Wonju UNESCO City of Literature Residency
Open Call 2026
Wonju City of Literature offers a chance for one writer from cities of literature to come to Wonju and stay at Toji Cultural Centre for eight weeks, as Wonju City of Literautre’s international level contribution to the cities of literature sub-network, designed to promote the understanding and the friendship of cities of literature. In the call of 2025, just like the call out in previous years, one writer from cities of literature and/or who has a close connection to cities of literature will benefit from the CoL Wonju Residency 2025.
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
- Round-trip Air Ticket Provided
- Transportation on arrival and departure dates provided
- Organic meals are provided at the cafeteria of Toji Cultural Centre
- 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.
- Applicants must indicate their current country and City of Literature. Those not currently residing in a City of Literature may still apply if they can provide verifiable evidence of prior residence, which will be confirmed with the relevant coordinator. T he residency cannot be deferred; if the selected applicant is unable to participate, an alternate candidate will be selected.
How to Apply
- A completed application form
- 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).
Selection and Notification
Applications will undergo a second round of evaluation based on the submitted document. One final recipient for the Residency will be decided by an independent panel designated by Toji Cultural Centre. Final notification will be available to both the recipient and the coordinator before July 21.
Additional Notes
Korean writers and artists will stay at Toji Cultural Centre during the same period, and the writer is highly recommended to form friendships with them during his/her/their stay. Writers and artists from Korea and also outside of Korea will stay at Toji Cultural Centre from September 1 to October 31. Just like other writers and artists, the selected recipient should follow the rules of living established at Toji Cultural Centre.
Contact for application
Please send your application only to wonjucityoflit@korea.kr no later than May 31 2026.
Download info sheet & application form
- Info sheet Wonjuy Residency 2026 (1018 KB)
- APPLICATION FORM Wonju Residency 2026 (30 KB)
