2026 Yun Isang International Music Competition: How to Enter and Win Big in the Piano Category

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The 2026 Isang Yun International Music Competition has officially opened applications for its piano division.

Since 2003, the competition has honored the legacy of composer Isang Yun while nurturing emerging musicians. This year’s edition is open to applicants of any nationality born between Nov. 1, 1996, and Oct. 31, 2011.

Applications are being accepted through July 31. Finalists will be announced on Aug. 28, and the competition will take place Nov. 1–8. Detailed repertoire requirements and application documents are available on the official website.

International applicants will be provided round‑trip airfare. All participants will receive room and board at designated accommodations during the official schedule. In the finals, competitors will appear with the Tongyeong Festival Orchestra under the baton of Professor Kim Dae‑jin. The jury will award first through fourth places and several special prizes, including the Isang Yun Special Prize, the Park Seong‑yong Young Talent Special Prize, and the UNESCO Creative Cities of Music Special Prize. The total prize fund is 74,000,000 KRW (about $55,500).

Winners will perform in a prizewinners’ concert at Busan Concert Hall on Nov. 8.

Nine pianists and educators from around the world will serve on the preliminary and final juries, representing Germany, Israel, Japan, South Korea, the Czech Republic, the United States, and China. Klaus Hellwig will chair the panel. Other jurors include Ariel Cohen, Katsunori Ishii, Kim Da‑sol, Lee Jin‑sang, David Marecek, Julian Martin, Xiao‑han Wang, and Peter von Winhardt.

In the 2023 piano competition, Jeong Gyu‑bin won first place. Kim Song‑hyun took second place and also received the Park Seong‑yong Young Talent Special Prize and the UNESCO Creative Cities of Music Special Prize. Seon‑yul finished third, Zarui Cheng was fourth, and Misora Ozaki received the Isang Yun Special Prize.

Past piano winners who have gone on to international careers include Sofia Gulyak, Kim Da‑sol, Yun Hong‑chun, and Lim Yunchan.

The Isang Yun International Music Competition has also produced many top laureates in cello and violin. In 2006 it became the second competition in Asia—and the first in Korea—to gain membership in the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC).

Photo: Tongyeong International Music Foundation