Andong International Mask Dance Festival Reuse Experiment Towards Cleanliness and Carbon Neutrality

The Andong International Mask Dance Festival runs from September 26 to October 5. Some on-site food booths used reusable containers, and return bins and guidance signs were placed according to the flow, significantly reducing visible litter on the ground. Staff assisted with location guidance and collection flow, and visitors placed their containers in the nearest collection point after their meal.

The foundation of the operation is the cleaning support infrastructure. A system was established to process cleaning, sterilization, drying, and hygienic packaging in a single flow, allowing containers to be safely returned. Collaborating with the Gyeongbuk Andong Community Self-Support Center, local collection and cleaning were conducted, reducing travel distances and lowering on-site burdens.

During the Andong Su Festa held in the summer, approximately 50,000 reusable containers were used based on operational data, with an average of over 800 sets circulating daily. The amount of waste generated at the festival site decreased, and this experience was applied to the fall's representative festival in the same manner.

The transition to reuse enhances the efficiency of cleanliness management and reduces carbon burdens by alleviating emissions generated during production and transportation stages. As self-support organizations take charge of cleaning and logistics, local jobs and inclusive values are created together.

After the festival, there are plans to disclose the number of supplies distributed, recovery rates, cleaning turnover rates, contamination rates, reduced tonnage, and cost savings to confirm the achievements. During peak times, the locations of return bins can be fine-tuned, and map guidance and on-site reminders can be reinforced to make the flow smoother.

The venue for the Andong International Mask Dance Festival is the area around Andong Station on the Jungang Line 1942, the old downtown, and the Mask Dance Park. While enjoying traditional performances, a clean festival culture is created together through reuse and cleaning.

Event Overview

Event Name: 2025 Andong International Mask Dance Festival

Date/Location: September 26–October 5, 2025

/ Areas in Andong City such as the old Andong Station, Mask Dance Park, and Hahoe Village.