andong international mask dance festival
In every October, you can also visit the Andong International Mask Dance Festival, showcasing not only Korean Mask Dance, but also various traditional dances of countries round the world. The festival is split into two halves.
Typically tourists only visit the main event in Andong city itself, by the river ~2 blocks south of both the bus and train terminals. It is interesting, but dance acts on the main stage are well spaced out day-pass admission 5,000 won, even on weekends, and the rest of the time you are left to wander what's mostly a tourist trap. Food and booze is plentiful however even whale, and there are many affordable mask making stalls set up, intended for children but also widely enjoyed by curious overseas visitors as the little blobby things you use to decorate the mask are unlike anything that can be seen in the West.
The second half is located over in Hahoe village see above. For the idle spectator, this is a definite highlight, as the stage is positioned amongst the pine grove on the banks of the river, opposite Buyongdae cliff, with the colourful costumes contrasting well against the natural backdrop. When travelling to Haohe village during the festival, pick a seat on the left side of the bus for a special surprise amongst the rice paddies.
Programs to learn many folk dances and mask dance contests are also prepared during the festival.
