# Andong International Mask Dance and World Heritage Festivals

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/andong-international-mask-dance-festival
> Updated: 2026-10-06T05:59:34.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

The 2026 Andong International Mask Dance Festival concluded its 11-day run on October 4. Themed ‘Memory of Masks, Dance for All’, the event featured 27 groups from 23 countries alongside 17 domestic traditional mask dance groups recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. To increase foreign participation, the festival introduced new initiatives such as the ‘Mask Atelier’ and the ‘Global Mask Dance Challenge’. Malaysia, the guest of honor, showcased its traditional crafts and performances.

Following the conclusion of the mask dance festivities, the ‘2026 World Heritage Festival Andong’ is scheduled to take place from October 9 to October 25. This 17-day event will be held across four UNESCO World Heritage sites: Hahoe Village, Bongjeongsa Temple, Dosan Seowon, and Byeongsan Seowon. 

Under the theme ‘World Heritage of Thought, Future Value of Convergence’, the upcoming festival will utilize exhibitions, performances, academic forums, and experiential programs to promote the historical and cultural value of these sites.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-06: Andong hosts major international mask dance and world heritage festivals

Andong is hosting significant cultural celebrations, including the conclusion of the International Mask Dance Festival and the upcoming 17-day World Heritage Festival across four UNESCO sites.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/andong-hosts-major-international-mask-dance-and-world-heritage-festivals

### 2026-09-25: Andong International Maskdance Festival launches with global participants

The 2026 Andong International Maskdance Festival has launched, featuring performers from over 22 countries and highlighting Malaysia as the guest nation to promote global mask culture and regional tourism.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/andong-international-mask-dance-festival-opens-in-south-korea

### 2026-09-20: Andong International Mask Dance Festival to open September 24

The 2026 Andong International Mask Dance Festival begins September 24, featuring performers from 23 countries and traditional Korean mask dances at sites like Hahoe Village.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/andong-international-mask-dance-festival-to-open-september-24

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Cite as: Andong International Mask Dance and World Heritage Festivals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/andong-international-mask-dance-festival