Organizer Information
The Wonju UNESCO City of Literature is part of the global UNESCO Creative Cities Network, which fosters international cooperation among cities that recognize creativity as a strategic factor for sustainable urban development. Wonju, located in South Korea, has established itself as a significant literary hub, actively promoting cultural exchange, literary production, and global dialogue through its programs and partnerships.
This residency is hosted in collaboration with the Toji Cultural Centre, one of Korea’s most respected literary institutions. The centre is dedicated to supporting writers through residencies, research opportunities, and cultural programming, offering a tranquil environment designed to nurture literary creation. The residency also reflects Wonju’s ongoing commitment to strengthening ties within the Cities of Literature network by inviting international writers to engage with Korean culture and literary communities.
Title & Description
Wonju UNESCO City of Literature Residency 2026 – International Writing Residency in South Korea
The Wonju UNESCO City of Literature Residency 2026 offers an eight-week immersive writing residency in South Korea for one international writer connected to the UNESCO Cities of Literature network.
Scheduled from September 1 to October 31, 2026, the residency takes place at the Toji Cultural Centre, providing a focused and peaceful environment for literary production. The program is designed to encourage cross-cultural exchange, creative development, and international collaboration.
During the residency, the selected writer will have the opportunity to develop their own literary work while engaging with local Korean writers and artists who will be residing at the centre simultaneously. The program also encourages participation in Wonju’s literary ecosystem, including festivals such as the Wonju Literature Month.
As part of the residency outcome, the selected participant is required to produce a short creative work (essay, poem, or similar) inspired by Wonju or Korea, contributing to cultural dialogue and documentation.
Categories
- Literature
- Creative Writing
- Poetry
- Fiction / Non-Fiction
- Essay Writing
Eligibility
- Open to international applicants connected to UNESCO Cities of Literature
- Applicants must either:
- Currently reside in a City of Literature, or
- Demonstrate a verifiable past connection to one
- Minimum 5 years of creative writing experience
- At least one published work (in English or Korean, including translations)
- Upper-intermediate proficiency in English or Korean
- Willingness to:
- Participate in literary events, festivals, and public engagements
- Engage in interviews and promotional activities
- Strong interest in Korean culture and literature
- Commitment to complete the full residency period (non-deferrable)
Program Benefits & Awards
- Round-trip international airfare
- Local transportation (arrival and departure)
- 8-week accommodation at Toji Cultural Centre
- Private writing workspace
- Organic meals (primarily provided at the centre’s cafeteria)
- Access to shared facilities (kitchen, lounge, laundry, etc.)
- Opportunity to:
- Participate in Wonju’s literary events and festivals
- Network with Korean and international writers
- Gain international exposure within the UNESCO Cities of Literature network
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completed application form
- Documentation proving:
- Minimum 5 years of writing experience
- At least one published work (e.g., ISBN verification, book cover scans, online listings)
- Personal and professional information
- Evidence of connection to a UNESCO City of Literature
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 31 May 2026
- Notification of Results: Before July 21, 2026
- Residency Period: September 1 – October 31, 2026
Location
Toji Cultural Centre, Wonju, South Korea
Additional Details
- The residency is highly selective, awarding only one writer
- Participants must:
- Attend at least one literary festival or exchange event
- Submit a short written piece during the 6th week of residency
- The submitted work may be used by Wonju City for promotional purposes
- Residents will coexist with other Korean and international writers, encouraging collaboration and exchange
- Meals are partially provided; residents should expect some degree of self-catering
- The residency environment emphasizes discipline, cultural exchange, and community living
- If the selected candidate withdraws, an alternate applicant will be chosen