UNESCO City of Literature Wonju Residency 2026

Wonju City of Literature offers an opportunity for one writer from the UNESCO Cities of Literature network to come to Wonju and stay at Toji Cultural Centre for eight weeks.

Residency Call Details

• Closing Date of Application: May 31

• Announcement of Successful Recipient: Before July 21

• Place for Residency: Toji Cultural Centre

• Residency Duration: Eight weeks

• Initiating Date of Residency: September 1

• Ending Date of Residency: October 31

What we offer

• Round-trip Air Ticket Provided

• Transportation on arrival and departure dates provided

• 8weeks stay at the Toji Cultural Centre with organic meals

• Writing Room: One Room at Toji Cultural Centre provided

• An opportunity to get engaged in the cultural scene of Wonju and to participate in various events, including the ‘Wonju literature month festival’.
  
  Criteria

  • An upper-intermediate level of proficiency in English or Korean.

  • A minimum of 5 years of creative writing experience, with at least one

    work published in English or Korean translation.

  • Willingness to participate in local literary events, meetings, interviews, and festivals.

  • Consent to participate in an interview and photo shoot, and agreement for profile and photo upload to Wonju City of Literature promotional media (including website, SNS, etc.).

  • Interest in Korean culture and literature.

  • Attend at least one local literary festivals or exchange event in Korea

    during the residency.

  • Required to produce a short creative work (such as an essay or poem) on the theme of Wonju or Korea and submit it to Wonju City during the 6th week of the residency via email. The completed work will remain the copyright of Wonju City and may be used for promotional purposes.

  • Produce literary work during the residency.

How to Apply

• A completed application form (download below)

• Supporting documentation demonstrating a minimum of five (5) years of creative writing experience, as well as proof of at least one published work in English or Korean (including works in translation), such as PDF scans of book covers and copyright pages or materials verifying ISBN (e.g., online bookstore listings).

To apply: Email: wonjucityoflit@korea.kr / Deadline: Sunday 31st May