize.”
Meanwhile, the three countries will officially announce the 2026 East Asia Culture City at the “16th Korea-China-Japan Culture Ministers’ Meeting” to be held in China this year.
All eyes are on whether Andong can grow into a central hub for international cultural exchange.
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