Wonju Literature Residency Program in South Korea 2026
Good news for writers around the world. The application period for the 2026 Wonju Literature Residency Program has officially begun. This special program offers an eight‑week stay at the peaceful Toji Cultural Centre. The residency will run from 1 September to 31 October 2026.
Wonju is not an ordinary city. It is famous for its rich arts and culture. In fact, UNESCO has named Wonju a “City of Literature.” This title is given only to cities that truly celebrate writing and reading. The Wonju City of Literature Writers Residency 2026 is a wonderful chance for writers from every corner of the world. It allows you to live, write, and work together with other talented writers in South Korea.
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This international program is made for writers who need long, quiet, uninterrupted time to focus on their creative work. At the same time, you will have the opportunity to experience a completely new culture, make friends from other countries, and find fresh inspiration in the beautiful Korean countryside.
Imagine waking up not to the sound of traffic or your phone buzzing, but to the quiet songs of birds and the sight of mist resting on ancient mountains. You are not in a busy city. You are in a small village in South Korea, surrounded by rice fields and forests. You have no meetings to attend, no chores to rush through. Your only job for the next eight weeks is to write.
This is not a dream. This is the Wonju Literature Residency Program, a special opportunity for writers from around the world to escape their normal lives and focus completely on their art.
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- Host Country: South Korea
- Host Location: Wonju
- Financial Assistance: Fully Funded
Benefits for Wonju Literature Residency Program in South Korea
One of the best things about this residency is that it removes financial worries. The program understands that writers need support.
If you are selected from abroad, the residency usually provides:
A round-trip airfare ticket to South Korea.
A private room with a writing desk at the Toji Cultural Centre.
Organic meals during your stay.
Transportation to and from the airport
In return, writers are usually asked to produce a short creative work, like an essay or a poem, about their experience in Korea. They are also expected to join local literary events or festivals to meet Korean writers and readers
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you generally need:
Experience: At least five years of creative writing experience.
A Published Book: You must have at least one book published, either in English or Korean.
Language Skills: You need to speak English or Korean well enough to communicate with others at the residency (at least a B2 level).
How to Apply?
If you want to apply, you must take it seriously. The application usually requires a long essay (between 1,000 and 2,000 words) where you explain who you are, your “literary world,” and why you want to come to Wonju. You also need to explain how the city will influence your future writing.
The Wonju Literature Residency is more than just a trip. It is a gift of time.
In our busy world, it is very hard to find true silence. It is hard to find a place where you are allowed to do nothing but think and write. The Toji Cultural Centre offers that rare treasure.
Surrounded by the mountains of South Korea, fed by good food, and supported by a community of artists, writers can remember why they started writing in the first place. If you are a writer feeling tired or stuck, this residency in Wonju might be exactly the fresh start you need.
Deadline
The application deadline to apply for Wonju Literature Residency Program in South Korea is 31 May 2026.
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