On November 27, 2000, Yonsei University established Yoon Dong-joo Memorial Association to commemorate and succeed the never-ebbing patriotism and the literary achievement of its alumni, Yoon Dong-joo, the very iconic poet of Korea, who is admired and construeliked the most by Koreans.

Yoon Dong-joo (Dec 30, 1917-Feb 16, 1945) was a Korean poet who was born in Jilin Province of China(the northeastern part of China where many Koreans migrated, settled, and carried out independence movement) and died in a in a Japan’s jail during the Japanese colonial era. He is the most representative poet among many other poets who stood up against Japan for Korea’s independence. His poets were known and published after his death. Many of his lyrical poems are construed as heart-rending cry for Korea’s independence and have been loved by most Koreans.

Every year, Yoon Dong-joo Memorial Association holds literature-related events such as Yoon Dong-joo Poetry Award, Poem Recital Contest, and essay writing contest. In addition, the Association holds a variety of projects to honor his spirits with Yoon Dong-joo Memorial Hall. These are annually hosted to continue succeeding his spirits.

Yoon Dong-joo Writing Contest, one of the representative events hosted by Yoon Dong-joo Memorial Association, is held every year to help contribute to having young students interested in becoming a potential writer learn and succeed the literary mind and spirit of Yoon Dong-joo. This event has been held in Yonsei University Wonju Campus in summer since 2001. The year of 2019 marks the 19th of the event.

Of all the entries submitted by contest participants (April to May), finalists are selected by the screening committee. After the writing contest is complete, prize winners are announced. In addition to the writing contest, a variety of special lectures and events are held.

As an university that contributes to helping develop Wonju city in many ways, Yonsei University Wonju Campus takes the pride in the fact that every year it holds Yoon Dong-ju Writing Contest where the Life Literature, based on Life Ideology and Philosophy that came out in the 1960s and that continue to influence many parts of Wonju, originated and is emulated.