Andong City to launch mobile multilingual service for Maskdance Festival

Andong City will launch the ‘Global Host-Mobile Festival Information Center’ during the upcoming Andong International Maskdance Festival, starting September 24. This initiative aims to reduce language barriers and enhance convenience for foreign tourists by providing on-site interpretation and festival guidance.

Unlike traditional fixed information booths, this mobile service will move throughout the festival grounds to reach high-traffic areas. The service will be managed by the ‘Global Andong Civil Servant Interpretation Support Group,’ a team of 45 city employees who volunteered to provide support in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish.

To prepare for the festival, the city held a practical training session and inauguration ceremony on September 11. The training focused on international protocol, global manners, and practical interpretation skills. Mayor Kwon Ki-chang described the group as ‘field practitioners of local diplomacy’ who serve as a bridge between Andong and the world.