A living mascot of the festival created by local youth and cultural talent
Participatory performances connecting generations, from K-pop to nostalgic hits

There are those who open up dancing circles across every corner of the festival grounds and draw visitors right into them.

The City of Andong and the Andong Culture & Arts Foundation announced that the mask dance troupe 'Remember' is adding vibrant energy to the '2026 Andong International MaskDance Festival' through dynamic performances and on-site flash mob spectacles.

The mask dance troupe was formed in 2014, centered around local youth and cultural professionals residing in the region. Now celebrating its 13th year, the troupe has grown into a non-verbal performance team that communicates with visitors through body language, facial expressions, and music rather than words.

Rather than remaining confined to a fixed stage, members roam freely throughout the festival grounds. They break down the boundaries between performers and spectators, leading citizens and tourists alike to naturally participate in the dancing while serving as the living mascots of the festival.

This year’s official name, 'Remember', is derived from the festival’s theme, "Memories of Masks, Everyone’s Dance." It carries the meaning of remembering the joys and sorrows of people contained within masks over a long period, cherishing the moments shared with visitors over the past 12 years, and presenting fresh memories to everyone visiting this year's festival grounds.

This year's performances are curated with music and choreography that multiple generations can enjoy together. By adding dynamic choreography to a diverse playlist ranging from globally beloved K-pop to nostalgic tunes familiar to middle-aged and older generations, the troupe ensures that everyone from young children to seniors can naturally mingle and harmonize.

Visitors who happen upon the mask dance troupe while walking the festival grounds respond enthusiastically with applause and dancing. Through such live, on-site interactions, the troupe vividly demonstrates the festival's theme of "Everyone's Dance" in every corner.

Andong Mayor Kwon Ki-chang remarked, "The mask dance troupe, centered around local youth and cultural talent, has been the leading force breathing closest to visitors at the festival site for a long time. I hope visitors will dance along with 'Remember' during the remainder of the festival and create unforgettable memories in Andong."

The '2026 Andong International MaskDance Festival' runs through October 4 under the theme "Memories of Masks, Everyone's Dance," taking place across the Jungangline 1942 Andong Station, the downtown area, Maskdance Park, and Hahoe Folk Village.