An international exchange between Varuna the National Writers Space and Arts Council Korea, offering one Australian writer a four-week residency at Seoul Art Space Yeonhui in the Republic of Korea, open to Varuna alumni.
Applications open: Tuesday 10 November 2026
Applications close: 5pm AEDT 15 December 2026
Residency dates: 1 October - 29 October 2027
Places: One Australian writer will be selected to go on exchange to Korea, and one Korean writer will travel to Australia.
Who should apply: Varuna alumni, who have had their work professionally published or produced.
Fees: There are no application fees or residency fees for this program. International economy flights, accommodation in Seoul Art Space Yeonhui and daily per diems are included in the residency, as well as a stipend of $300-$800 per week, contingent on funding.
FAQ: Please read the FAQ before you apply.
In partnership with Arts Council Korea (ARKO), Varuna are presenting a 3-year long program with an annual literary exchange to commence in 2027. One Australian writer and one Korean writer will be selected to travel to each other’s home countries in October to provide opportunities for exchange and connection.
Established by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in 2009 on the former site of the Seoul Historical Compilation Committee, Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture (SFAC)’s Seoul Art Space Yeonhui is the first creative space for literary practices in Seoul. It provides writers with an ideal environment for creativity, and expands opportunities for the general public to engage with literature.
The four buildings of the Seoul Art Space Yeonhui - named Kkeullim (attraction), Holim (Enchantment), Ullim (Resonance), and Deullim (sound) - contain 19 writing studios in addition to such community spaces as an outdoor stage and a Library Cafe Yeonhui.
This fellowship includes:
international economy flights and travel insurance
4 weeks accommodation in Seoul Art Space Yeonhui
daily per diems during the residency
Varuna is currently waiting on the outcome of a funding application that would allow us to offer a stipend of $300-$800 per week to the successful recipient.
While this is predominantly a self-directed writers’ residency, there will also be opportunities for the Australian writer to engage with Korean readers and writers through a session at ARKO Literature Week and other relevant literary activities.
You will be required to provide a report of your Korean residency within 2 months following the completion of your residency.
For FAQs about this program, please click here.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
This program is only open to Varuna alumni members, who have had their work professionally published or produced.
Writers whose work has been (or is scheduled to be) translated into Korean and those who are exploring Korea-related themes in their work will be favourably considered.
Please refer to Varuna’s general submission guidelines for any questions on formatting your work.
This Project is a partnership between Arts Council Korea (ARKO) and Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture (Seoul Art Space Yeonhui)
UPCOMING COURSES, FELLOWSHIPS AND EVENTS
