Seoul's taekwondo performance series will return Saturday after a summer break, following a sharp increase in attendance during the first half of the year.
Weekend performances will be held at Namsangol Hanok Village in central Seoul through Oct. 18, with shows beginning at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
The program combines traditional taekwondo demonstrations, including board breaking, forms and self-defense techniques, with elements of performing arts. Participating teams include Kukkiwon, Mirme, Bigabi and demonstration teams from Hwasung Medi-Science University and Daekyeung University.
During the first half of this year, 20,809 people attended 35 performances, up 110.8 percent from 9,870 during the same period last a year earlier. The figure also surpassed the 19,835 spectators recorded for all of last year.
Foreign visitors accounted for 7,462, or 33.4 percent, of the 22,308 people who participated in performances and related activities.
The city will also stage outdoor taekwondo performances at Dongdaemun Design Plaza on Sept. 19 and Oct. 9.
Visitors to Namsangol Hanok Village can try digital punching and kicking games without advance registration. The participant recording the day’s highest score will receive a taekwondo-themed stationery set.
A separate program for international visitors will allow participants to wear taekwondo uniforms and learn basic movements and board-breaking techniques under the guidance of professional instructors. Participants will receive a certificate and a commemorative belt.
Detailed schedules and registration information are available through the program’s official Instagram account, @seoul.tkd.
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