From October 1-10, 2004 the ancient city of Andong will bring to life old stories passed down from generation to generation, during the annual Andong Mask Dance Festival. The vibrant festival, with its combination of dance and theater, features performances of Korea's 13 national mask dances as well various foreign mask dances. Common people in Andong have been performing these mask dance dramas since the middle of the 12th century. The most popular dramas were used to insult and mock the titled class, while others were used to show the dilemmas of love triangles and lower class struggles. Other Mask Dance Festival ceremonies include folk music concerts and Korean traditional fireworks.

Several of Korea’s early Confucian origins have found their roots in the city of Andong where residents still practice many of the ancient customs. At the Hahoe Folk Village, one of Andong’s most notable attractions, the culture of the yangban (noblemen of the Joseon Dynasty) has been especially well preserved. Designated as an Historic Preservation Site, nearly 130 of the traditional homes here have been inhabited for generations by the same families. At Hahoe, visitors may enjoy various forms of the Mask Dance Drama year-round. For more information, contact the KNTO at 800/TOUR-KOREA.