Andong Maskdance Festival 2026: UNESCO Heritage & Fall Fun

If you're dreaming of an unforgettable autumn escape, consider adding the Andong International Maskdance Festival to your travel plans this year.

This globally renowned festival brings together Korea's UNESCO-listed mask dances with captivating performances from around the world, all in one vibrant location. Spanning eleven days across Andong Maskdance Park, the historic Old Downtown, and the iconic Hahoe Folk Village, it's a cultural extravaganza not to be missed.

With such a long duration and expansive festival grounds, a little pre-planning will ensure you make the most of your visit.

Festival Essentials

2026 Andong International Maskdance Festival

Dates

09/24/2026 (Thursday) – 10/04/2026 (Sunday)

Total of 11 days

Theme

Memories of Masks, Dances for All

Location

Andong Station (Jungang Line 1942), Maskdance Park, Old Downtown, Hahoe Folk Village area

Performance Hours

10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Admission Fee

Free (some programs may have a fee)

Inquiries

+82-54-840-3400 (or 3424)

From the Eve Ceremony to the Grand Finale

Given the festival's scale, major events are scheduled throughout, from the opening eve to the closing ceremony. We recommend checking the dates and times in advance to plan your route efficiently.

Global Explorer's Insider Tips

The closing ceremony is a major highlight, featuring competition finals and a spectacular fireworks display, meaning it's often the most crowded day. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, consider visiting on a weekday during the middle of the festival rather than the opening weekend.

Main Programs: Performances, Participatory Activities, and Competitions

The festival programs are broadly categorized into three exciting types:

Performance Programs

Korean Maskdance, International Maskdance, Madangguk (traditional outdoor play), Creative Plays, Open Call Performances, Local Cultural Artist Performances, Hahoe Folk Village Events (Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori)

Participatory Programs

Talnori Daedong Nanjang (communal mask dance), Parade, Maskdance Learning, Random Play Dance

Competition Programs

World Mask Play Competition (09/25 – 10/04, Maskdance Park), Mask Talent Show, World Creative Mask Contest,

Maskdance Drawing Competition

Notably, the winning entries from the World Creative Mask Contest will be exhibited from 09/24 to 10/04 at the Old Andong Station site and around Maskdance Park. This makes for a perfect light stroll between performances.

Maskdance Performance Hall Ticket Pre-Purchase

Pre-purchase for Maskdance Performance Hall tickets runs from 08/18/2026 (Tuesday) to 09/17/2026 (Thursday), offering a discount of ~$1 compared to on-site purchases.

Global Explorer's Practical Tips

Today is September 16th, meaning you have just one day left until the pre-purchase deadline! If you're planning to attend the festival, we highly recommend securing your tickets now.

Crucial Check for Hahoe Folk Village Visits

While the Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori performance at Hahoe Folk Village is part of the main festival, its regular performance schedule operates independently of the overall Andong International Maskdance Festival dates.

If you plan to visit Hahoe Folk Village alongside the Maskdance Park and Old Downtown, it's safest to reconfirm the Byeolsingut Talnori performance times separately before you depart.

Extensive Festival Area: A 2-Day Itinerary Recommendation

This year's festival is uniquely spread across a wide area, connecting Andong Station, the Old Downtown, Maskdance Park, and Hahoe Folk Village. A day trip might feel a bit rushed, so we suggest planning a relaxed 2-day, 1-night itinerary.

Day 1

Watch the Opening Parade in the Old Downtown → Enjoy performance programs at Maskdance Park → Participate in the Talnori Daedong Nanjang

Day 2

Visit the World Creative Mask Contest exhibition → Travel to Hahoe Folk Village, check performance times, and enjoy the Byeolsingut Talnori

Booking accommodation near Maskdance Park and the Old Downtown will significantly reduce your travel time between venues.

Pre-Visit Checklist

Pre-purchase Maskdance Performance Hall tickets by 09/17 (saves ~$1 compared to on-site)

Confirm Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori performance times separately from the main festival schedule

Plan your itinerary in advance for Andong Station, Old Downtown, Maskdance Park, and Hahoe Folk Village due to the spread-out locations

Arrive early for the Opening Ceremony (09/25) and Closing Ceremony (10/04) as they draw large crowds

Wear comfortable shoes and bring an outer layer as performances run from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Essential Tips from My Last Visit

Based on my personal experience attending the Andong International Maskdance Festival last year, I've compiled some practical tips to help you enjoy your visit even more smoothly.

Parking: Early Bird Gets the Spot

Parking lots near Maskdance Park often fill up by mid-morning, especially on opening day and weekends. Arriving late in the afternoon might mean parking further out towards the Old Downtown and having a long walk. If you plan to catch specific major performances, aim to arrive at least an hour beforehand.

Evening Shows: Claim Your Spot in Advance

The main performances tend to be concentrated in the evening, leading to a significant surge in visitors. If you want a good view, I recommend securing your spot 30 to 60 minutes before the evening shows begin. Daytime exploration, in contrast, was generally more relaxed.

Old Downtown and Maskdance Park: Shuttle Over Strolling

These two areas are further apart than they seem, and walking between them can be quite tiring. The festival usually provides shuttles or循环buses between sections, so check with an on-site information booth about transportation options first. It's far more efficient than walking!

Hahoe Folk Village: Best in the Morning

Trying to squeeze Maskdance Park and Hahoe Folk Village into a single day took considerable travel time. I found it much more manageable to explore Hahoe Folk Village at a leisurely pace in the morning, then focus on the performances in Maskdance Park and the Old Downtown from the afternoon onwards.

Be Prepared for Rain

Many programs are outdoors, so rain can cause last-minute schedule changes or venue shifts indoors. Bringing an umbrella, raincoat, or waterproof shoes will ensure you can enjoy the festival comfortably, no matter the weather.

Food: Grab It Early or Late

While there are plenty of food stalls and nearby restaurants around the Old Downtown and Maskdance Park, queues can get quite long just before evening performances. I suggest grabbing a meal during off-peak hours, either before or after the main showtimes, to avoid the rush.

Global Explorer's Final Take

The Andong International Maskdance Festival, a spectacular celebration of Korea's UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and global mask traditions, is an ideal destination for a fall adventure. With a rich array of events from the Eve Ceremony to the closing fireworks, there's something to captivate every visitor.

Planning a 2-day, 1-night trip that connects Andong Station, the Old Downtown, Maskdance Park, and Hahoe Folk Village will ensure you experience this vibrant festival to its fullest.

This autumn, why not journey to Andong and uncover the fascinating stories hidden behind the masks of the world?