The UNESCO City of Literature Wonju Residency 2026 is an international literary programme hosted by the UNESCO City of Literature initiative in Wonju, Republic of Korea. The residency offers one selected writer from a City of Literature network the opportunity to live and work at the Toji Cultural Centre for eight weeks. The programme is designed to strengthen cultural exchange, promote literary collaboration, and deepen international understanding between writers from different parts of the world.
The residency will take place from September 1 to October 31, 2026, at the Toji Cultural Centre. Applications close on May 31, with the final selection announced before July 21.
Purpose and Vision of the Residency
The residency is structured as a cultural bridge between writers from different UNESCO Cities of Literature. It aims to foster creative exchange, intercultural dialogue, and literary development through immersive engagement with Korean culture and the local literary community.
The programme is grounded in the following objectives:
- Strengthening global literary networks across UNESCO Cities of Literature
- Supporting creative writing and artistic production
- Encouraging cultural exchange between international and Korean writers
- Promoting understanding of Korean literature and society
The initiative positions Wonju as an active contributor to global literary collaboration.
Residency Structure and Benefits
The selected writer will be hosted at the Toji Cultural Centre for a fully supported eight-week stay. The residency provides a structured environment designed to support uninterrupted creative work.
Included benefits are:
- Round-trip international airfare
- Local transportation on arrival and departure
- Eight-week accommodation in a dedicated writing room
- Organic meals provided at the centre (with partial self-catering arrangements)
- Access to cultural programmes and literary events
- Participation in the Wonju Literature Month Festival and related activities
Writers are also provided access to shared facilities, including a library, seminar rooms, exhibition spaces, and communal lounges.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Applicants must meet specific academic, professional, and creative requirements to be considered for the residency. The programme prioritises experienced writers with an established publication record.
Key eligibility requirements include:
- At least five years of creative writing experience
- At least one published work in English or Korean (including translations)
- Upper-intermediate proficiency in English or Korean
- Active engagement in literary communities or cultural exchange
- Willingness to participate in interviews, events, and promotional activities
- Demonstrated interest in Korean culture and literature
Additional expectations include participation in at least one local literary festival and contribution to the cultural life of Wonju during the residency period.
Creative Output Requirements
As part of the residency obligations, the selected writer is required to produce a creative literary work during the programme.
This includes:
- A short creative piece (essay, poem, or similar work) on the theme of Wonju or Korea
- Submission by the sixth week of the residency
- Submission via email to Wonju City of Literature
The submitted work becomes the property of Wonju City and may be used for promotional or cultural dissemination purposes.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a complete application package, including:
- A completed official application form
- Evidence of at least five years of writing experience
- Proof of at least one published work (including ISBN verification or publisher documentation)
- Documentation of current or previous residence in a City of Literature (if applicable)
- Supporting materials such as book covers, publication records, or digital listings
Applicants not currently residing in a City of Literature may still apply, provided they can verify prior residency within the network.
Selection Process and Notification
Applications undergo a two-stage evaluation process. After initial screening, shortlisted candidates are reviewed by an independent selection panel appointed by the Toji Cultural Centre.
Key milestones include:
- Application deadline: May 31, 2026
- Final selection announcement: before July 21, 2026
- Residency period: September 1 – October 31, 2026
The selection process is competitive, and only one writer is chosen for the residency cycle. If the selected candidate is unable to participate, an alternate writer will be appointed.
Residency Life and Cultural Engagement
The residency environment is designed to encourage interaction between international and Korean writers staying at the centre during the same period. Participants are expected to engage actively in the cultural and literary community.
Daily life at the centre includes:
- Shared living arrangements with writers and artists
- Participation in literary discussions and cultural events
- Access to communal spaces such as lounges and libraries
- Basic self-catering for breakfast and limited meal services
Facilities available at the centre include writing rooms, seminar halls, exhibition spaces, a cafeteria, and recreational lounges. Writers are encouraged to build professional and personal connections throughout their stay.
The Toji Cultural Centre Environment
The Toji Cultural Centre provides a serene, nature-integrated environment designed to support focused creative work. The facility includes residential buildings for writers, a dedicated library, exhibition spaces, and communal areas for collaboration and exchange.
The setting is structured to balance solitude and community, allowing writers to concentrate on their work while remaining actively engaged in cultural interaction.
Conclusion
The UNESCO City of Literature Wonju Residency 2026 represents a significant opportunity for established writers to engage in international cultural exchange while developing new creative work in a dedicated artistic environment. Through its combination of financial support, cultural immersion, and structured literary engagement, the programme contributes to the global network of literary cities and reinforces Wonju’s role as a hub for international literary collaboration.
VIEW THE CALL FOR APPLICATION HERE
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
