2026 Andong International Mask Dance Festival: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity

The 2026 Andong International Mask Dance Festival will be held for 11 days from September 24 to October 4, encompassing Andong Station, Maskdance Park, and the old downtown area. This attractive festival blends tradition and modernity amidst the autumn atmosphere, featuring domestic and international mask dance performances, diverse attractions, food, and experiential programs. Admission to the festival grounds is free, with paid tickets required only for performances inside the Maskdance Performance Hall.

The festival showcases national intangible cultural heritage mask dances like Gangnyeong Talchum and Bongsan Talchum, alongside exotic performances by 28 groups from 24 countries. A global mask parade and a grand communal dance (Daedongnanjang) involving both performers and visitors will also take place. Various programs are prepared, including the Sabah Cultural Exhibition from Malaysia, a World Mask Exhibition, and a Story Theater. In Hahoe Village, visitors can enjoy the 'Hahoe Guardians' augmented reality (AR) mission experience. A food truck zone offers diverse culinary delights, and an Andong Hanwoo (Korean beef) grill station is also available.

Bloggers highlight the Andong International Mask Dance Festival as a living celebration, not merely a museum exhibit. The Seonyu Julbul Nori (fireworks display) linked with Hahoe Village is particularly noted as a must-see, with the cascading fireworks from Buyongdae Cliff creating an overwhelming spectacle. On the way to the festival grounds, there are various entertainments such as balloon popping and doll catching, and street foods like Turkish ice cream, gizzard skewers, and chicken skewers are popular. At the souvenir shop, visitors can find a variety of items, including Hahoe mask goods and Andong traditional liquor.