For many writers, the hardest part of finishing a creative project isn’t finding inspiration. It is finding the time, space, and financial freedom to actually sit down and write. Travel, accommodation, meals, and everyday expenses can quickly make an international writing residency feel out of reach.
The Wonju UNESCO City of Literature Residency 2026 offers a different kind of opportunity. Selected writers can spend two months in South Korea with major travel and living expenses covered, giving them the chance to step away from their normal routine and concentrate on their creative work.This isn’t a partial stipend or a hollow discount like the £3,000 Automatic Discount at the University of Sheffield;
On September 1 to October 31, 2026 the selected international writer based at the Toji Cultural Centre in Wonju would begin the program. The program provides a condusive and equppied environment for writing while also creating opportunities to connect with Korean writers, artists, and the wider literary community.
What Does the Residency Cover?
One of the biggest attractions of the Wonju UNESCO City of Literature Residency 2026 is the level of financial support provided to the selected participant.
The programme covers the major costs associated with the residency, including:
- Round-trip international airfare to South Korea
- Local transportation on official arrival and departure dates
- Private accommodation
- A dedicated writing room
- Three meals each day at the cultural centre
There is also no participation or registration fee for the selected resident. With these major expenses taken care of, the writer can devote more time to research, writing, cultural exploration, and creative development.
Who Is Eligible?
This opportunity is aimed at established writers rather than applicants who are completely new to creative writing.
Applicants should have a connection to a city within the UNESCO Cities of Literature network. Examples include Edinburgh, Iowa City, Dunedin, Manchester, and Slemani. Applicants who do not currently live in one of these cities may need to demonstrate a previous connection or meaningful ties to an eligible literary city.
Candidates should also have at least five years of creative writing experience and a significant published work that has been translated into either English or Korean. Language ability is another important requirement. Applicants are expected to have at least an upper-intermediate level of English or Korean so they can participate effectively in cultural activities and communicate with people during the residency.
What Will the Selected Writer Do?
This is more than an opportunity to spend two months writing in a new country. Residents are expected to become part of Wonju’s literary and cultural community. The selected writer may participate in interviews, meet local artists and writers, and attend activities connected with the Wonju Literature Month Festival. There is also a creative assignment. During the sixth week of the residency, the participant must submit an original short piece, such as an essay or poem, inspired by Wonju or Korean culture. The city will retain copyright to this particular work for promotional purposes.
How to Apply
The Wonju UNESCO City of Literature Residency 2026 application deadline was May 31, 2026, with the final selection scheduled to be announced before July 21, 2026.
Applicants are required to submit a strong creative proposal explaining their writing project these things,
- Why Wonju was important to their work,Â
- How the residency could influence their future creative plans. A compelling application should go beyond a basic résumé.Â
- Writers should highlight notable publications, awards, international recognition, translation experience, and any previous involvement with literary communities.Â
- Prospective applicants should always verify the current status of the programme and application details through the official residency or UNESCO City of Literature channels before relying on information from third-party websites.
- To download the required documentation and submit your portfolio directly to the administrative desk, route your materials to the official selection email via the Wonju City of Literature Portal before the end of the month.
Things To Note
Deadline: May 31, 2026
Location: Wonju, South Korea
Duration: September 1–October 31, 2026
Eligible applicants: International writers with qualifying connections to the UNESCO Cities of Literature ESCO City of Literature
