In September 1999, the First International Gathering of Korean
Adoptees took place in Washington, D.C. The conference was a huge
success with more than 400 participants from all over the world.
The official website can still be accessed at
Now the time has come for the Second International Gathering, which
will take place August 9-12, 2001, in Oslo, Norway, hosted by the
three Scandinavian Korean adoptee associations.
The objectives of the conference are to:
Gather adult Korean adoptees
Share experiences
Build bridges between Korean adoptees world wide
Initiate a global network of Korean adoptee groups
Enhance awareness of post adoption responsibilities
The conference will include workshops, cultural events, special
guests talks and social activities. There also will be an international
survey on Korean adoptees' life experiences. The survey is similar
to the one for the first Gathering. It will provide insight into
the unique situation of international adoptees and give input tithe
ongoing post adoption discussion.
Today there are more than 150,000 Korean adoptees around the world.
The first adoptees came to the United States after the Korean War
in the 1950s. Western European countries started receiving Korean
adoptees in the 1960s. In these early days intercountry and interracial
adoption was in its conception, and Korean adoptees and their families
broke new ground without any directions to follow.
This generation has now grown up. As adults we bear the responsibility
for our lives, but we can also impress our life experiences on our
societies. The Gathering will focus on this unique experience that
integrates the issues of race and ethnicity, loss and grief, attachment,
search, and reunion.
Main sponsor
Children of the World, Norway
Co-sponsors
Also-Known-As.
Association for Korean Adoptees, Norway
Child Welfare League of America
More information
Itinerary and more information can be found at the .
Introduction