29 days left Fully Funded

2026 Wonju Literature Residency Program in South Korea (Fully Funded)

Last updated May 2, 2026

Deadline

2026-05-31

Country

South Korea

Level

fellowship

Organization

Wonju City of Literature, Toji Cultural Centre

Field

Literature, Creative Writing, Arts & Culture

Funding

fully funded

Overview

This is the 2026 Wonju Literature Residency Program in South Korea, an 8-week fully funded residency for writers. It takes place at the Toji Cultural Centre in Wonju, a UNESCO City of Literature, from September 1 to October 31, 2026. The program offers writers an opportunity to focus on their creative work, experience Korean culture, and interact with local artists and literary events.

Coverage

This is a fully funded program. It covers round-trip airfare to South Korea, local transportation within the country, accommodation at the Toji Cultural Centre, and organic meals. Participants will also be provided with a dedicated writing room. Additionally, the program offers opportunities to engage with Wonju's cultural scene and participate in various literary events, including the 'Wonju literature month festival'.

Eligibility

This residency is open to writers from a UNESCO City of Literature or those who have a close connection to a City of Literature. Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years of creative writing experience and at least one published work (or a work translated into English or Korean). An upper-intermediate level of proficiency in English or Korean is required. Participants must be willing to engage in local literary events, meetings, interviews, and festivals, and consent to their profile and photos being used for promotional media. An interest in Korean culture and literature is also expected.

Requirements

Applicants are expected to have at least 5 years of creative writing experience and one published work (or its translation into English/Korean). During the residency, participants must attend at least one local literary festival or exchange event in Korea. They are also required to produce a short creative work (such as an essay or poem) on the theme of Wonju or Korea, to be submitted by the sixth week of the residency, and to produce literary work throughout their stay. Specific application documents like a portfolio or CV will be detailed on the official application website.

How to apply

To apply, you must visit the official website provided. On the official website, you will find detailed application guidelines and the application form. Typically, the application process involves submitting your creative writing portfolio, a curriculum vitae (CV), and a proposal outlining the literary work you intend to complete during the residency.

Notes

The application deadline for this program is May 31, 2026. The residency is hosted by the Wonju City of Literature and the Toji Cultural Centre. This is an excellent chance for Ethiopian writers with a strong literary background to gain international experience and dedicate time to their craft in a culturally rich environment.

Source & Verification

Host organization: Wonju City of Literature, Toji Cultural Centre

Original source: OpportunitiesCorners

Official application page: https://www.cityofliterature.co.nz/news/article/PdkPExI/call-for-applications-wonju-unesco-city-of-literature-residency-2026

Verify the deadline, eligibility, and document list on the official website before applying.

How to Apply

1

Read the full requirements

Visit the official application page and read all eligibility criteria carefully before investing time in the application.
2

Gather your documents

Collect transcripts, certificates, and references. Official copies may require apostille — start this process early.
3

Request recommendation letters

Contact your referees at least 4–6 weeks before the deadline. Brief them on the scholarship and your goals.
4

Write your motivation letter

Be specific about your goals, why you chose this program, and your plan to contribute to Ethiopia after completing your studies.
5

Proofread and submit early

Submit at least 3–5 days before the deadline. Technical issues are common — never submit on the last day.