| News: Korean adoptees make emotional pilgrimage to their homeland |
Hundreds of Koreans adopted by families overseas, including North America and Europe, made a highly emotional return this week to their homeland after living abroad their entire lives generally oblivious to their heritage or background.
More than 450 Koreans by birth, from 15 different countries around the world, gathered in Seoul for the International Adoption Conference for Adult Adoptees 2004 that opened yesterday amid scenes of tears and joy.
Many could not help but cry as their emotions got the better of them during welcoming speeches recalling this nation's rich culture and history, and how the vagaries of the 1948-53 Korean War - the myriad deaths and subsequent poverty and famine - forced a huge number of adoptions.
But emotions ran the gamut between tears of sadness and joy to laughter as the adoptees exchanged stories of their life abroad.
They pored over photo albums and scrapbooks, and some even had school yearbooks. Many started animated conversations.
The six-day event will acknowledge the unique perspectives and contributions of the Korean adoptee community that pioneered inter-country adoption.
"There was no prior history, no roadmap to follow, but these pioneering adoptions demonstrated that Korean adoptees can transcend the challenges of race, culture and identity," said Susan Soon-keum Cox founder of the first Korean-adoptee gathering.
"As we anticipate the 50th anniversary of inter-country adoption from Korea, the time has come to hear from those who share this unique life experience."
With the 50th anniversary of inter-country adoption from Korea approaching, organizers hope the Seoul gathering will empower their growing community, already numbering 150,000 to 200,000 around the world.
The conference includes workshops on individual adoption experiences, addressing issues such as cultural and racial identity, searches for parents and reunions.
It is the third event of its kind, the first having been held in Washington in 1999 and the second in Oslo, Norway, in 2001.
Participants are set to take part in a variety of Korean cultural activities, entertainment and education during this year's conference.
Sponsors of the Adult Adoptee Gathering 2004 include the Overseas Koreans Foundation, the Korean National Tourism Organization and the International Korea Adoptee Service.
(bluelle@heraldm.com)
By Choi Soung-ah
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