The Korea Arts Council (ARKO) announced on November 12 that it is recruiting resident writers for the first half of 2026 as part of its literary residency program, which is carried out in collaboration with corporate sponsors in the culture and arts sector.
The literary residency program is fully funded by corporate sponsors and allows writers to focus on their creative work in a stable writing environment. It began in 2014 with the "Writer's Room" at the Seoul Prince Hotel. By offering writers the opportunity to stay in a hotel-an environment distinct from everyday life-the program provides a unique creative experience and has been met with enthusiastic response. Since its inception, it has supported a total of 123 writers, including Kim Hoyoun, Sung Haena, and Park Sangyoung.
Starting this year, new agreements have been established with Busan Hyupsung Renaissance (operator of Hyupsung Marina G7) and Nami Island Inc. in Gangwon (operator of Nami Island Hotel Jeonggwanru), expanding the literary residency program to three locations: Seoul, Busan, and Gangwon.
ARKO stated that beginning next year, in addition to providing creative spaces for writers, it will operate specialized programs tailored to the unique characteristics and regional identities of each residency. The Seoul Prince Hotel will give preference to emerging novelists about to publish their first collection and writers residing outside the metropolitan area. Hyupsung Marina G7 in Busan will focus on writers who plan to set their works against the backdrop of Busan and the sea, while Nami Island Hotel Jeonggwanru will prioritize writers of children's and young adult literature.
ARKO also announced that Heinz Janisch, winner of the 2024 Hans Christian Andersen Award, will be joining the Nami Island Hotel Jeonggwanru residency next year, and that exchange programs with children's and young adult writers will be held during his stay.
Writers interested in applying for the literary residency can submit their applications via the ARKO website and Artnuri by November 24.
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