Andong Mask Dance Festival 2024 in South Korea

Get ready for your heart to burst with excitement at this exuberant celebration of the Korean tradition

Dates: September 27–October 6, 2024

Andong, a city in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province which once became famous as a birthplace of Confucianism in Korea, nowadays is known for an exuberant International Mask Dance Festival that runs under the slogan "hearts bursting with excitement."

Andong Mask Dance Festival Traditions and Events

It once used to be focused on the Korean mask dance tradition. Today, the festival has grown into an international event and celebrates world mask dance culture. The visitors will see a variety of mask dances, including Songpa Sandae, Kwanno, Kangrung, Unyul, Pongsan, Suyoung Yaryu, and others.

Besides mask dancing, the festival highlights ancient rituals, in particular Lotus Lantern and Bonpae ceremonies, Songhwanggjae and Shamanist rituals, Naebanggasa chanting contest, and other colourful performances. Traditional music played with folk instruments will accompany all performances.

Along with Andong City, Hanoe folk village hosts a range of mask dance performances. Local highlights include the exhibition of ancient village totems named Jangsung. This great occasion to entertain oneself and learn more about various cultures falls every year from late September through early October.

Mask Dance Festival 2024 Schedule

The Opening Ceremony will kick off the festival on the evening of September 27, featuring a ritual ceremony, the opening performance, a theme performance, a formality ceremony, and a harmony stage. During the festival, guests will have a chance to enjoy foreign mask dance performances, Korean mask dance performances, world mask play competitions, and mask dance painting contests. Also, attendees can take part in mask making and learn mask dance. The Closing Ceremony will take place on the evening of October 6, featuring the World Mask Play Competition awards ceremony.

Location

The Andong Mask Dance Festival takes place at Old Andong Station, Downtown Talchum Park. Southern Korea's Andong is a city with a 3000-year heritage that represents the cradle of the Korean spirit.