Andong International Mask Dance Festival to open September 24

The 2026 Andong International Mask Dance Festival is scheduled to take place from September 24 to October 4 across various locations in Andong, including the Jungang Line 1942 Andong Station, Mask Dance Park, Hahoe Village, and the old downtown area. Designated as a ‘Republic of Korea Global Festival’ by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the event is themed ‘Memories of Masks, Dance for All.’

The festival will feature 27 international performance groups from 23 countries, alongside 17 domestic traditional mask dance groups recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and 10 creative theater teams. Malaysia has been named the guest of honor, with a dedicated ‘Malaysia Guest of Honor Day’ on September 26 featuring cultural exchanges and exhibitions from the Sabah province.

Key activities include a global mask parade, a world mask dance competition, and the ‘Daedong Nanjang’ community dance. In Hahoe Village, traditional performances such as the Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori will be held, complemented by the Seonyu Julbul Nori firework displays. Mayor Kwon Ki-chang emphasized that the festival aims to connect the traditional values of masks and dance with modern life, inviting citizens and tourists to experience the diverse charms of Andong.