Call for UNESCO City of Literature Wonju Residency 2024

Wonju City of Literature offers a chance for one writer from cities of literature to come to Wonju and stay at the Toji Cultural Centre for eight weeks.

In the call of 2024, 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 2024.

Residency Call Details

• Closing Date of Application: May 31
• Announcement of Successful Recipient: Before June 27
• Place for Residency: Toji Cultural Center
• Residency Duration: 8 weeks
• Initiating Date of Residency: September 1
• Ending Date of Residency: October 31
• Round-trip Air Ticket Provided
• Transportation on arrival and departure dates provided
• Organic meals are provided at the cafeteria of Toji Cultural Centre
• Writing Room: One Room at Toji Cultural Center provided

How to Apply

• Let us know about yourself
• Let us know about your literary works, achievements, awards, etc
• Let us know about your literary world
• Let us know about why you would like to come to Wonju

Please note that those interested in the residency have to write an MS-Word document of more than 1,000 words but not more than 2,000 words (in font sizes 11 to 12), reflecting all the subjects numbered above. Disproportionate emphasis on only one or two subjects is not encouraged. A balanced approach to each subject is highly recommended. Two applications not meeting 1,000 words or exceeding 2,000 words will result in their removal from consideration.

Besides, for a fair assessment, additional portfolios 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 Center. In this case, the other writer that will be selected by Toji Cultural Center 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 second 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 Center. Final notification will be available to both the recipient and the coordinator before June 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 Center during the Residency. Korean writers and artists will stay at Toji Cultural Center during the same period, and the writer is highly recommended to form friendship with them during his/her/their stay. Approximately sixteen up to nineteen writers and artists from Korea and also outside of Korea will stay at Toji Cultural Center 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 Center.

Please send your application only to wonjucityoflit@korea.kr no later than May 31, 2024.