The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport building. [Herald Business DB]
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport building. [Herald Business DB]

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced Monday it is accepting submissions for its aviation literature contest, with an expanded prize pool offering more opportunities to the public this year.

The ministry and the Korea Aviation Association opened submissions for the 12th Aviation Literature Award on Monday. The contest was established to share the value and meaning of aviation through literary expression.

The award has been held since 2013 to raise public attention to aviation through original literary works centered on the themes of flight and people, and has become the country's only literary event dedicated to aviation.

This year, the prize pool grew significantly as the Korea Aviation Association expanded its membership.

Total prize money increased to 21.1 million won (about $15,300) from last year's 17.35 million won, and the number of round-trip air tickets offered as prizes rose from 26 to 34. The total number of winners also expanded to 57, up from last year.

The contest is open to all South Korean citizens and is divided into three categories: general, middle and high school, and elementary school. Submissions are accepted in three genres — poetry (including children's verse), fiction (short and medium-length), and essays (including personal narratives).

"We hope this contest will serve as an opportunity to rediscover the cultural value of aviation and elevate public attention to a new level," said Lee So-young, the ministry's aviation policy director. "We look forward to uncovering a wealth of outstanding works that reflect diverse perspectives, broadening the foundation of our aviation culture and injecting fresh energy into the aviation industry."

Submissions are open from Monday through July 31.


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