OKAG 2026: Overseas Korean Adoptees Gathering

In May 2026, KADS Connect and KAIAN attended the 2026 Overseas Korean Adoptees Gathering (OKAG) in Seoul.

Hosted by the Overseas Koreans Agency (Overseas Koreans Agency), the five-day gathering brought together nearly 100 adoptees representing 23 community groups from 14 countries.

It was an intensive but significant week of dialogue, learning, and connection. The gathering culminated in the development of the OKAG 2026 Policy Recommendations, emerging from the collective work, leadership, and lived experience of Korean adoptees across the global diaspora.

This document reflects four key priorities and concerns as shared by global leaders of Korean adoptee communities during our time together.

  1. Overseas Support Services (In Adoptive Countries); 

  2. Korea-Based Services for Overseas Korean Adoptees 

  3. Public Education and Awareness of Korean Adoption and Adoptee Experiences 

  4. Descendants of Korean Adoptees

You can read the final submission HERE

Throughout the week, we also had the opportunity to hear from the Overseas Koreans Agency (OKA), the South Korean Government’s primary organisation dedicated to supporting and engaging the 7.5 million-strong Korean diaspora worldwide, including an estimated 200,000 overseas Korean adoptees and their descendants. They shared an overview of their work and programs for participants interested in learning more.

You can find out more HERE

We also heard from key agencies in Korea, including the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the National Centre for the Rights of the Child (NCRC), and Global Overseas Adoptees’ Link (G.O.A.L), who hosted an information session outlining their current work.

You can read a copy of their slides HERE