Korean Dictionary
How to say "Mask Dance" in Korean
“Mask Dance” in Korean is 탈춤 (pronounced "Talchum").
탈춤
Talchum
Usage & Context
탈춤 (mask dance) is a traditional Korean performing art featuring dancers wearing painted masks. Historically it was used to satirize the aristocracy and social hierarchy. The Andong Mask Dance Festival is the most famous celebration of this art form in Korea.
Example Sentence
안동에서는 매년 탈춤 축제가 열려요.
Andong hosts a mask dance festival every year.
How to use 탈춤 naturally
Quick answer
The Korean word for “Mask Dance” is 탈춤, romanized as Talchum.
Usage tip
Learn this word together with a complete Korean sentence. Meaning often depends on particles, politeness level, and word order.
Common mistake
Do not rely only on the English meaning. Read the Korean example sentence and notice the particles, word order, and politeness level around 탈춤.
Pronunciation Guide
'탈춤' (Talchum) sounds like 'tahl-choom.' 'Tal' is like 'tall' (as in 'tall building'). 'Chum' is like 'choom,' similar to 'choo' (as in 'choo-choo train') but ending with an 'm' sound.
More Example Sentences
Introducing Talchum as a cultural art form.
탈춤은 한국의 전통적인 민속 예술이에요.
Talchum is a traditional Korean folk art.
Expressing a cultural experience after watching a performance.
탈춤 공연을 보면서 한국의 역사를 조금이나마 느낄 수 있었어요.
Watching the Talchum performance, I could feel a bit of Korean history.
Mentioning a famous festival related to Talchum.
안동 국제 탈춤 페스티벌은 매년 많은 관광객을 모아요.
The Andong International Mask Dance Festival attracts many tourists every year.
Cultural Context
탈춤 (Talchum) is a vibrant and historically significant Korean mask dance, often performed at village festivals and special occasions. Beyond mere entertainment, it traditionally served as a form of social commentary, satirizing the corrupt aristocracy, Buddhist monks, and patriarchal norms. The masks themselves are central to the performance, each embodying a specific character or social class. The Andong International Mask Dance Festival is the most renowned event celebrating this UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage, drawing visitors from around the globe.
Editorial note
We review entries like 탈춤 for pronunciation, example sentence fit, and learner mistakes so the page answers more than a direct dictionary lookup.
Reviewed by Min-jung Park, Korean Language Teacher. Updated May 31, 2026. See our editorial standards.
Common Phrases
탈춤 공연 보러 갈까요?
Shall we go watch a Talchum performance?
탈춤 배우고 싶어요.
I want to learn Talchum.
탈춤 축제는 언제예요?
When is the Talchum festival?
Related Expressions
탈
Tal
Mask
춤
Chum
Dance
민속놀이
Minsok Nori
Folk game/play
전통 공연
Jeontong Gongyeon
Traditional performance
More Culture Words
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