Revision as of 06:35, 9 April 2014

The official flag of South Korea.
Source: cia.gov.

Map of South Korea.
Source: cia.gov.

Map of Korea.
Source: cia.gov.

Gangnam district of Seoul, South Korea.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Hwaseong Fortress, South Korea.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Traditional South Korean Market.
Source: flickr.com.

Haeundae We've the Zenith and I'Park Marina skyscrapers at night in Busan, South Korea.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Children in Seoul, South Korea.
Source: bigfoot.com.

Jagalchi Fish Market, Busan, South Korea.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Collage of Seoul, South Korea.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

Deoksugung, South Korea.
Source: Wikipedia.org.

South Korea Adoption Alert

Adoption Notice: The Republic of Korea Signs the Hague Adoption Convention (May 28, 2013)

On May 24, 2013, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) signed the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (the Convention). This is the first step for South Korea in becoming a Convention partner. Adoptions between the United States and South Korea, however, are not yet subject to the requirements of the Convention and relevant implementing laws and regulations. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, which will be designated as South Korea's Central Authority, there is no set date when South Korea will deliver its instrument of ratification or when the Convention will enter into force with respect to South Korea. We will continue to keep you informed through adoption.state.gov as we receive additional updates.

Notice: Korea Begins Implementing Special Adoption Act (January 25, 2013)

On August 5, 2012, the Republic of Korea (ROK) Special Adoption Act, which governs intercountry adoptions from South Korea, went into effect. This law prioritizes domestic adoptions and endeavors to reduce the number of South Korean children adopted abroad. Under the Special Adoption Act, each intercountry adoption requires the approval of the ROK Family Court. We anticipate other significant changes from previous intercountry adoption procedures and requirements. The ROK government has not yet given public notice of the details at this time.

The ROK’s Ministry of Health and Welfare recently informed the U.S. Embassy in Seoul that adoptions that were in process but not completed by August 5, 2012 will be processed under the new law. Adoption agencies in Seoul have confirmed that the files of all children under last year’s quota who had not received Emigration Permits prior to the effective date of the new law are now being sent to the Family Court for approval once Emigration Permits are issued. Prospective adoptive parents who believe their case may fall under the new law should contact their adoption service provider for more information. The ROK is accepting new adoption applications; however, prospective adoptive parents should not expect rapid processing of these cases until the ROK’s new procedures are in place.

We will continue to keep you updated through adoption.state.gov as additional information is received.

Hague Convention Information

The Republic of Korea (South Korea) is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention). Therefore, when the Hague Adoption Convention entered into force for the United States on April 1, 2008, intercountry adoption processing for South Korea did not change.

South Korea's law requires the use of an adoption agency for the overseas adoption of all Korean orphans, and requires that such agencies are authorized by The Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs. Please see the list of approved agencies in the "Contact Information" section of this website. More information is provided on each individual website regarding their counterpart agencies in the United States.

Please Note: U.S. citizens who are considering adoption in South Korea should be aware that the Korean government has expressed its intent to reduce the need for intercountry adoptions by encouraging domestic adoption of Korean orphans. In support of this policy, South Korea has established specific international adoption quotas that are currently being reduced each year. When an adoption agency reaches its quota, an agency is unable to submit emigration applications to the Korean government on behalf of a specific child. Prospective adoptive parents should consult carefully with their adoption service provider pertaining to quotas provided to each agency and current Korean adoption processing times. For important updates please visit U.S. Embassy Seoul's website.

Who Can Adopt

Residency

Age of Adopting Parents

Marriage

Income

Other

Who Can Be Adopted

How to Adopt

Adoption Authority

The Process

Traveling Abroad

Applying for Your U.S. Passport

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave South Korea. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue, or verify U.S. passports. Getting or renewing a passport is easy. The Passport Application Wizard will help you determine which passport form you need, help you to complete the form online, estimate your payment, and generate the form for you to print-all in one place.

Obtaining Your Visa

In addition to a U.S. passport, you also need to obtain a visa. A visa is an official document issued by a foreign country that formally allows you to visit. Where required, visas are attached to your passport and allow you to enter a foreign nation. To find information about obtaining a visa for South Korea, see the Department of State's Country Specific Information.

Staying Safe on Your Trip

Before you travel, it's always a good practice to investigate the local conditions, laws, political landscape, and culture of the country. The State Department is a good place to start. The Department of State provides Country Specific Information for every country of the world about various issues, including the health conditions, crime, unusual currency or entry requirements, and any areas of instability.

Staying in Touch on Your Trip

When traveling during the adoption process, we encourage you to register your trip with the Department of State. Travel registration makes it possible to contact you if necessary. Whether there's a family emergency in the United States, or a crisis in South Korea, registration assists the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in reaching you. Registration is free and can be done online.

After Adoption

What resources are available to assist families after the adoption?

Many adoptive parents find it important to find support after the adoption. Take advantage of all the resources available to your family -- whether it's another adoptive family, a support group, an advocacy organization, or your religious or community services.

Here are some good places to start your support group search:

Child Welfare Information Gateway

North American Council on Adoptable Children

Adoption Services Support Group for Adopting Persons

SOURCE

Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information