Talchum (Mask Dance Drama) - Introduction
Talchum is Korean traditional performance art telling stories through masked dance, dialogue, and music. Registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2022. Beyond entertainment, Talchum has social critique character satirizing ruling classes like yangban and monks while expressing commoners' joys and sorrows. Representative forms include Bongsan Talchum, Yangju Byeolsandae Nori, Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori, and Tongyeong/Goseong Ogwangdae. Each region has unique mask shapes, dance moves, and scripts; masks made from paper, wood, or gourds. Performances involve audience interaction, being participatory and open. Blending humor, satire, dance, and music, Talchum is the essence of Korean traditional performance art. Preservation societies maintain transmission in each region, with regular performances at Andong Hahoe Village.
Basic Information
- Origin: 한국
- Players: 다수
- Equipment: 탈(가면), 의상
How to Play & Features
Talchum is Korean traditional performance art telling stories through masked dance, dialogue, and music. Registered as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2022. Beyond entertainment, Talchum has social critique character satirizing ruling classes like yangban and monks while expressing commoners' joys and sorrows. Representative forms include Bongsan Talchum, Yangju Byeolsandae Nori, Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori, and Tongyeong/Goseong Ogwangdae. Each region has unique mask shapes, dance moves, and scripts; masks made from paper, wood, or gourds. Performances involve audience interaction, being participatory and open. Blending humor, satire, dance, and music, Talchum is the essence of Korean traditional performance art. Preservation societies maintain transmission in each region, with regular performances at Andong Hahoe Village.
Cultural Value
This game is a representative Korean folk game. Transmitted through generations, it well shows Korean sentiment and community culture. Currently available for hands-on experience at folk villages, museums, and cultural centers in Seoul, it's a popular Korean culture experience program for foreign tourists as well. Enjoyed together from children to adults, it becomes an opportunity for intergenerational communication.