When overseas adoptees from South Korea reach adulthood, many choose to return to the country to learn more about the country of their birth and search for family members. KoRoot was established to support overseas adoptees from South Korea with the challenges they face in navigating an unfamiliar country and seeking answers about their family background and identity.
KoRoot is a member of Family for Every Child.
Where they operate
Headquarters Location
KoRoot (110-030) 125-10, Jahamun-ro
Jongno-gu
Seoul
South Korea
Organization Type
Main Areas of Work
What They Do
KoRoot's guesthouse provides a welcoming home for ‘returnees’ on their visits to Korea, as well as a range of assistance including family tracing, trauma counselling and cultural events for returnees to build their understanding of Korean culture.
Their research institute focuses on raising awareness of the issues surrounding overseas adoption by publishing books, translating key academic literature about adoption and child development into Korean. KoRoot promote alternatives to international adoption including family strengthening services and domestic adoption.
They collaborate with other volunteer groups in Korea to lobby for the country’s adoption law to meet international standards. Returning adoptees often participate in these events, sharing their first-hand experiences. In 2011 KoRoot established a ‘Single Mother’s Day’ that is now celebrated annually, to raise awareness of the rights of unwed mothers and reduce the stigma they face in society.