The Andong International Maskdance Festival is one of the Republic of Korea’s most prominent international cultural events and will celebrate its 30th edition in 2026.

In 2024, the festival hosted 50 international performance teams from 30 countries and over 180 domestic teams, attracting more than 1.5 million visitors. We are pleased to invite your team to join this global stage to present your unique culture and engage in meaningful exchanges with audiences from around the world.

(Please note: As the 2025 festival will conclude in early October, responses to inquiries may be delayed until the end of October.)

I Event overview:

• Event Name: 2026 Andong International Maskdance Festival
• Theme: TBC
• Dates: September 25 (Fri) - October 4 (Sun), 2026 (10 days)
• Location: Andong City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Republic of Korea
• Main events:
  • Official Ceremonies: Opening and Closing Ceremonies
  • Maskdance Performance Stage: Korean and international mask dance performances
  • Main Stage & Street Stages: Maskplay Contest, Daedong Nanjang (participatory mass dance), and various cultural arts performances
  • Festival Grounds: Vendor booths, hands-on experience programs, and other side events

II Invitation conditions:

• Domestic expenses
  • Domestic Transportation: One bus per team (including airport ↔ Andong transfers)
  • Meals in Korea: Three meals per day, KRW 10,000 per meal
  • Accommodation in Korea: Double occupancy (two people per room)
  • Guide: One interpreter assigned per team
  • Length of Stay: Valid during the festival period, up to one day before and after the opening/closing ceremonies

• Pre-arrival Requirements
  • All costs related to round-trip airfare and any excess baggage
  • Visa issuance (C-3 Visa) for travel and any related fees
  • Purchase of travel insurance
• Other Needs in Accordance with the Invitation Guidelines

III Invitation-related information:

1. Invitation guidelines

• Troupes incorporating masks, disguises, face painting, or transformations in their performances (highest priority)
• Troupes capable of participating in parades
• No restrictions on performance genres
• Troupes composed of 10 to 15 members
• Troupes able to participate for the full 10-day festival duration

• Participation application form (attached to the invitation email)
• Introduction of the troupe, including photos, videos, and, if available, social media links

• First selection of invited troupes after April 3
• Final invitation deadline: April 14

• Stage performance: 14 to 17 minutes
• Street parade performance: At least 30 minutes
• Promotional performance: Approximately 5 minutes (introduction and showcase)

• Gift exchange ceremony with the Mayor of Andong at the festival banquet

2. Invitation criteria

• Selection standards for invited performing groups
  • Priority is given to troupes aligning with the Maskdance Festival theme, incorporating masks, mask dances, disguises, face painting, or transformation objects.
  • The optimal troupe size is approximately 10 members (maximum 15), determined based on the performance composition for efficient scheduling.
  • Priority is given to troupes that can commit to the full 10-day festival period.
  • The selection of invited troupes will be determined by the organizing foundation after reviewing their experience and background.
  • Other negotiated matters will adhere to UNESCO invitation criteria or relevant precedents, ensuring transparency and fairness in the selection process.
• Administrative procedures of the foundation
  • Issuance of Invitation Letters
    • Once a performing troupe is finalized for invitation, an official invitation letter will be issued under the name of the President of the Foundation.
    • The invitation letter will include details regarding the invitation agreement between the festival and the performing troupe.
  • Required Information from Invited Troupes:
    • Troupe Profile
    • Performance Description (including history, creative intent, content details, and any additional information)
    • At least five performance photos (videos may also be submitted if available)
    • Website or social media links related to the troupe
    • List of performers, including leaders and members categorized by role
    • Other promotional materials for performance introduction and festival marketing
  • Performer names and profile photos
  • Performance-related images (for brochures and promotional use)
  • Arrival and departure schedule (flight details)
  • Any additional information requested by the festival organizers
• Coordination Between the Foundation and the Performing Troupe
  • Mutual Preparations:
    • Gift Exchange Ceremony: The foundation and the invited troupe will exchange symbolic gifts to commemorate their participation (preferably masks or cultural artifacts). A separate exchange ceremony will be arranged.
  • Performing Troupe Responsibilities:
    • Performing troupes may request collaborations for national promotion, performance showcases, or other activities to enhance festival engagement.
    • Any additional requests or requirements from the troupe can be proposed for discussion with the festival organizers.
  • Performing Troupe Participation Programs
    • Stage Performances at the Maskdance Performance Hall
    • Participation in Official Events: Opening Ceremony, Bitalmin Nanjang, Downtown Parade, and other parades
    • Participation in the World Maskplay Contest (individual and group categories, for registered teams)
    • Performance Showcase (Gala Show)
    • Interviews for media promotion (TV, radio, and online platforms, upon request by broadcasters)
    • Andong Tour Program
    • Other cultural experience activities

3. Participation Program List

• Stage Performances at the Maskdance Performance Hall: 5 to 8 times during the festival
• Performance Showcase:
  • 2 to 4 times during the festival
  • A 5-minute performance highlight (Gala Show)
• Participation in Official Events: Opening Ceremony, Bitalmin Nanjang
• Parade Participation: 5 to 8 times during the festival
• Participation in the World Maskplay Contest (Individual & Group Categories – for registered teams only)
• Media Promotion: Interviews for news, YouTube, and other broadcasts (upon broadcaster request)
• Andong & Korean Cultural Experience Program Participation
• Banquet with the Mayor of Andong

IV Competition:

• Individual Category
  • Participants: 1 to 4 individuals
  • Performance Duration: 4 to 5 minutes
• Group Category
  • Participants: 5 or more individuals
  • Performance Duration: 5 minutes
• Participation Rules
  • Open to all genres
  • Participants must wear face-covering makeup or a mask
  • Performances must creatively express the theme of the 2026 Andong International Maskdance Festival (TBC)
• Application Process: nline registration & on-site registration (Further details will be announced)
• Total Prize Fund: KRW 70,000,000

V Questions and answers:

• The standard invitation group size is 10 to 15 members, but adjustments can be made if necessary.
• Invitations may not be possible for groups with fewer than 10 members.

• The age requirement for invited performers follows the Republic of Korea's Labor Standards Act.
• Only performers aged 18 and older (born before 2008) are eligible for invitation.
• Performers under the age of 18 cannot be invited.

• The festival does not provide any performance fees or allowances. This policy is in place to avoid complications in the visa issuance process, and we kindly ask for your understanding. ⦁Excess Baggage, Costumes & Props Transport Fees: These expenses must be covered by the individual or troupe.

• The festival runs from September 25 to October 4, 2026
• The festival organizing committee provides accommodation, meals, and transportation from September 24 to October 5 (a total of 12 days).
• Support is NOT provided for stays before September 24 or after October 5.
• We prefer troupes that can participate for the full 10-day festival duration, but some adjustments may be possible depending on flight schedules and other circumstances.

• To enter the Republic of Korea, there are two visa categories:
  • Category 1 (Visa-free Entry)
    • Required documents:
      • Passport
      • Flight Ticket
      • Accommodation Reservation (provided by Andong City)
      • K-ETA recommended ($8 per person)
    • Countries:
      • Asia: Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Macau
      • Americas: United States (including Guam), Canada
      • Europe: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, Austria
      • Oceania: New Zealand, Australia
  • Category 2 (C-3 Visa)
    • Required documents:
      • Passport
      • Flight Ticket
      • Accommodation Reservation (provided by Andong City)
      • Visa Application Form
      • Official Invitation Documents (provided by Andong City)
      • Travel & Stay Information
      • Financial Guarantee Documents (if required)
    • Countries:
      • Asia - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Iran, Iraq, Laos, Lebanon, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Syria, Vietnam, Yemen
      • Americas - Bolivia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela
      • Europe- Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine
      • Oceania - Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu
      • Africa - Algeria, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
• K-ETA Processing Time: Approximately 72 hours (cost: $8 USD per person)
• C-3 Visa Issuance Process
  • Step 1: Invitation Confirmation
  • Step 2: Submission of Invitee’s Full Name, Address, Contact Information, Participant List, and Passport Numbers
  • Step 3: Issuance of an Official Invitation Letter & Visa Documents under the Mayor of Andong’s name
  • Step 4: Official Notification Sent to the visa-issuing authority, airport customs, and relevant agencies - Step 5: Entry into South Korea
• Important: If the visa is not issued by August 31, 2026, the invitation will be canceled.

2. Performance Details (Stage Performances)

• Each hour-long performance session consists of 3 to 4 troupes.
• Each troupe is requested to perform for approximately 14 to 17 minutes.
• Based on the performance composition, the Stage Director may request modifications, such as adjusting the performance duration.

• Stage-focused troupes will be requested to perform 3 to 6 times.
• Parade-focused troupes will be requested to perform 6 to 9 times.
• Additional performances may be requested by the Performance Director, depending on the festival schedule.

• The Andong International Maskdance Festival features three main stages.
• Additionally, there are five smaller auxiliary stages, but these are not relevant to international troupes.

• This stage hosts traditional Korean and international performances.
• All international invited performances take place here.
• Maskdance Performance Hall Stage Specifications (Subject to changes):
  • Stage Dimensions:
    • Width: 820 cm, Depth: 1365 cm, Height: 6000 cm (Deco Tile)
    • Backdrop: Three-dimensional structure (Left, Center, Right)
  • Lighting
    • Beam Lights: 8 units
    • Moving LED Lights: 10 units
    • Beam Moving Lights: 8 units
    • PAR Lights: 20 units
    • Strobe Lights: 8 units
    • LED Bars: 8 units
  • Audio Equipment
    • Wireless Microphones (Shure UR40 or higher, 8 channels): 8 units
    • Lavalier Microphones: 17 units
    • Monitor Speakers (Qanon Audio): 4 units
    • Additional 14kw venue sound system
  • Visuals
    • LED Screen: 600 cm × 300 cm

• This stage hosts various Korean performance genres.
• The individual category of the competition takes place here.
• The Gala show is also held on this stage.
• Maskdance Performance Stage Specifications (Subject to changes)
  • Stage Dimensions:
    • Width: 900 cm, Depth: 1700 cm
  • Lighting
    • Beam Lights: 10 units
    • Moving LED Lights: 10 units
    • Beam Moving Lights: 8 units
    • PAR Lights: 30 units
    • Strobe Lights: 10 units
    • LED Bars: 10 units
  • Audio Equipment
    • Main Speakers: Next Pro La122a 8 units
    • Monitor Speakers: Mackie Thumps12 4 units / Subwoofer 2 units
    • Mixing Console: 48 channels or higher
    • Wireless Microphones: Shure UR40 or higher, 8 units
    • Lavalier Microphones: 15 units
  • Visuals
    • LED Screen: 600 cm × 300 cm

• This is the main stage for key programs, including the Opening & Closing Ceremonies and Official Events.
• The group category of the competition takes place here.
• Daedong Stage Specifications (Subject to changes)
  • Stage Dimensions:
    • Width: 910 cm, Depth: 1820 c
  • Lighting
    • Moving Lights: 22 units
    • Beam Lights: 30 units
    • PAR Lights: 60 units
    • Strobe Lights: 10 units
    • LED Bars: 20 units
  • Audio Equipment
    • Main Speakers: Next Pro LA122A 16 units
    • Subwoofer: LAS418A 2 units
    • Monitor Speakers: Mackie Thumps12 8 units
    • Wireless Microphones: Shure UR40 or higher, 20 units
    • Lavalier Microphones: 20 units
    • Wired Microphones: 30 units
  • Visuals
    • LED Screens: 4 units (300 inches each)

3. Rehearsal Information

• Due to the nature of the festival, rehearsal time is highly limited.
• As the stage operates continuously throughout the festival, full rehearsals on stage are not possible.
• However, designated rehearsal spaces are available for use:

1 Auxiliary Stadium (Andong Auxiliary Stadium, within the festival grounds)
- Available Hours: 09:00 – 18:00
- Capacity: 2 to 3 teams at a time
- Audio Equipment: Not available
- Usage: Reservation required (Must be coordinated with the festival organizers in advance)

- Available Hours: 10:00 – 18:00
- Capacity: 1 team at a time
- Audio Equipment: Not available
- Usage: Reservation required (Must be coordinated with the festival organizers in advance)

• Due to the festival schedule, on-stage practice is not possible.
• However, a 5-minute stage blocking and positioning check is allowed before performances.

• Storage Location: A dedicated storage container booth is available for performing troupes directly behind the stage.
• Storage Cost: Free of charge
• Transportation Cost: All expenses related to the transport of costumes and props must be covered by the troupe.

• Communication & Internet Access
  • Free Wi-Fi is available near the festival grounds and official accommodations under the name “Andong Public Wi-Fi”.
  • For internet access outside the festival area, purchasing a SIM card at the airport is recommended. SIM cards may also be available for purchase at convenience stores near the festival venue.
• Emergency Medical Services & Insurance
  • Emergency medical staff and ambulances are stationed near the festival venue. If medical assistance is required, please contact the festival information desk.
  • Travel insurance is mandatory for all participants to ensure safety during the festival.
  • Liability for accidents:
  • The performer and the troupe are primarily responsible for any accidents occurring at the festival.
  • The festival organizers will provide basic emergency assistance (such as medical response from on-site paramedics). However, all additional costs beyond this must be covered by the troupe.

• Photos, videos, and interviews taken during the festival may be used for future festival promotion and marketing.
• By attending the festival, troupes automatically grant consent for their likeness, footage, and materials to be used for promotional purposes.

7. Accommodation Information

• Accommodation Location
  • The designated hotels are located within a 10-minute walking distance from the festival venue.
  • The exact hotel name and address will be provided upon final confirmation of the invitation.
• Room Assignment
  • The standard accommodation is two people per room.
  • Room assignments will be based on the troupe's roster and gender information.
  • If a special request (e.g., family members staying together) is needed, please coordinate with the festival organizers after August.
• Room Amenities & Services - Each room is equipped with Bed, nightstand, TV, refrigerator, computer (in some rooms), hairdryer, toiletries, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and heating.
• What happens if an item in the room is damaged or lost?
  • If any hotel property is damaged or lost, the troupe is responsible for the replacement cost.
  • In case of any incidents, please immediately notify the hotel front desk or the festival organizers.
• Smoking Policy
  • Most accommodations enforce a strict no-smoking policy.
  • A fine may be imposed if smoking occurs inside the room.
  • Please use designated smoking areas (smoking rooms, outdoor areas, etc.).
• Are laundry facilities available?
  • Some hotels offer shared laundry rooms or paid laundry services.
  • If these facilities are unavailable, the interpreter guide can provide directions to nearby coin laundries or dry cleaners.
• Are restaurants and convenience stores nearby?
  • Most hotels are located near convenience stores, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Most establishments are within a 5–10 minute walking distance.
  • The interpreter guide or festival staff can provide specific recommendations upon request.

8. Sample Schedule

* The actual schedule is subject to change.

Afternoon - Hotel check-in & rest

Afternoon - Opening Ceremony (17:00) → Participation in the Opening Parade

Afternoon - Parade 1st Round

Afternoon - Parade 2nd Round

Afternoon - Gala Show (5–10 min, 1 performance) → Banquet with the Mayor of Andong (18:00–20:30)

Afternoon - Andong Tour

Afternoon - Parade 3rd Round

Afternoon - (Optional) Preliminary Round for the Individual Competition

Afternoon - (Optional) Preliminary Round for the Group Competition

Afternoon - Parade 4rd Round
(Optional) Finals & Awards for the Individual Competition
(Optional) Preliminary Round for the Group Competition

Afternoon - (Optional) Finals & Awards for the Group Competition
Closing Ceremony (21:00)

Afternoon - Departure