September 25, 2026 – October 04, 2026

One of UNESCO's recognised intangible heritage festivals, held in and around the 600-year-old Hahoe village. International mask dance troupes from across Asia, Africa, and Europe perform alongside Korean talchum (mask dance drama). The opening bonfire ceremony on the first evening, staged on the river with the village behind it, is the unmissable highlight. Free outdoor performances; paid indoor shows from 10,000 KRW.

The Festival

The Andong International Mask Dance Festival is one of Korea’s most unique cultural events, celebrating the ancient tradition of masked dance-drama (talchum) in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province (September 25 – October 4). Performers from across Korea and international troupes present their regional masked dance traditions on outdoor stages, with the backdrop of Andong’s preserved Hahoe Folk Village — a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The festival is one of the clearest windows into pre-modern Korean performing arts that still exists as a living tradition.

Hahoe Village

Hahoe Folk Village — a 600-year-old village of thatched-roof and tile-roof houses still inhabited by descendants of the original Ryu clan — is the spiritual home of the festival. Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori (mask dance exorcism ritual) performances are held in the village during the festival. The village is worth visiting independently: traditional architecture, riverside setting, and cliff formations above the Nakdong River make it one of Korea’s most atmospheric places.

Getting There

• From Seoul: KTX to Dongdaegu Station (about 1.5 hours), then express bus to Andong Bus Terminal (about 1 hour)
• Hahoe Village: Local bus from Andong Bus Terminal (Route 46) takes about 40 minutes
• Accommodation: Andong city center has good hotels; staying in or near Hahoe Village for a traditional experience is also possible
• Festival tickets: Free to watch the main outdoor stages; Hahoe Village has a separate entry fee