Global Korean Adoptee Organizations Present Shared Policy Recommendations to the Overseas Koreans Agency

In May 2026, leaders from Korean adoptee organizations around the world gathered to discuss the most pressing needs facing Korean adoptees today. Representing communities across Europe, North America, Australia, and Korea, participants worked together to identify common priorities and develop a shared set of recommendations for the Overseas Koreans Agency (OKA).

The result is a collective policy submission that reflects decades of lived experience, community leadership, advocacy, and direct service to Korean adoptees. G.O.A.’L. contributed to the development of these recommendations alongside twenty-two adoptee-led organizations   from around the world.

The recommendations focus on four key areas:

1. Strengthening Support for Adoptees in Their Countries of Adoption

Many Korean adoptees have long faced challenges related to identity, family search, language access, citizenship, records, and reunion support. For decades, adoptee-led organizations have stepped in to provide support, often relying almost entirely on volunteer labor.

The recommendations call for sustainable, multi-year funding for adoptee-led organizations, expanded mental health resources, improved embassy and consular support, greater access to Korean language and cultural programming, and the creation of a centralized online information portal for adoptees worldwide.

2. Expanding Korea-Based Services

For adoptees who visit, reunite with family, study, work, or settle in Korea, navigating systems and services can be difficult and overwhelming.

The proposal recommends the development of a dedicated adoptee support center in Korea, complemented by accessible online services. Suggested supports include assistance with family search and reunions, interpretation and translation services, housing and settlement guidance, mental health resources, cultural and language programs, and improved access to information.

3. Increasing Public Awareness and Education

Korean adoptees are an important part of Korea’s history and global community, yet public understanding of adoptee experiences remains limited.

The recommendations encourage the Korean government to develop accurate, adoptee-informed educational materials, improve public information about adoption history, support professional training, and promote more authentic representation of adoptees in public discourse and cultural initiatives.

4. Recognizing the Needs of Descendants of Korean Adoptees

As the Korean adoptee community becomes increasingly multi-generational, the experiences and needs of descendants of Korean adoptees (DoKADs) deserve greater attention.

The proposal recommends direct consultation with descendants, the development of dedicated community spaces and programs, and expanded opportunities for heritage, language, and cultural connection.

A Collective Effort

These recommendations were developed collaboratively by adoptee leaders representing organizations across the global Korean adoptee community. While we cannot predict what actions will ultimately be taken, the document represents a significant achievement: a shared vision created by adoptees for adoptees.

Beyond its policy goals, this work serves as a resource for our communities. It reflects what adoptees have learned through decades of organizing, supporting one another, advocating for change, and building connections across borders.

We encourage adoptees, organizations, and community members to read the recommendations, discuss them within their networks, and continue the conversation about how best to support Korean adoptees and future generations.

Together, we remain committed to building a future grounded in connection, accountability, belonging, and the lived experiences of adoptees themselves.

Read here the full document with the recommendation to OKA:

OKAG Policy Recommendation Final 20260610