ANDONG, North Gyeongsang Province -- Two hours from Seoul’s Cheongnyangni Station by KTX, the high-speed rail service, Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, is a city known for its longstanding traditions and beautiful landscape.

The Culture Ministry, in 2020, named Andong a "Tourism Hub City" along with Busan, Gangneung, Jeonju and Mokpo and Korea Tourism Organization been working to bolster international tourism in the designated cities.

Andong has a rich history associated with talchum, traditional mask dance, manifested through oral traditions, social practices and the craftsmanship of masks.

In November last year, talchum was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. One particular talchum genre, known as the Hahoebyeolsingut-talnori, traces its roots to Hahoe Village in Andong.

The annual Andong Maskdance Festival, held since 1997, is an integral part of the Byeolsingut Festival which used to be held in Hahoe Village, its tradition dating back over 800 years.

This year’s event, which ended Oct. 9, showcased 18 different genres of talchum recognized by the UNESCO and also included mask dances from different countries. Numerous booths were set up where visitors could experience traditions and culture of Andong, while global street food and music filled the open arena.

• ·조응천 "8년간 쓴소리 했는데…요즘은 백태클에 뒤통수 가격"
• ·Le Sserafim to release first English single 'Perfect Night'
• ·Election watchdog faces calls to apologize after failing security test
• ·尹지지율 긍정 33%·부정 58%…"명절 기간 물가 등 경제난 체감"
• ·Seoul stocks end nearly flat on cautious note
• ·Yoon says improved relations between S. Korea, Japan are people's will
• ·Kia to expand EV lineup with mass market appeal
• ·혼전임신 직원에 "애비없는 애"…갑질 서기관 감싼 복지부 논란
• ·Samsung SDI renews push for all
• ·野 “與 보선 참패 후 이재명 전광석화 기소…국민 심판받을 것”
• ·기세 올린 이재명 체제…이번엔 한동훈 겨냥 공세 집중
• ·야당, 김행 사퇴에 “사필귀정…사법적 판단 받아야”
• ·S. Korea, US, Japan to discuss regional security issues: White House
• ·야당, 김행 사퇴에 “사필귀정…사법적 판단 받아야”
• ·Kia to expand EV lineup with mass market appeal
• ·Dansaekhwa master Park Seo