Andong International Mask Dance Festival Opens Sept. 24, Marking 30 Years With Free Admission
From September 24 to October 4, mask dancers and performers will fill the streets of Andong, North Gyeongsang Province. The Andong International Mask Dance Festival, which brings together domestic and international mask-dance troupes, marks its 30th anniversary this year under the theme "Memory of Masks, Dance for All," running for 11 days. Twenty-seven overseas troupes from 23 countries will join 17 Korean traditional mask-dance groups recognized on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list and 10 outdoor and original-drama teams, so visitors can see everything from Hahoe Byeolsingut mask dance-drama to mask traditions from around the world in one place. The festival was also named one of Korea's official 'Global Festivals' by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism this year, raising its profile further.
At a glance: September 24 (Thu)-October 4 (Sun), 2026, 11 days · Andong Mask Dance Park (near 239 Yuksa-ro) and Jungangseon 1942 Andong Station, the old downtown, and Hahoe Village area, Andong, North Gyeongsang · Hours 10am-10pm · Free admission (some hands-on programs and dedicated stage performances are paid) · Hosted by the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation, organized by Andong City
On stage, mask dancers stomp and sweep their sleeves to the rhythm of pungmul music played on the kkwaenggwari gong, janggu drum and buk drum. Hahoe masks, designated a national treasure, are traditionally carved from smooth willow wood, and hands-on booths in the park let visitors touch that wood grain themselves or make a paper mask. At the food market on the festival grounds, the smell of grilled gan-godeungeo (salted mackerel) drifts through the air, and visitors can also try heotjesabap, a rice dish mixed with seasoned vegetables served at ancestral rites, along with tastings of Andong soju.
If you're planning to stop in Andong during the Chuseok holiday (September 24-26) or are considering a trip to North Gyeongsang this weekend, this is a worthwhile itinerary that pairs free domestic and international mask-dance performances with local Andong food.
