One of Korea's traditional cultures, the 'mask', varies in form and meaning across different regions.
In particular, the Hahoe-Tal from Andong is a representative symbol of Korean mask culture, continuing its historical and cultural value even today.
What is mask(Tal)?
A mask is a tool used to cover the face, commonly found in various cultures and used in festivals and theater as a form of artistic expression.
Typically, masks are crafted in the likeness of animals, mythical figures, or humans, often carrying specific purposes or symbolism.
For example, in Korea, the masks used in the Hahoe Byeolsin Gut Tal Nori are meant to wish for the well-being and abundance of the village, while in Japan's Noh theatre, masks are known to guide the souls of the dead. In some regions, there is a traditional art form called 'mask dance', where dancers wear masks and perform dances that often contain social satire and humor. These masks, with their beautiful designs, embody history and culture, making them beloved by many.
Characteristics of Korean Masks(Tal)
The characteristics of Korean Tal (masks) lie in their diverse forms, colors, and symbolism. Traditional Korean masks are primarily made of wood, paper, or fabric, each with its unique shape, color, and symbolism. For example, Hahoe masks include different types like the Yangban (noble) mask, Bune (female) mask, Baekjeong (butcher) mask, and Seonbi (scholar) mask, each with its distinct shape, color, and meaning. Additionally, Korean masks are mainly used in traditional festivals and plays, often containing elements of social satire and humor.
Korean masks have a long tradition and have been used for various purposes and in different forms.
- Ritual Use:
Masks were used in funerals to evoke the faces of historical figures in the dead, and as a means to ward off evil spirits. - Artistic Use:
Especially utilized for dance and play, Hahoe Byeolsin Gut masks are known to be ancient, with unknown dates of creation.
Korean masks come in various types, including those with religious and shamanistic significance. These faith and shamanistic masks date back to the Neolithic era rock carvings and are still passed down today, with examples such as the Cheoyong mask, Bangsangssi mask, and Janggun mask being notable.
Let's continue by exploring the definition and history of the famous Hahoe masks in Korea.
We will also delve into the renowned Andong Hahoe Mask Festival, learning about its details, and introduce distinct masks from other regions as well.
1. The definition and history of Andong Hahoe Tal (masks).
1.1 The definition of Hahoe Tal (masks).
Hahoe Tal (masks) are traditional masks made of wood. They are characterized by large eyes, broad foreheads, and exaggerated expressions, effectively depicting the personality of the characters.
The Andong Hahoe Tal is designated as National Treasure No. 121 of South Korea, passed down in Hahoe Village and its neighboring Byongsan Village in Andong City, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
The Hahoe Tal includes Jooji (two types), Gaksi, Joong, Yangban, Seonbi, Chorangi, Imae, Bune, Baekjeong, and Halme, totaling 10 types and 11 masks. Additionally, there were Chonggak, Byeolchae, and Tteokdarital, but they have been lost and are not passed down anymore. Byongsan Tal consists of two surviving masks, known as Daegam Tal and Yangban Tal.
1.2 The history of Hahoe Tal (masks)
Hahoe Tal (masks) are believed to have been created during the mid-Goryeo Dynasty. At that time, villagers performed mask dances during the Hahoe Byeolsin Gut Talnori around the first full moon of the lunar new year to worship their village guardian spirits.
They were used for satirizing various social classes. These masks are mainly used in performances and festivals, forming an integral part of folk plays.
Currently, they can be experienced through the Andong Hahoe Mask Festival in Korea.
2. Andong Hahoe Tal (Mask) Festival.
In Andong, there is the Hahoe Byeolsin Gut Talnori, a traditional Tal (mask) dance passed down for over 800 years in a historic Korean village designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
The village communities have used the Tal (mask) dance to pray for peace and abundant harvests in the village and have shaped a new world through the Byeolsin Gut ritual. This cultural heritage of Andong, the Hahoe Byeolsin Gut Talnori, has been elevated to the Andong International Tal (Mask) Dance Festival. Particularly, the festival began in 1997, grounded in the philosophy of the cultural values of Tal (masks) and mask dances in Andong and its diverse cultural resources.
The Andong International Tal (Mask) Dance Festival is a representative honorary cultural tourism festival of South Korea.
The Andong International Tal (Mask) Dance Festival is a festival hosted by Andong City and organized by the Andong Festival Tourism Foundation. It takes place annually over 10 days, starting on the last Friday of September, at the Andong Tal (Mask) Dance Park and various locations throughout the city.
The festival features not only Korean traditional Tal (mask) dances but also performances and exhibitions of mask dances from around the world, along with experience programs. Visitors can also enjoy the Hahoe Byeolsin Gut Talnori during the festival.
• Time: Annually for 10 days, starting on the last Friday of September
• Location:Andong Tal (Mask) Dance Park and various locations throughout the city
• Content: Performances, exhibitions, and experience programs of traditional Korean Tal (mask) dances and mask dances from around the world
3. Andong Hahoe Tal (Mask) Festival Performance Content
The Andong International Tal (Mask) Dance Festival not only showcases Hahoe masks but also traditional masks and mask dances from other regions of Korea.
At the Andong Hahoe Mask Festival, you can see the following types of traditional Korean Tal (mask) dances:
Hahoe Byeolsin Gut Talnori (하회별신굿탈놀이)- The foundation of the Andong International Tal (Mask) Dance Festival and listed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- A mask drama passed down from Bongsan County, Hwanghae Province, designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 17.
- A mask drama from Gangnyeong County, Hwanghae Province, designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 34.
- A mask drama from Songpa District, Seoul, designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 49.
- A mask drama from Suyeong District, Busan Metropolitan City, designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 43.
- A mask drama from Tongyeong City, Gyeongsangnam Province, designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 6.
- A mask drama from Gasan-ri, Sacheon City, Gyeongsangnam Province, designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 73.
- A sword dance from Jinju, Gyeongsangnam Province, designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 12.
- A court dance originating from the Silla Dynasty's Cheoyong legend, designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 39.
- A lion dance from Bukcheong County, South Hamgyong Province, designated as National Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 15.
In addition to these traditional Tal (mask) dances, there are also performances, exhibitions, and experience programs of mask dances from various countries around the world.
Let's go to Andong Hahoe Tal (Mask) Festival!
Along with Andong Hahoe Tal (Mask), the distinctive masks of other regions are important elements of Korea's colorful culture and history.
Experiencing these traditions through cultural events such as the Hahoe Tal (Mask) Festival understands Korean history and culture and provides good content for travel.
▶Watch Andong International Mask Dance Festival
안동국제탈춤 페스티벌 보기
Go to Site
▶View Andong Hahoe Village
안동하회마을 보기
Visit Site