Andong International Mask Dance Festival Opens September 24
The Andong International Mask Dance Festival runs for 11 days, from September 24 to October 4, in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province. Around 20 troupes from 24 countries are taking part in what is Korea's largest mask dance festival, designated a "global festival" by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which is providing KRW 2.4 billion in support over three years.
At a glance: Sep 24 (Thu)–Oct 4 (Sun) · Andong Station Jungang Line 1942, Talchum Park, the old downtown and Hahoe Village · Opening performance Sep 25 (Fri) 18:00 · Performance-hall admission: advance KRW 6,000 (adult)/4,000 (student), on-site KRW 8,000/6,000, free for children under 6 · Inquiries 054-840-3400 · English info at en.maskdance.com
The festival grounds feature Korea's five major traditional mask dances — including Byeolsingut-nori, Dongnae Kkokdugakshi, Suyeong Dance and Halmi-nori — alongside performances by overseas troupes of their own countries' mask dances, a K-pop-infused "Global Mask Dance Challenge," a modern reinterpretation show called "TaLooK," and an exhibition of masks from around the world.
Street parades and experience booths in the plazas are free, but the ticketed performances at designated venues require admission. Buying a ticket in advance also comes with a KRW 2,000 "mask dance love coupon."
From Andong Station, city bus No. 110 to the Kyobo Life stop puts you a 10-minute walk from Talchum Park; Hahoe Village can be reached by express bus No. 2, 210 or Pungcheon No. 2. Separate information for foreign visitors is available on the festival's English website (en.maskdance.com).