South Korean cultural festivals announced for Gangnam and Andong

South Korea is hosting two major cultural events in late September and early October. The 2026 Gangnam Festival will take place on Dosan-daero from October 3 to 4. The event features a grand parade including 32 Pikachu characters, a family concert with Nam Jin, and a K-pop concert headlined by Psy. Due to the festivities, significant traffic restrictions will be implemented on Dosan-daero, with certain sections facing full closures and lane reductions to accommodate the parade and stage setups. Authorities recommend using public transportation.

Simultaneously, the Andong International Mask Dance Festival is scheduled to run for 11 days from September 24 to October 4. Held across various locations including Andong Station and Hahoe Village, the festival will feature 27 international performance groups from 23 countries. Malaysia will serve as the guest of honor, offering cultural exchanges and traditional performances. The program includes global mask parades, traditional Korean mask dances, and various hands-on cultural experiences.