Hahoe World Mask Museum

A family trip to Hahoe World Mask Museum, where your child can discover mask cultures from around the world

What kind of place is Hahoe World Mask Museum?

• Located at the entrance to Hahoe Village in Andong, Gyeongbuk, Hahoe World Mask Museum is Korea's first museum dedicated to masks, opened in 1995.
• It is a special place where you can see not only the masks used in Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori, which represents Hahoe Village, but also a wide variety of traditional masks from Korea and more than 50 countries around the world.

What can you see here?

• The museum houses about 3,000 masks, and around 800 of them are on display.
• There are 5 exhibition halls in total, so you can explore them one by one following the guide map.

1. Traditional Korean masks

• You can see regional traditional masks such as Hahoe masks, Cheoyong masks, and Bongsan masks, as well as masks used in mask dances designated as Important Intangible Cultural Heritage.
• Traditional masks contain fascinating stories about warding off evil, satire and humor, and their social roles.

2. Masks from Asia

• Masks from many Asian countries are exhibited, including China, Japan, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.
• These masks reflect each country's unique culture and traditions, including religion, mythology, and shamanistic practices, so each one has its own distinctive look.

3. Masks from around the world

• You can also look at a variety of folk masks, tribal masks, and festival masks from Europe, South America, Africa, and North America.
• Many masks with fun expressions and shapes that kids may enjoy are on display, making it easy to compare them together.

Are there any hands-on activities to enjoy with kids?

• The museum offers ongoing hands-on activities such as decorating masks, making eco bags, and making dolls that perform mask dances.
• Throughout the museum, there are also free activity programs such as trying on masks, mask trick art, tracing mask characters, photo zones, and collecting mask stamps, so kids can enjoy mask culture in a more interactive way.

Why is it a good place to visit?

• Seeing masks from many different countries in one place gives your child a natural chance to learn about world cultures.
• Its location also makes it a great stop on a trip connected with Hahoe Village, where you can explore mask culture more deeply alongside the village's traditions.
• It is a meaningful place where children can naturally experience traditions, art, and folk cultures from many countries that they may not often encounter.

Recommended for families like these

• Kids who are interested in traditional culture and folk traditions from around the world
• Families who enjoy mask performances and different kinds of folk play culture
• Those looking for an indoor place where they can stay for a while and enjoy meaningful activities

Hahoe World Mask Museum is a special place worth visiting even for a short stop during your trip, and especially when your child wants to explore a variety of activities and learn about world cultures all in one place.

Additional information

• Address: Hahoe World Mask Museum, 206 Jeonseo-ro, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Hours: Daily 09:30 to 18:00
• Amenities: Parking available, baby chair, nursing room, diaper changing station, stroller rental, reservations not supported
• Admission: Free

Helpful tips for visitors

• It is located at the entrance to "Andong Hahoe Village," so it is an easy place to visit together.
• If you use the parking lot in front of Andong Hahoe World Mask Museum, you can get a little closer to the Andong Hahoe Village ticket office and bus boarding area.
• Parking is free, so you can look around at a relaxed pace.
• There is also a Tal Bingo Cafe in the Hahoe World Mask Museum building, making it a nice place for a coffee break.
• Some masks may look scary, so please keep in mind that young children could be frightened.
• There is a Hahoe market nearby, which is convenient for meals or snacks.