Wonju City of Literature Writers’ Residency 2026 in South Korea
Country: South Korea
Category: Writers’ Residency
Location: Toji Cultural Centre
Duration: 8 weeks
Residency Dates: 1 September – 31 October 2026
Deadline: 31 May 2026
The Wonju City of Literature Writers’ Residency 2026 offers one writer the chance to spend eight weeks at the Toji Cultural Centre in South Korea. The residency is designed for writers connected to a City of Literature and supports literary exchange, creative work, and participation in Wonju’s cultural scene.
Program Overview
Wonju City of Literature is inviting one writer to join its 2026 residency at the Toji Cultural Centre. The programme is part of Wonju City of Literature’s contribution to the Cities of Literature sub-network.
The selected writer will stay at the Toji Cultural Centre from 1 September to 31 October 2026. During this period, Korean writers and artists will also stay at the centre. Therefore, the residency gives the selected writer a chance to build creative connections while working in a literary environment.
What Is Included
The residency provides several forms of support for the selected writer.
✓ Round-trip air ticket
✓ Transportation on arrival and departure dates
✓ Eight-week stay at the Toji Cultural Centre
✓ Organic meals at the centre’s cafeteria
✓ One writing room at the Toji Cultural Centre
✓ Opportunity to join Wonju’s cultural scene
✓ Participation in events, including the Wonju literature month festival
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should meet the criteria listed for the residency.
• Upper-intermediate proficiency in English or Korean
• Minimum five years of creative writing experience
• At least one work published in English or Korean translation
• Willingness to join local literary events, meetings, interviews, and festivals
• Interest in Korean culture and literature
• Ability to produce literary work during the residency
• Current or previous connection to a City of Literature
Applicants who do not currently live in a City of Literature may still apply. However, they must provide verifiable proof of previous residence, which will be checked with the relevant coordinator.
Residency Requirements
The selected writer must take part in at least one local literary festival or exchange event in Korea during the residency. In addition, the writer must create a short creative work, such as an essay or poem, on the theme of Wonju or Korea.
This work must be submitted to Wonju City by email during the sixth week of the residency. The completed work will remain the copyright of Wonju City and may be used for promotional purposes.
Required Documents
Applicants need to prepare the documents requested for the application.
• Completed application form
• Supporting documents proving at least five years of creative writing experience
• Proof of at least one published work in English or Korean, including translated works
• Materials such as PDF scans of book covers, copyright pages, or ISBN verification
Selection Process
Applications will go through a second round of evaluation based on the submitted documents. One final recipient will be selected by an independent panel designated by Toji Cultural Centre.
The final notification will be available to both the selected recipient and the coordinator before 21 July 2026.
Application Deadline
Applications must be sent no later than 31 May 2026. The residency cannot be deferred. If the selected applicant cannot participate, an alternate candidate will be selected.
