Bongsan Mask Dance

Programs

Korean talchum, inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is a type of mask dance that transforms the joys and sorrows of the common people into excitement and exhilaration. It blends dance, music, and drama, making it difficult to categorize within Western performance genres. Although often performed in outdoor courtyards, it is not confined to specific locations. One of its distinctive features is the variety of names it is called—such as talchum, byeolsin-gut, gamyeongeuk, or sandaenori—depending on the region, each with its own unique character.
Among them, Bongsan Talchum is a mask dance that originated in Bongsan-gun, Hwanghae-do. It consists of seven acts featuring 36 characters and utilizes 27 masks, including multi-purpose masks. Compared to mask dances from other regions, Bongsan Talchum is known for its vibrant choreography and lively movements.
Bongsan Mask Dance is a festival where you can immerse yourself in everything related to Bongsan Talchum. It begins with pre-festival activities such as mask-making and trying on traditional costumes, followed by a street parade where the audience moves together to the performance venue. The main event features a Bongsan Talchum performance, followed by a lively after-party where participants can learn the dance and take commemorative photos with the performers.