Korean Job Discussion Forums

Enigma · Joined: 20 Mar 2008

I'm thinking about heading to Andong for the Mask Dance Festival this weekend. I took a look at the website and it looks like you pay admission to get into the main theatre area. For those of you who have been, is there a lot going on outside the theatre? I've got no problem paying, but I know I'd get bored just sitting there for a long time and prefer to wander around.

Thanks for any info

JBomb · Joined: 16 Oct 2008

The mask area is a short walk down river from the old village site. The village itself is worth the visit.

lalartu · Joined: 29 Apr 2008

Actually Andong mask festival and Hanoe Mask festival are two different things.

The mask festival itself is near a big round stadium behind the bus terminal in Andong and I would totally recommend going there. The place is huge and full of really awesome activities/food.

I went there when it was closing unfortunately (after 5pm) so I didn't see that much, but managed to get some free bibimbap and lots of free samples on top of other cool activities.

Hanoe village, which is the traditional Korean village that's famous for its masks, has another festival, but way smaller and usually too crowded. They normally show a mask play and sell random Korean produce nearby. The village itself is about 30 mins away by bus and is very beautiful, but be aware that you won't have enough time to visit both Andong and the village on the same day as they are quite a distance away from each other.

I would suggest taking two days to visit the village, stay overnight in a traditional accomodation in the village (a lot of places there offer sleep overs) and then head to Andong to enjoy the festival in the afternoon, have some of their famous jjimdak, rotisserie pork, spicy shikkhe and then head back home in the evening. last bus to Seoul is at 7pm.

I went there last week and it was great, but I felt rushed because I only took one day.

nibroc9 · Joined: 15 Nov 2007 Location: Guang Zhou, China

The Andong International Mask Dance Festival is a wonderful time for all. There are many things to do other than see the shows. I used to live in Andong (for 4 years) So I have been to the festival many times. Below is a link to some photos I took in 2007.

Andong Mask Dance Festival 2007(안동국제 탈춤 페스티벌 2007년)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ctdimaging/sets/72157602206655850/show/