The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA), is now accepting applications for the International Researcher Residency Program 2026. This program is designed for curators, critics, and researchers, providing a sustainable platform for developing global networks and collaborative programming among art professionals.

Application Period: Monday, 15 September – Friday, 26 September, 2025
Application Deadline: Friday, 26 September 2025, 18:00 KST

Residency Venue: MMCA Residency Changdong
(257 Deongneung-ro, Dobong-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea)

Residency Period: Applicants may apply for only one term

1st term: 2 April – 11 June, 2026 (1 researcher)

2nd term: 2 July – 10 September, 2026 (2 researchers)

3rd term: 30 September – 9 December, 2026 (1 researcher)
Subject to change.

Number of Researchers: 4 in total

If the jury does not find suitable candidates, MMCA Residency may not fulfill its plan to select the total number of researchers.

Nationality: Open to all nationalities except Korean citizens

Eligibilities

• Research focus on modern and contemporary Asian art
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience
• Applicants who have previously participated in MMCA Residency Programs (Changdong or Goyang) are not eligible
• Applicants must be fluent in English
• Partners, assistants, or family members are not allowed to stay at the residency.

If you are based in Denmark, please consider applying for the Danish Arts Foundation Fellowship Program (https://www.mondriaanfonds.nl)

Benefits

• Private studio with accommodation (free of charge)
• Monthly Grant: 1,200,000 KRW (approx. 870 USD) per month, total 3,000,000 KRW for the entire residency period
• The total amount is subject to change based on one’s actual residency period.
• Access to the residency facilities and resources

Responsibilities

• Cover own round-trip airfare, meals, transportation, and research materials
• Provide travel and medical insurance
• Selected researchers should submit a copy of their insurance certificate and travel itinerary to MMCA Residency Changdong. Those who do not provide their insurance certificate may be cancelled from the program.
• Deliver a presentation or workshop during the residency
• Submit a final research paper for MMCA Residency’s annual publication
• Actively participate in MMCA Residency programs, activities, and events

Facilities: Private Studio (46–60㎡) with accommodation (single bed, table, wardrobe, basic furniture), Gallery Ⅰ (132㎡), Gallery Ⅱ (105㎡), Shared Toilet & Shower Room, Kitchen, Community Room, Outdoor Working Zone (191㎡)
Wireless Internet available.

How to Apply

• Online via mmca.go.kr (English Page) → Log-in → Visit → Residency → Application → Apply Now
• Attachments must not exceed 20MB
• Submitted materials will be removed after the selection process
• Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early to avoid technical issues

Required Application Materials

• Online Application Form
• CV (in .pdf format)
• Portfolio (up to 10 files: theses, research papers, exhibition documentation, etc. in .pdf format)
• Cover Letter (max. 800 words) and Research Proposal (max. 1,000 words) including the anticipated outcomes (in .pdf format)
• One Letter of Recommendation (in .pdf format)
• Contact information of the referee (email, phone) must be included.
• The letter must be signed by the referee.
• Please do NOT include special characters in any of the file names.

To apply, click here and follow the submission guidelines at the end of the page!