Andong Mask Dance Festival: A Hub of Cultural Exchange

Discover Korea’s Cultural Essence at the 2024 Andong Mask Dance Festival

The 2024 Andong International Mask Dance Festival will be held for ten days from September 27 to October 6 in Andong City, Gyeongsangbuk-do.

This festival has established itself as a cultural event that unites people worldwide through the universal and timeless art of masks and mask dances. First launched in 1997, the festival is now recognized as Korea’s honorary representative cultural tourism festival.

The main stage for the Andong International Mask Dance Festival is the historic Hahoe Village in Andong, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The village is home to the Hahoe Byeolsin-gut Mask Dance, a tradition passed down for 800 years, where the community performed mask dances to pray for peace and a bountiful harvest. This rich cultural heritage forms the foundation of the festival, which aims to share the deep cultural significance of Andong’s diverse resources, masks, and mask dances with the world.

This year’s festival will feature 13 Korean mask dance performances and mask dances from 20 countries. In particular, a variety of cultural exchanges will take place through international exchange programs, including those with ODA recipient countries. Additionally, the festival will offer interactive programs for citizens, such as the World Mask Dance Competition, the World Creative Mask Contest, Mask Busking, and Mask Random Play Dance, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the festivities.

Experience programs include mask-making workshops and mask dance tutorials, while traditional ceremonies like the Hahoe Village Gangsinje, Seonyu Julbul Nori, and outdoor performances at Mansongjeong provide opportunities to engage with Andong’s cultural traditions. Visitors can also enjoy a flea market featuring local specialties and a variety of food offerings, adding another layer of enjoyment to the festival.

The festival is free of charge and will take place at the main event venue located at 684 Gyeongdong-ro, Andong City, Gyeongsangbuk-do. The Andong International Mask Dance Festival is expected to highlight the beauty of Korea’s traditional culture, blending Andong’s rich heritage with modern festivities, and sharing it with audiences worldwide.

For more information about the event, please contact the Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation or the Andong City support department.

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