Masks are known as “Tal” in Korean, but they are also known by many other names such as “gamyon”, “kwangdae”, “chorani”, and “talbagaji”. A “talchum” is really more than its literal meaning of “mask dance,” but is also a drama in which persons, animals or supernatural beings are portrayed through the media of masks and dance.

Masks and mask dances developed in Korea in prehistoric times. Traditional masks fall into two categories: religious masks and artistic masks. Some religious masks were considered sacred, the focus of worship in shaman shrines and revered periodically with rites in which offerings were made. Other religious masks were used to ward off evil spirits.

Artistic masks were mostly used in dance and drama. However, these also had religious functions to some extent. Of special note are the masks featured in a mask dance-drama developed in the Hahoe region.

Mask dance-dramas are basically forms of folk art which developed naturally among the common people of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). They vary slightly according to region and the performer but they all share fundamental characteristics. They derive essentially from a sense of rebellion felt by the common people toward the reality of their lives.

With regional variations, the mask dance-drama was generally performed on the First Full Moon, Buddha’s Birthday on the Eighth of the Fourth Moon, Dano Festival and Chuseok. It was also performed at festive occasions of the state or at rituals to supplicate for rain. Many of the roles do not have any dialogue of their own but act out their part in pantomime, their extraordinarily stylized masks conveying the dramatic impact of their characters.

The dance enlivens the drama and serves to round off each scene but is also performed without any regard to the progress of the plot. The most remarkable feature of Korean mask dance-drama in its traditional form is the enthusiastic participation of the audience. With the encouragement of the players, toward the end of a performance there is little distinction between them and the audience as they join together in robust dance and bring it to a truly affirmative life-enhancing finale.

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