Korea: Country and Program Overview

South Korea has had an adoption program for over 50 years. The children are placed in foster families at birth, received excellent medical care and a social background of the birthparents is available. In addition, Korea requires the very least amount of paperwork from adoptive families. For families that qualify, Korea is an excellent choice.

Children Available

Children of all ages, including infants, toddlers and older children are available for adoption from Ethiopia. Special needs children, as well as siblings, can also be placed for adoption. There are both boys and girls in need of families. Families may specify age and gender. The children are in orphanages located throughout the country. There may be the opportunity to meet the birth mother or birth family of the adopted child.

Parent Requirements

Guidelines for parents adopting Korean children are established by governmental and social service agencies in both Korea and the US.

Married couples only may adopt from Korea. Both parents must be between the ages 25-44, no more than 15 years between them. Married for at least three years. No more than one divorce each, with 4 or less children in the family. Couples with no children must be open to either gender. Minimum income: $35,000. Must have a high school education . Parents should have no serious medical conditions and be no more than 30% overweight. Families adopting children with known medical or developmental needs may specify gender, but exceptions are rarely made on the other requirements. Conventional medical care must be available to the adopted child.

Travel

Families do not need to travel to Korea to pick up their child. The child may be escorted to the US. However, for families who wish to travel, the trip is approximately four days in length.

Timelines

Because a full dossier is not necessary to adopt from Korea, the timeline can be quick. Once paperwork is received, the referral time varies from 5-10 months, though it is shorter for boys. Those adopting special needs children may choose a waiting child once the homestudy is complete.

Fees

Approximate total cost for an adoption from Korea is $15,000-$22,000. These fees include the home study, travel, stay in country, agency fees, foreign program costs and legalization of paperwork.