Travel
Jinju Talchum Festival takes place through Sept. 20
Haps Magazine Korea
September 18, 2026
(Photo by Jinju City/courtesy of Haps Magazine Korea)
The 29th Jinju Talchum Hanmadang is underway through September 20, bringing four days of traditional mask dance, performing arts and family activities to Jinju.
Events will be held at the Jinju Traditional Arts Center and Pyeonggeo Outdoor Stage, with this year’s festival expanding beyond traditional talchum to include music, theater, dance and hands-on programs.
The festival begins September 17 with an academic program examining how traditional mask dance can evolve and remain relevant in modern society. Performances begin the following day with traditional music and Jinju Ogwangdae, one of the region’s best-known mask dance traditions.
A highlight on September 19 will be the Jinju Ogwangdae Citizen Dance Festival, featuring participants ranging from children to local residents. The day will also include Tongyeong Ogwangdae, traditional performances and madanggeuk, a form of Korean outdoor theater.
The final day will feature tightrope walking, Dongsan Talchum, children’s taekwondo demonstrations and creative dance performances.
Visitors can also take part in mask making, mask rubbing, traditional games, bubble activities and balloon making throughout the festival.