Teens Connect The World: Brain, Children and Love

Since the Korean War, over 200,000 international adoptions have taken place from Korea. The International Korean Adoptees Associations (IKAA) creates opportunities for Korean adoptees to establish meaningful connections, share information, and acknowledge our lived experiences as individuals and as a community.

The IKAA Network was the first of its kind, bringing together adoptee organizations from around the world to work side by side to create an innovative organizational structure that can produce large-scale events and programs. The IKAA Network continues to be the only adoptee network comprised of international representation by entirely volunteer organizations and is the leading global network of adult adoptees in the world.

The International Korean Adoptee Associations (IKAA) International Gatherings serve as a powerful space for connection, identity exploration, and community building among Korean adoptees from around the world. These gatherings provide a unique opportunity for individuals with shared experiences to come together, fostering a sense of belonging and cultural reconnection.

A Bridge to Shared Heritage

For many Korean adoptees, the experience of growing up in different countries has shaped their identities in diverse ways. Some have had access to their cultural heritage, while others have had limited exposure. Regardless of background, IKAA International Gatherings offer a chance to engage with others who share similar life experiences, creating a supportive network where stories, struggles, and triumphs can be exchanged. For adoptees who may have felt isolated or disconnected from their Korean roots, these events provide a meaningful space to explore identity, ask questions, and build relationships with others who understand their journey firsthand.

What to Expect at IKAA Gatherings

Held in major cities, these events feature a diverse range of activities designed to educate, empower, and strengthen bonds within the adoptee community. Participants can expect:

• Workshops and panels on adoption, identity, and cultural heritage, featuring experts, researchers, and adoptees sharing personal narratives and professional insights.
• Networking opportunities with fellow adoptees, academics, and professionals working in adoption advocacy, mental health, and cultural studies.
• Cultural activities celebrating Korean traditions, food, and language, including cooking classes, traditional performances, and opportunities to learn Hangul.
• Social events such as group dinners, sightseeing tours, and community discussions, creating a relaxed environment for adoptees to connect on a personal level.
• Birth search and reunion support, offering guidance and resources for those who wish to explore their biological roots and navigate the complexities of reuniting with birth families.

The Impact of Connection

By bringing together adoptees from various generations and backgrounds, IKAA International Gatherings play a crucial role in fostering understanding, healing, and empowerment. Many participants find that the event serves as a turning point in their personal journeys, allowing them to embrace their identity with a deeper sense of confidence and clarity. Lifelong friendships are often formed, and the support network extends beyond the event, providing adoptees with a continued sense of community. Additionally, the knowledge shared at these gatherings helps to inform broader conversations around adoption policy, representation, and the evolving experiences of adoptees worldwide.

The Power of Representation

The adoptee experience is diverse, and events like the IKAA International Gatherings highlight the importance of amplifying adoptee voices. By sharing personal stories and engaging in discussions about adoption policies, mental health, and cultural identity, adoptees can shape the narrative surrounding international adoption. The gatherings also encourage dialogue between adoptees and Korean organizations, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration on adoption-related initiatives.

How to Get Involved

Whether you are an adoptee looking to attend, a volunteer wanting to contribute, or someone interested in supporting the initiative, there are many ways to engage with IKAA.

• Attend an upcoming gathering: Check the IKAA website for event dates and locations.
• Volunteer: Help with event planning, mentorship, or translation services to support adoptees from diverse backgrounds.
• Donate: Contributions help sustain these gatherings and ensure they remain accessible to adoptees worldwide.
• Spread the word: Raising awareness about IKAA’s mission can help reach more adoptees who may benefit from this community.

A Community That Lasts Beyond the Event

The journey of self-discovery is deeply personal, but no one has to navigate it alone. IKAA International Gatherings remind us that shared experiences create powerful connections, helping adoptees worldwide embrace their heritage and build a stronger future together. These events serve as a stepping stone for many adoptees, opening doors to new friendships, self-reflection, and a greater appreciation for the complex yet beautiful aspects of being a part of the global adoptee community.

For those who have attended, the gatherings are more than just a weekend event—they are a homecoming.

The last Korea Gathering was held July 10th to 16th 2023. More than 450 adoptees, partners, and families met in Seoul at the world’s largest global adoptee conference. Participants joined from 19 countries with adoptees ranging from ages 19-69 years old.

See the 2023 Korea Gathering page for more information about the programming throughout the weeklong event, including film screenings of adoptee-directed films, a concert showcasing adoptee musicians, traditional Korean community dinners, and much more.