North Gyeongsang governor attends Andong International Mask Dance Festival opening

North Gyeongsang Province held the opening ceremony of the 2026 Andong International Mask Dance Festival on Friday at Jungangseon 1942 Andong Station and the surrounding original downtown area.

Now in its 28th edition, the festival has been designated a "global festival" by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The opening ceremony was attended by North Gyeongsang Province Governor Lee Cheol-woo, Minister of Patriots and Veterans Kwon O-eul, Andong Mayor Kwon Gi-chang, Korea Spirit and Culture Promotion Institute President Lee Hee-beom, Andong City Council Speaker Lee Jae-gap, North Gyeongsang Provincial Assembly Culture and Environment Committee Chairman Kim Dae-jin, provincial and city assembly members, foreign diplomats accredited to South Korea, overseas performance troupes, and local residents and tourists.

Before the ceremony, Lee welcomed foreign diplomats and overseas performers at a reception held at the auxiliary arena of Andong Gymnasium and expressed hope for a successful festival.

A street parade through the original downtown area, featuring domestic and international performance troupes alongside residents, set off from Jungangseon 1942 Andong Station and wound through the city center, showcasing traditional dances, music and mask cultures from around the world.

On the main stage, an opening performance featuring 26 teams from 22 countries launched the evening, followed by themed performances under the titles "Memories of the Past," "Today's Dance," "New Dance" and "Everyone's Dance," along with a communal dance celebration and fireworks.

The festival runs through Oct. 4 — 11 days in total — at venues across Andong including Jungangseon 1942 Andong Station, Mask Dance Park, the original downtown area and Hahoe Village, under the theme "Memories of the Mask, Everyone's Dance."

Communal dance events open to domestic and international performers, residents and tourists are scheduled for Wednesday and Oct. 3.

"We will further develop the Andong International Mask Dance Festival into a global festival that people from around the world seek out and linger at, so that the growing international interest in Korean culture — driven by K-pop and K-food — extends to Korea's traditional culture and regional tourism," Lee said.