The Military Manpower Administration (MMA) will accept submissions for its 2026 "Social Service Personnel Experience Essay and Photo" contest from Tuesday through Aug. 28.
The contest was organized to uncover heartwarming stories of social service personnel serving faithfully across various fields, and to foster an atmosphere in which those fulfilling their military duty can take pride in their service.
Eligible participants include social service personnel currently serving and officials at service institutions. Those discharged (through retirement, personnel reassignment, and other reasons) since the second half of last year (July 1, 2025) may also apply.
Submissions consist of experience essays on themes such as moving stories or experiences of overcoming hardship encountered during service, written by the social service personnel themselves or by officials at the service institutions who worked alongside them, as well as experience photos capturing vivid scenes from the service field.
Applicants may submit their work directly to the head of their service institution, or send it by mail or email to the head of their regional Military Manpower Administration office.
According to the judging criteria, a total of 30 works (20 essays and 10 photos) will be selected as outstanding entries, and winners will receive certificates along with prizes. The list of winners will be announced on the MMA website in late October.
"Through this contest, I hope the warm stories of social service personnel who are quietly dedicating themselves alongside us will become widely known," MMA Commissioner Hong So-young said.
