Wonju UNESCO City of Literature Residency

Open Call 2025

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

How to Apply

Please note that those interested in the Residency have to write only MS-Word document of more than 1,000 words but not more than 2,000 words (in font size 11 to 12), reflecting all the subjects numbered above. Disproportionate emphasis on only one or two subjects is not encouraged. Balanced approach to each subject is highly recommended.
Application not meeting 1,000 words or exceeding 2,000 words will result in a removal from the consideration. Besides, for fair assessment, additional portfolio and materials will not be accepted and they will not be either considered. Also, please do not forget to write in the document in which country and which city of literature you are currently living. If you are not currently living in a city of literature but if you are able to provide a reliable source of evidence suggesting you have lived in a city of literature and you are able to prove it, the application will be considered, all of which, however, will be verified through the contact with a focal point or coordinator of the city of literature once a final pick is done. And, the residency opportunity does not roll over to the next year even if the selected writer is not able to fly to Korea to stay at Toji Cultural Centre. In this case, the other writer that will be selected by Toji Cultural Centre will take the chance.

Language and Level

English is a must and applicants should possess the minimum command of B2 level for communication.

Selection and Notification

We will go through the 2nd phase of assessment 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 27.

Requirements during Residency

There are no requirements whatsoever for a successful writer during his/her/their stay. We want the recipient just to relax and engage in his/her/their creative activity as much and comfortably as possible in such a tranquil environment around Toji Cultural Centre during the Residency. Korean writers and artists will stay at Toji Cultural Centre during the same period, and the writer is highly recommended to form friendship 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 July 11

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Note
Only lunch on Saturdays is provided but no prepared meals are available on public holidays. It is also a rule that writers and artists prepare a breakfast of their own preparation with light bread and beverage served at the cafeteria. Each writer’s room has a small fridge, thus writers and artists can buy some food and drinks and keep them for their own light meal. A microwave oven, a relatively big refrigerator, a TV, a water dispenser, and a drum washer are all for everyone’s use and they are readily available in the lounge.

All info plus pictures are downloadable HERE (1 MB).