Andong's Downtown Transforms into a Playground of Tradition

Modernizing Chajeon Nori and Nottari Balgi
Expanding into a Culinary and Experiential Festival

The "2026 Chajeonjangun Nokuk Princess Festival" will be held from May 1 to May 5 at Jungangseon 1942 Andong Station, the Mask Dance Park, and throughout the old downtown area.

Hosted by the Andong Cultural Center, this festival is designed as an urban experience festival that adds a modern touch to the traditional roots of Andong’s representative folk games, Chajeon Nori and Nottari Balgi.

Andong City 2026 Prince of the Battlefield Royal Princess Festival Opens on May 1 [Photo by Andong City]

The core of this year’s festival is the shift from "spectating" to "participation."

The festival space will be transformed into a storytelling stage, moving beyond a simple event venue.

There will be a "7080 Retro Zone" recreating the atmosphere of the 1970s and 1980s, and a "Marketplace-style Daedong Yard" capturing the vibe of a traditional market. These areas will allow visitors to walk, observe, and experience the festival, helping them naturally immerse themselves in the festivities.

In the "7080 Retro Zone," the "7080 Gogo Hall" will operate, blending the mood of modern streets with music programs.

This is expected to evoke nostalgia for the middle-aged and older generations, while offering a unique retro experience to younger visitors.

The "Marketplace-style Daedong Yard" features booths designed with tiled and thatched roofs to recreate a traditional market atmosphere, offering a variety of experiences and sights.

Culinary content has also been significantly enhanced.

The festival grounds will include the large-scale "East Asia Gourmet Yard," created in collaboration with The Born Korea.

Here, visitors can sample representative dishes from Korea, China, and Japan all in one place, highlighting Andong’s status as an East Asian cultural city and expanding the festival into a platform for cultural exchange through food.

The main programs focus on participatory content that reinterprets the symbolism of Chajeon Nori and Nottari Balgi in a contemporary way. Activities such as "Chajeon Three-Gate Adventure," "Wang Geon's Secret Base," and "Saekdong Nori" offer hands-on experiences for all ages, and photo zones featuring elements from Chajeon Nori and Nottari Balgi will be set up throughout the festival area.

In the old downtown area, a street parade will enhance the festive atmosphere. About 800 participants—including a military band, marching band, cheerleaders, and citizen groups—will liven up the city, creating a Daedong (community unity) festival space where citizens and tourists can celebrate together.

The opening ceremony will take place at 7:00 p.m. on May 1 at the Mask Dance Park Festival Yard, under the theme “Opening Ceremony with the East Asian Cultural City.” The festival’s grand opening will feature cultural performances from Korea, China, and Japan, along with stages by guest singers Laport M and Jang Minho, and fireworks.

Daesik Lim, President of the Andong Cultural Center, stated, "This festival is designed not just as an event but as an experiential space where the venue itself tells a story. We hope many people will come to Andong to create special spring memories, as we have prepared a Daedong festival where both citizens and visitors can enjoy and come together."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.