Applications are now open for the Wonju UNESCO City of Literature Residency 2026 for writers interested in participating in an 8-week fully funded residency programme in South Korea.
The residency will take place from September 1 to October 31, 2026, at the Toji Cultural Centre in Wonju, South Korea. The programme offers writers a peaceful and inspiring environment to focus on their creative projects while engaging with fellow writers and artists from different backgrounds.
Program Summary
- Host Country: South Korea
- Residency Location: Toji Cultural Centre
- Program Type: Fully Funded Residency
- Program Duration: 8 Weeks
- Residency Dates: September 1 – October 31, 2026
- Eligible Countries: UNESCO Cities of Literature Participants
- Reward: Airfare | Accommodation | Meals | Workspace | Local Transportation
- Deadline: May 31, 2026
Program Details
The Wonju UNESCO City of Literature Residency is an international literary residency programme created for writers connected to a UNESCO City of Literature. The initiative provides selected residents with the opportunity to work on creative projects in a calm and supportive environment while experiencing cultural exchange in South Korea.
During the residency period, Korean writers and artists will also stay at the Toji Cultural Centre, creating opportunities for collaboration, networking, friendship, and creative discussions. The programme encourages literary exchange and allows participants to learn from one another’s experiences and artistic perspectives.
The residency is fully funded, with organizers covering all major expenses including international airfare, accommodation, meals, local transportation, and workspace facilities. Participants are not required to pay any participation or registration fee.
Applicants are encouraged to highlight their literary achievements, awards, recognitions, and creative experiences to strengthen their applications for this prestigious residency programme.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Wonju UNESCO City of Literature Residency 2026, applicants must:
- Have at least an upper-intermediate level of proficiency in English or Korean
- Be connected to a UNESCO City of Literature
- Have a minimum of 5 years of creative writing experience
- Have at least one published work translated into English or Korean
- Be willing to participate in:
- Literary events
- Meetings
- Interviews
- Festivals during the residency period
- Submit applications before the deadline
Program Benefits
Selected participants for the Wonju UNESCO City of Literature Residency will receive:
- Round-trip airfare
- Local transportation upon arrival and departure
- Accommodation with a personal workspace
- Organic meals throughout the residency
- Opportunity to focus on creative writing projects in a peaceful environment
- Networking and collaboration opportunities with writers and artists
- Free participation with no registration fee
Required Documents
To apply for this residency programme, applicants must prepare to submit:
- Passport
- Submission document/application essay
How to Apply
To apply for the Wonju UNESCO City of Literature Residency, interested applicants should:
- Prepare a submission document between 1,000 and 2,000 words
- Use a font size of 12 pt
- Write about:
- Yourself
- Your literary works
- Awards and achievements
- Your literary journey and creative world
- Your reason for applying to the Wonju residency
- Your creative plan during the residency
- How the Wonju experience will influence your future creative works
- Your connection to a UNESCO City of Literature
- Send the application and required documents via email before the deadline
Application Email: [email protected]
The deadline to apply for the residency programme is May 31, 2026.
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