UNESCO City of Literature Wonju Residency 2026

Wonju City of Literature invites one writer from a UNESCO Creative Cities of Literature network to spend eight weeks at the beautiful Toji Cultural Centre in Wonju, South Korea. Running from 1 September to 31 October 2026, this fully funded residency covers return airfares, airport transfers, accommodation in a private writing room, and organic meals — giving you genuine space and time to focus on your creative work.

During your stay, you'll be part of a vibrant community of Korean and international writers and artists also in residence at Toji. You're encouraged to connect with fellow residents, engage with the local literary scene, and participate in events such as the Wonju Literature Month Festival. The centre is set in a scenic natural environment and includes a library, seminar rooms, communal lounges, and shared kitchen facilities.

To be eligible, you'll need upper-intermediate or higher proficiency in English or Korean, at least five years of creative writing experience, and at least one published work available in English or Korean (including translations). You should also have a current or prior connection to a UNESCO City of Literature.

During the residency, you'll be asked to attend at least one local literary event and produce a short creative work — an essay or poem — on the theme of Wonju or Korea, submitted in the sixth week. This piece will be used by Wonju City for promotional purposes.

Applications require a completed application form and supporting documentation of your writing experience and publication history. The final recipient is selected by an independent panel, with notification before 21 July 2026. Note that the residency cannot be deferred — if you're selected and unable to attend, an alternate candidate will be chosen.