UNESCO Wonju Literature Residency 2025 (Fully Funded Opportunity in South Korea)

The UNESCO Wonju Literature Residency 2025 offers a unique chance to spend eight weeks in the tranquil setting of Wonju, South Korea, at the Toji Cultural Centre. This fully funded program is designed to foster creativity, cultural exchange, and friendships among writers and artists.

About the Residency

The Wonju UNESCO City of Literature Residency is an 8-week program running from September 1 to October 31, 2025, hosted at the Toji Cultural Centre in Wonju, Gangwon Province, South Korea. It aims to promote understanding and collaboration among writers from UNESCO Cities of Literature worldwide. You’ll join 16–19 other writers and artists from Korea and beyond, creating a vibrant community in a peaceful environment perfect for creative work.

There are no mandatory requirements for completing specific tasks during your stay. The focus is on relaxing, writing, and connecting with fellow creatives.

What’s Included?

The residency is fully funded, covering:

• Round-trip airfare to South Korea.
• Transportation to and from the airport on arrival and departure dates.
• Accommodation with a private workspace at the Toji Cultural Centre.
• Organic meals at the centre’s cafeteria (note: only lunch is provided on Saturdays, and no meals are served on public holidays; a fridge is available in each room for personal use).
• A serene environment to focus on your creative projects.

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Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the UNESCO Wonju Literature Residency 2025, you must:

• Be a writer with a strong connection to a UNESCO City of Literature (e.g., living in or having lived in one, with verifiable evidence). Examples of Cities of Literature include Edinburgh, Dublin, Melbourne, Krakow, and Wonju itself.
• Have at least B2-level proficiency in English for communication during the residency.
• Be able to follow the Toji Cultural Centre’s rules of living during the stay.

If you’re not currently living in a City of Literature but have a past connection, you can still apply, provided you include reliable evidence. This will be verified by the residency coordinators.

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Application Process

To apply, submit the following:

• A Microsoft Word document (1,000–2,000 words, font size 11 or 12) covering the following points:
  • About yourself: Share your background and personal details.
  • Your literary works: Highlight your achievements, publications, and awards.
  • Your literary world: Describe your creative process and influences.
  • Your Wonju experience: Explain why you want to participate and how the residency might inspire or influence your creative work.
  • Connection to a City of Literature: Clearly state your current or past connection to a UNESCO City of Literature (include the country and city).
• Send your application via email to [email protected] by the deadline.

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Important Notes:

• Applications must be between 1,000 and 2,000 words. Submissions outside this range will be disqualified.
• No additional portfolios or materials (e.g., writing samples or CVs) will be accepted to ensure a fair assessment.
• A balanced approach to all required topics is recommended; don’t focus too heavily on one or two points.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: July 11, 2025
• Notification of Selection: By July 30, 2025
• Residency Period: September 1 – October 31, 2025

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How to Apply

1. Prepare your 1,000–2,000-word MS Word document addressing all required topics.
2. Ensure you clearly state your connection to a UNESCO City of Literature.
3. Email your application to [email protected] by July 11, 2025.
4. For more details, visit the official Wonju City of Literature website.

Don’t miss this chance to spend two months in South Korea, fully supported to focus on your writing and build global literary connections! Apply by July 11, 2025, and take the next step in your creative journey.

This opportunity was shared via posts on X and various UNESCO City of Literature websites.