Korea remains on the list of most watched adoption countries because of the shift that is expected in their adoption program. The shift allows for Korean citizens to adopt children within their own culture without the cultural stigmas that are attached. In the past, adopted children were not given the same rights as biological children. This has caused issues for the children as they became adults.
Korea seeks to implement these changes to move their adoption program from predominantly intercountry placements to in-country. This shift is said to be in effect in August of this year (2012.) It has been reported that the adoption program in Korea will close its doors to other countries this year as well. I am not certain if this closing will be a phasing out or a sudden close. For those who are walking through the process currently, I hope that the former is true. It would be a terrible shame to get so far into the adoption process and not be able to bring your child home. I recommend talking to your adoption provider about the upcoming changes.
Korea has been a long-standing adoption partner with the United States for over 50 years. This relationship has offered many families immeasurable joy. I love the thought of the many lives that were changed. Though it is difficult to see Korea close its doors, it is with a grateful heart that we remember the long history.
Korea continues to be listed as an open country. I know in the past, Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare sent out a notice stating that in 2012, they were phasing out all of their intercountry adoptions. This notice is still on record and the information that I have shared so far shows that they are making sweeping changes.
I will continue to monitor adoption from this country. At this point, Korea is not party to the Hague Convention and does not hold to its statutes.
~Angie
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