Andong Unites the World Through Masks... 10 Days of Harmony at the International Mask Dance Festival

Expansion of Citizen Participation Programs with 28 Countries Invited
The Urban Stage Transforms into a “Platform for Unity”

The Andong International Mask Dance Festival, the signature event of Andong, will take place for 10 days from September 26 to October 5 at Jungangseon 1942 Andong Station, Mask Dance Park, and the old downtown area.

This year’s theme, “Dancing Masks: In Search of Diverse Faces,” aims to create a stage for unity and harmony by sharing emotions and cultures through masks.

Andong International Mask Dance Festival Poster

◆ First Expanded Stage Since UNESCO Listing

Launched in 1997, the Mask Dance Festival has grown based on the Hahoe Byeolsingut Mask Dance, and its international stature was elevated in 2022 when “Talchum of Korea” was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

This year, the festival expands its significance by connecting north-south spaces, creating an open stage that unites Jungangseon 1942 Andong Station, Mask Dance Park, and the “Culture Street Wanni Kkyeo” in the old downtown area.

Mask Dance Park will host domestic and international performances, hands-on experiences, food stalls, and sales exhibitions, while the old downtown will feature global and creative mask exhibitions, a kids’ zone, and interactive activities. The former Gugi Station site will be used for the main stage and a local agricultural products promotion zone, creating a festival space where tradition and modernity coexist.

◆ Participation-Oriented Content with 28 Countries Invited

This year’s international exchange expands to 33 officially invited teams from 28 countries.

Global awareness will be further enhanced through activities such as tours for diplomatic missions in Korea, foreigner familiarization tours, and international flight wrapping promotions. Multilingual guides and enhanced services for international visitors will be provided at the festival venues.

Under the concept of a “festival full of masks,” there will be a significant increase in participatory content where citizens and tourists become the main characters, including make-your-own-mask workshops, face painting, three major parades, a university student mask play alliance, “Wune Mo Random Dance,” and “Mask Talent.”

This year’s guest of honor is Italy, with cultural exchanges between the Italian Cultural Center and the Andong Cultural Center, a special exhibition of “Andong Hahoe Masks” crafted by Italian artisans, a K-POP festival, and over 20 related events.

◆ Grand Opening Parade and Seonyujulbulnori as Highlights

The opening ceremony will begin with a street parade in the old downtown at 5:30 p.m. on September 26, followed by a large-scale celebration involving citizens and tourists.

At Hahoe Village, daily performances of “Talchum of Korea” and “Hahoe Byeolsingut Mask Dance” will be held, while Andong’s signature nighttime program, “Seonyujulbulnori,” will take place on September 27 and October 4 at Mansongjeong and Buyongdae.

A representative of the Andong International Mask Dance Festival Organizing Committee stated, “This year, we aim to expand the message of freedom and equality conveyed by masks and mask dances into everyday urban life, offering a unique experience to both domestic and international visitors to Andong. The entire city will transform into a stage, evolving into a participatory global festival.”

“The Andong International Mask Dance Festival is a living intangible heritage that goes beyond tradition to communicate with the world. This event, where citizens, tourists, and performers break down barriers and come together, will serve as a stepping stone for Andong to further establish itself as a cultural city on the global stage.”