Andong Maskdance Festival
Sep 24 – Oct 4, 2026 · Happening now · Gyeongsangbuk-do
Overview
The Andong Maskdance Festival is a global celebration where the memories carried by masks come to life through dance. Visitors can experience Korea’s mask dance traditions, inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, alongside mask dances from around the world. A wide range of performances, parades, the Tallori Daedongnanjang community celebrations, and the World Maskplay Competition create opportunities for people to come together and share in the festival experience. The 2026 Andong Maskdance Festival seeks to connect the stories preserved in masks with contemporary life. As children and seniors, local residents and international visitors gather in the same place to laugh, applaud, and share the rhythm of the festival, the memories carried by masks become a living culture. Shaped by the participation of all who take part, the festival becomes a true “dance for everyone,” celebrating the power of community and the joy of coming together.
Why go
The Andong Maskdance Festival centers on Korea's UNESCO-listed mask dance tradition, brought together with mask dance troupes from other countries in a shared program of performances and parades. Beyond watching, visitors can join the World Mask Play Competition, the Tallori Daedongnanjang community celebrations, and hands-on activities like mask making.
Getting there from Seoul
Andong is reached by KTX-eum service from Cheongnyangni Station to Andong Station, or by express bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal. Festival venues are split across three sites in town — Jungang Line 1942 Andong Station, Mask Dance Park, and the Old Downtown — so plan to move between them once you arrive.
Tips
- Daily hours run 10:00–22:00 across the festival's run from 24 September to 4 October 2026.
- General entry is free, but some programs (workshops, mask making, etc.) may charge separately.
- Since venues are spread across Andong Station, Mask Dance Park, and the Old Downtown, check the day's schedule so you know which site to head to.
Best for: culture & heritage, families, photographers, parade & performance fans.
Program
Korean & International Mask Dance Performances, Madanggeuk & Original Plays, Mask Play Troupe Performances, World Mask Play Competition, Mask Talent, World Creative Mask Contest, Mask Dance Drawing Contest, Tallori Daedongnanjang, Street Parade, Mask Making, Learn Mask Dance
Photos
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization 
Photo: Korea Tourism Organization
Other festivals in Gyeongsangbuk-do
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Cheongsong Apple Festival
Nov 4 – Nov 8, 2026
*The information below is based on the 2025 festivals. Details for the 2026 festivals will be updated as they become available.*The Cheongsong Apple Festival is held in autumn when the renowned Cheongsong apples, called a “masterpiece crafted by nature,” are at their peak. The festival celebrates the joy of a bountiful harvest, sharing the delicious taste and nutrition of Cheongsong apples through various enjoyable and educational activities.
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Bonghwa Pine Mushroom Festival
Oct 15 – Oct 18, 2026
Launched in 1997, the Bonghwa Pine Mushroom Festival was held throughout Bonghwa County, centering on pine mushroom harvesting experiences, pine mushroom dish tastings, and local specialty sales. With the active participation of local residents and the widespread recognition of the excellence of the mushrooms, the festival gradually established itself as a representative autumn gourmet festival in South Korea. In particular, the festival is growing beyond a simple consumption event into a comprehensive festival where culture, tourism, and the economy harmonize by spreading the values of nature conservation and coexistence and linking with traditional performances, experiences linked to local agricultural products, and tourism circulation programs.
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Yeongju Punggi Insam Festival
Oct 3 – Oct 11, 2026
Ginseng is one of Korea’s best-known health foods, valued for its ability to help restore energy and support the immune system. Every October, when ginseng is considered to be at its best, the Yeongju Punggi Insam Festival is held in Yeongju, one of Korea’s leading ginseng-producing regions. With health and wellness at its heart, the festival offers exhibitions and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. Special programs include the Gaesamteo Ritual Ceremony, Reenactment of Governor Ju Sebung’s Procession, and the Ginseng Grand Ritual. Visitors can also enjoy dishes made with nutritious Punggi ginseng and take part in fun activities such as ginseng peeling. The festival is also a great place to shop for fresh ginseng, red ginseng, and a variety of processed ginseng products made by local growers, all at reasonable prices.
Reach travelers heading to Gyeongsangbuk-do: sponsor this page.
Dates and programs can change. Check the official site before you go. Official site