The National Theater Company of Korea will launch a new outdoor lunchtime series at Myeongdong Theater this month, inviting office workers, residents and tourists to performing arts shows in the middle of Seoul’s bustling shopping district.

Titled “Myeongdong Theater at Noon,” the program will take place every Wednesday from Aug. 19 through Oct. 28 at the theater’s outdoor plaza, presenting a total of 10 free performances.

The initiative is designed to make art more accessible to people by staging short performances during an hour when most people are free, rather than requiring them to enter a traditional theater venue. No reservations are required to attend.

The lineup features veteran artists and groups experienced in outdoor festivals and street theater. It includes traditional mask dancing by the Bongsan Mask Dance Preservation Society, as well as percussion and sangmo — Korea’s traditional ribbon-hat dances — performances by Yeonhui Jeomchuri and Yeonhui Group The Gwangdae.

Project Tong, known for movement-based physical theater, will also participate. Theater Asura will present brief, humorous adaptations of Korean folktales in an omnibus format.

Other participating acts include Sworld, White Cube Project, Wheelers and 231 and Seo Nam-jae, offering performances ranging from sword dances to circus acts. Some programs will encourage audience participation.

The series emphasizes nonverbal performances, reflecting Myeongdong’s status as a major destination for international visitors. Through Korean traditional performing arts and contemporary shows that rely on movement, music and visual spectacle, the company hopes to reduce language barriers for audiences of all ages and nationalities.

Last year’s inaugural program drew 2,644 spectators.

This year, the company has installed visual barriers to clarify the boundary between the performance and viewing areas to improve audience flow.

Performances may be canceled due to weather for the safety of audiences and performers. Updates and program details are available on the National Theater Company of Korea’s website.