Culture Ministry Accepting Applications for Literary Resident Writers Until the 23rd... About 100 to Be Selected

Planning and Running Literary Programs at Libraries and Bookstores
Average Three Days a Week... Monthly Salary of 2.4 Million Won and Social Insurance Provided

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on March 9 that, together with the Arts Council Korea, it is accepting applications for writers to participate in the 2026 Literary Resident Writer Support Program until March 23.

The Literary Resident Writer Support Program provides funding for labor costs and operational expenses to allow writers to stay at facilities such as libraries, bookstores, and literary museums, where they can plan and operate literary programs for local residents (on average three times per week). Selected writers will work at their assigned facility for seven months, from May to November, receiving a monthly salary of 2.4 million won and coverage under the four major social insurances. Writers will be guaranteed sufficient time for creative activities by being allowed to work from home two out of five days per week, and will also be provided with dedicated creative spaces within the facility.

The Ministry plans to select around 100 writers this year, about 35% more than last year's 76 participants. The facilities where writers will work were selected through a call for applications in January and February, with a total of 98 locations chosen nationwide, comprising 67 libraries, 16 bookstores, and 15 literary museums. Each facility will select writers to work with through this recruitment process. In particular, facilities designated as "youth participation type" can hire up to two writers, including young writers aged 39 or younger, to help them gain field experience and build connections with readers.

Writers interested in participating can apply from 10:00 a.m. on March 9 until 7:00 p.m. on March 23 via the Literary Resident Writer Online Matching Fair website. Applicants can review detailed information about each facility on the website and choose up to three locations to apply for.

Last year, 76 participating writers in the Literary Resident Writer Support Program published a total of 82 works, and 20 participants in the programs either debuted or won awards. Over the past three years, about 150,000 people—including local residents—have participated in 1,029 programs conducted at 230 literary facilities nationwide. The program has been credited with revitalizing voluntary reading and creative clubs and strengthening the self-sustainability of local literary ecosystems.

Lee Yongshin, Director-General for Arts Policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, "This year, the literary support budget has been significantly increased from 29.4 billion won last year to 45.9 billion won, including a 900 million won increase for the expansion of the Literary Resident Writer Support Program (a total of 3.3 billion won). The Ministry will continue to systematically support the literary sector to help writers achieve stability in their creative work and to expand literary enjoyment opportunities for the public."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.