MMCA International Researcher Residency Program 2027

Application deadline: 18 September 2026

The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA), is now accepting applications for the International Researcher Residency Program 2027. The program is designed to support curatorial and research-based inquiry into modern and contemporary Asian art through sustained research and professional exchange. This residency is intended exclusively for curators, critics, and independent researchers. Artists, including those whose practice is research-based, should apply for the MMCA International Artist Residency Program.

Overview

• Application Period: Monday, 7 September – Friday, 18 September, 2026
  * Application Deadline: Friday, 18 September 2026, 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: 1 April – 10 June, 2027 (1 researcher)
  – 2nd term: 1 July – 9 September, 2027 (2 researchers)
  – 3rd term: 30 September – 9 December, 2027 (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. 850 USD) per month, total 3,600,000 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 insurance certificate and their travel itinerary to MMCA Residency Changdong. Those who do not provide their insurance certificate may be canceled for 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
• You can check your application status at My Page
• Submitted materials will be removed after the selection process
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early to avoid technical issues
  * Applications must be submitted through the online application system only. The online application system will close automatically at the submission deadline, and applications submitted by email will not be accepted under any circumstances.

 

Required Application Materials:

1. Online Application Form
2. CV (in .pdf format)
3. Portfolio (up to 10 files: theses, research papers, exhibition documentation, etc. in .pdf format)
4. Cover Letter (max. 800 words) and Research Proposal (max. 1,000 words) including the anticipated outcomes (in .pdf format)
5. 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.

 

Selection Process

1. Review of applications
2. Shortlist announcement in early November 2026
3. Online interviews (in English) in November 2026
4. Final results announced in December 2026 (posted on MMCA website; schedule subject to change)

 

Inquiries

Please visit our website at www.mmca.go.kr (“Residency” menu) or email us at mmcachangdong@gmail.com no later than 18 September, 2026.

Image credit: 2026 Open Studio View. Photo: Chad Park