On Sunday (Sept. 28th), Brian and I drove about three hours away to the small city of Andong for its annual International Mask Festival. In downtown Andong there were hundreds of vendors set up, along with a bunch of stages for various performances (including a big indoor theatre that hosted many international dance presentations). About 25 kilometres away another part of the festival took place at a traditional village called Ha-hwee, and this part was really wonderful. We saw a traditional dance and play that originated in Ha-hwee in the 11th century and the masks used in the performance date back to the same era. A craftsman at the village makes these same masks by hand, and we picked up a male and female set that is very beautiful. You can find these masks all over Korea but it was special to buy these at the village where they were first made. As well, the village features only traditional houses where families from one particular clan - the Ryus - still live and work and farm. It was a magical place. The girls all had homework to do, so they opted to stay at home while we enjoyed our road trip. We're hoping we can convince them to go with us next year!
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