The abundant cultural heritage of Andong is attributed to the worth-oriented philosophy of the Andong people who have coped with numerous social changes and positively adapted to new cultural traditions. Hence, various elements of Oriental culture have flowed into Andong and been re-synthesized into the distinctive Andong way of life and culture. These socio-cultural, historical and religious heritages are the basis of the Maskdance Festival. We can learn quiet composure and mindfulness through understanding the significance of traditions through the excitement of the Mask dance. The Mask dance Festival is conscientious of our local heritage and the importance of sharing it with others.

The Andong area has a variety of socio-historical and religious heritages from different periods, from ancient times to the present. Andong holds the largest number of cultural properties in Korea. It reveals a very vivid picture of the aesthetics and traditions of the Orient. We can find not only tangible cultural and historical heritages like ancient villages, but also many intangible cultural properties of the Andong tradition such as Cha-Jeon-Nori (demonstration of Battle game, involving hundreds of men working together), Not-Dari-Balgi (a female play), Traditional wedding, and Haeng-Sang-Sori (demonstration of funeral ceremony). These plays are an amazing spectacle and a really unique experience to be had at the festival.

http://www.maskdance.com/

The annual Keochang International Festival of Theatre, opens every year with topics of nature, man, and drama. Since 1989 it has become an international play festival where seven overseas theatrical companies and twenty domestic theatrical companies participate. It is very attractive and unique as the play is held in the nature, open theatre. This festival has been evaluated as an exemplary event of the growth of local culture by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

July 29 - August 9, 2011

http://www.kift.or.kr/english/

The Seoul Fringe Festival, the most representative independent arts festival of Korea, will be held for its 14th year this year (2011) in the Hongdae area. The festival aims at presenting and supporting the indie culture of Hongdae that is in danger due to the rapid commercialization of the district. The festival showcases various artists and their works, exposing guests of all ages to new forms of cultural arts that are difficult to encounter during daily life in Hongdae. The 3 key components of the Seoul Fringe Festival are the artists, audience, and venue. The highly-supported BYOV (Bring Your Own Venue) system encourages artists to personally seek sites that compliment their works or performances, providing the audience with the opportunity to observe art in a new light. During the festival, cafes, clubs, and galleries in the Hongdae area will serve as a dynamic site for artists of varying fields to gather and experiment new methods of expressing their art.

http://www.seoulfringe.net/

The annual Seoul Marginal Theatre Festival features contemporary theatre performances and discussions about contemporary issues. It offers a place for reflection and exploration within the context of the performing arts. The aim is move beyond any boundaries and to seek a new vision each edition based on an established theme. The festival serves as an experimental laboratory for national artists.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Seoul-Marginal-Theatre-Festival/129233320429543