[iNews24 Reporter An Se-jun] Korea Post's Human Resources Development Institute is accepting entries for the 2026 Korea Letter-Writing Contest, themed "A Letter Supporting Your New Start," through June 30.
The contest responds to an era dominated by email and messaging by celebrating the slower, more intimate art of the handwritten letter. It offers people a chance to express feelings they might not have shared with someone special.
Organizers have divided the contest into seven categories: elementary (lower grades), elementary (upper grades), youth (middle school), youth (high school), general (adults), special (foreigners), and overseas (foreign residents living abroad).
A total of 80 prizes will be awarded, including grand prize, gold, and silver honors. The grand prize winner in each category will receive the Vice Minister's Award from the Ministry of Science and ICT and a cash prize of up to 80 KRW (approximately $0.06 USD).
The special category for foreign participants, whether living in Korea or abroad, is split into the Uri, Daehan, Minguk, and Manse awards. The top honor, the Uri Award, carries the National Institute of Korean Language director's award and a 500,000 KRW (approximately $375 USD) cash prize.
Winners will be announced on July 22 on the contest website. The awards ceremony will be scheduled later and announced separately. Applicants can submit entries online via the contest website.
Oh Hyung-geun, director of Korea Post's Human Resources Development Institute, said, "In a digital age that prizes speed and efficiency, I hope this provides a special space to share warmth through carefully penned, handwritten letters."
