Resource Hub — Supporting every stage of the adoptee journey. Korea and New England blended together with Korean architecture, Seoul skyline, ocean coastline, and a New England lighthouse.

Resource Hub

Supporting every stage of the adoptee journey.

Explore organizations, tools, guides, and information designed to help Korean adoptees and their families build connection, understanding, and community.

Growing Resource Library

A Resource Hub Built to Grow

The Haneul Resource Hub is an evolving collection of organizations, tools, guides, and information created to support Korean adoptees, birth families, and community members.

As we continue to research, review, and develop new resources, additional information will be added throughout the Resource Hub.

Some areas of the Resource Hub are still being expanded and may contain limited information at this time. Additional resources will continue to be added as they are identified, reviewed, and developed.

We welcome suggestions and recommendations from the community as we work together to expand this resource collection.

Important Information About These Resources These resources are provided for informational purposes only.

The organizations, services, tools, and resources listed within the Haneul Resource Hub are provided for informational purposes only.

While we strive to share reputable and helpful resources for Korean adoptees, birth families, and community members, Haneul of New England does not endorse, supervise, or guarantee the services, information, policies, or outcomes of any external organization.

Individuals are encouraged to conduct their own research and determine which resources best meet their personal needs and circumstances.

Haneul of New England is a community organization and does not provide legal, medical, mental health, immigration, or professional counseling services.

The inclusion of a resource does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or partnership unless explicitly stated.

We encourage community members to approach their journeys with curiosity, care, and informed decision-making.

Last reviewed: June 2026

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What Are You Looking For?

Search by topic, question, or keyword. You can type a resource name or a broad question.

Try: How do I find my birth family? Airlines to Korea Food delivery Tax refund Taxi for visitors DNA reunion

Finding Birth Family Korean Citizenship Traveling to Korea Flights & Airlines Tax Refunds Baemin Food Delivery k.ride Taxi Check T-money Balance Smart Pass DNA & Reunion International Organizations Learning Korean Community Support Adoption Records

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Explore the Resource Hub

Browse organizations, tools, guides, and information by category.

🤝Community & Organizations5 Resources 🇰🇷Korea-Based Organizations3 Resources 🌎International Organizations2 Resources 🔍Search & Reunion Resources5 Resources 🗣️Language & Culture7 Resources ✈️Travel & Visiting Korea17 Resources 📜Identity, Records & Citizenship5 Resources 🌱Haneul Guides6 Guide Topics

People & community

🤝 Community & Organizations

Build relationships, find support, and connect with fellow adoptees, birth families, and community members through organizations, groups, events, and community resources.

This section is actively being expanded. Additional organizations, events, and community resources will continue to be added as they are identified and reviewed.

Community Organization

Boston Korean Adoptees (BKA)

Connects Korean adoptees throughout New England through community events, gatherings, and shared experiences.

Visit Resource →
Community Organization

KAAN

Provides opportunities for Korean adoptees to build connections, explore identity, and participate in national adoptee programming.

Visit Resource →
Community Organization

Also-Known-As

Offers community programming, cultural experiences, and connection opportunities for Korean adoptees and their families.

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Community Group

Haneul Community Group

A private Facebook group created for Korean adoptees to connect, share experiences, and build community.

Join Group →
Community Resource Network

AdopteeHub

A growing directory of organizations, events, and resources serving Korean adoptees and the broader adoptee community.

Visit Resource →
Community Organization

AK Connection

AK Connection is a Minnesota-based Korean adoptee organization that builds community through cultural events, education, advocacy, and lifelong connection among Korean adoptees and their families.

Visit Resource →
Growing Resource Library

More Resources Coming

Additional organizations, support groups, conferences, and community opportunities will continue to be added as this section expands.

Suggest a Resource →

Organizations

🇰🇷 Korea-Based Organizations

Organizations based in or directly connected to Korea that support Korean adoptees, birth families, family search, cultural reconnection, and community building.

This section is actively being expanded. Additional organizations and services will continue to be added as they are identified, reviewed, and developed.

Services, programs, eligibility requirements, and organizational policies may change. Please contact organizations directly for the most current information.

Adoptee Community Organization

KOROOT

Supports Korean adoptees visiting or living in Korea through community programming, cultural activities, and connection opportunities.

Visit Resource →
Adoption Agency & Post-Adoption Services

Holt Children's Services

Provides post-adoption and birth search resources for adoptees connected to Holt adoption programs.

Visit Resource →
Government-Affiliated Resource Organization

National Center for the Rights of the Child (NCRC)

Provides adoption-related services, records preservation, information disclosure, and support for adoptees seeking information about their history.

Visit Resource →
Government Agency

Overseas Koreans Agency

The Overseas Koreans Agency is a South Korean government agency that supports overseas Koreans worldwide through programs, policy, cultural connection, and global engagement.

Visit Resource →
Korean Adoptee Network

International Korean Adoptee Associations

International Korean Adoptee Associations, also known as IKAA, is a global network that connects Korean adoptee organizations and communities around the world through conferences, leadership, collaboration, and shared resources.

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Growing Resource Library

Future Organizations & Services

Additional organizations, programs, educational resources, and services will continue to be added as this section expands.

Suggest a Resource →

Global network

🌎 International Organizations

Organizations and networks connecting intercountry adoptee communities across countries, regions, and generations.

This section is actively being expanded. Additional international adoptee organizations and networks will continue to be added as they are identified and reviewed.

International · Adoptee-Led · Australia · Global Network

InterCountry Adoptee Voices (ICAV)

A global, adoptee-led network that connects, educates, and advocates through the lived experiences of intercountry and transracial adoptees.

Founded in Australia, ICAV creates space for intercountry adoptees worldwide to connect, share their experiences, and advocate for meaningful change. Its website brings together adoptee perspectives, personal stories, research, videos, and educational resources about the lifelong realities of intercountry and transracial adoption.

Resource areas:

  • Global adoptee community
  • Adoptee voices and personal stories
  • Identity and belonging
  • Race and transracial adoption
  • Search and reunion
  • First-family experiences
  • Citizenship and human rights
  • Adoption reform and advocacy
  • Research and educational materials
  • Resources for adoptees, families, and professionals

Best for:

  • Adult intercountry and transracial adoptees
  • Adoptees seeking international community
  • People exploring identity, search, or reunion
  • Researchers and adoption professionals
  • Anyone seeking information centered on adoptee lived experience

Why Haneul Includes This Resource: ICAV centers the voices of intercountry adoptees and recognizes adoption as a lifelong experience rather than a single childhood event. Its global perspective helps adoptees understand how identity, race, family separation, citizenship, reunion, and belonging are experienced across different countries and adoption systems.

Haneul includes ICAV as an educational and community resource so visitors can access a broad range of adoptee-led perspectives beyond the Korean adoptee community.

Tags: International, Adoptee-Led, Global Community, Identity, Search and Reunion, Citizenship, Advocacy, Research, Transracial Adoption, Adult Adoptees. Search terms: ICAV, InterCountry Adoptee Voices, intercountry adoption, international adoptees, transracial adoptees, global adoptee community, adoptee advocacy, adoptee research, identity, search and reunion, citizenship, first-family experiences, human rights, educational materials.

Visit ICAV →
International Adoptee Network

IKAA

The International Korean Adoptee Associations connects and empowers Korean adoptee communities worldwide through gatherings, collaboration, leadership development, and global community building.

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Growing Resource Library

Future International Resources

Additional global adoptee organizations, networks, and international community resources will continue to be added as this section expands.

Suggest a Resource →

Search & reunion

🔍 Search & Reunion Resources

Resources related to birth family search, DNA testing, family registry information, and reunification support.

This section is actively being expanded. Additional search, DNA, registry, and reunion resources will continue to be added as they are identified and reviewed.

Search and reunion processes can be emotional, complex, and different for every adoptee and family. Always verify requirements and services directly with the appropriate organization or official authority.

Birth Family Search Guide

Paperslip

Paperslip is an adoptee-led educational resource created to help Korean adoptees better understand and navigate the birth family search process. The site offers practical guidance on Korean adoption records, documentation, search preparation, and current procedures connected to birth family search.

Originally created with Korean adoptees in mind, Paperslip has become a helpful resource for adoptees seeking clarity, preparation, and support before and during their search journey.

Best for:

  • Beginning a birth family search
  • Understanding Korean adoption paperwork
  • Learning about search preparation
  • Reviewing practical guides and educational resources
  • Adoptees seeking clearer next steps
Visit Paperslip →
DNA & Reunification Organization

325KAMRA

Supports efforts to reunite Korean families separated by adoption, war, and other circumstances through DNA testing and family matching resources.

Visit Resource →
Identity Resource

Family Registry Information

Learn about Korean family registry records and how they may relate to personal history, family search efforts, and citizenship inquiries.

See Identity Resources →
DNA Resource

DNA Testing Resources

Information and future guidance for adoptees exploring DNA testing as part of a birth family search or reunion journey.

More Guidance Coming
Reconnection Resource

Birth Family Search Resources

Resources and future Haneul guidance for adoptees beginning or continuing a birth family search.

See Related Organizations →

Tools

🗣️ Language & Culture

Language, communication, and cultural learning resources that help bridge distance, heritage, and everyday connection.

This section connects visitors to Haneul's dedicated Language & Connection page and growing language and culture resources. Additional language-learning resources and communication guides will continue to be added as they are developed.

Featured Resource Page

Language & Connection

Explore KakaoTalk, Papago, Google Translate, Google Lens, Timekettle, device setup guidance, and practical tools for communicating across language and distance.

Explore Language & Connection →
Featured Language & Culture Resource

IDOH Korean Language & Culture

IDOH Korean Language & Culture, founded by Minji Park, helps learners build confidence in Korean through language instruction, conversation practice, cultural experiences, and community connection.

Helpful for:

  • Korean language learning
  • Conversation practice
  • Cultural connection
  • Heritage exploration
  • Korean adoptees reconnecting with Korea

Why it matters: For many Korean adoptees, language can be a bridge to heritage, family, identity, and belonging.

Tags: Korean Language, Korean Culture, Language Learning, Community, Conversation Practice, Heritage Exploration, Cultural Connection, Korean Adoptees. Search keywords: IDOH, Minji Park, Korean Classes, Korean Language, Korean Culture, Boston, Conversation, Language Learning, Heritage, Culture, adoptee language learning.

Visit Website →Instagram →
Communication Guide

Korean Keyboard Setup

Learn how to add a Korean keyboard to your phone, tablet, or computer. A Korean keyboard can help you type Korean names, addresses, messages, and search terms when communicating with family or exploring Korean resources.

Helpful for:

  • KakaoTalk conversations
  • Searching Korean addresses
  • Typing Korean names
  • Learning Hangul
  • Family communication
View Guide →
Communication Guide

Helpful Korean Phrases

A collection of simple Korean phrases that may help with family conversations, community events, travel, and everyday interactions. You do not need to be fluent to begin building meaningful connections.

Helpful for:

  • Family communication
  • Visiting Korea
  • Community events
  • Everyday conversation
  • Building confidence
View Guide →
Communication Guide

Communicating with Birth Family

Practical tools and tips that may help adoptees navigate language differences when communicating with birth family members. Every relationship is unique, and communication often develops one conversation at a time.

Helpful for:

  • Text messages
  • Voice messages
  • Video calls
  • Translation tools
  • Building confidence
View Guide →
Communication Guide

Translation Tips for Family Messages

Learn practical tips for translating messages with family members while navigating language differences, cultural expressions, and translation tools.

Helpful for:

  • Text messages
  • Family communication
  • Translation apps
  • Understanding tone
  • Building confidence
View Guide →
Growing Resource Library

Future Language Resources

Additional communication tools, language-learning resources, and translation guides will continue to be added as this section expands.

More Resources Coming

Travel

✈️ Travel & Visiting Korea

Resources designed to help adoptees plan, prepare for, and navigate their journey to Korea.

This section is actively being expanded. Additional travel resources, guides, transportation information, and planning tools will continue to be added as they are identified, reviewed, and developed.

Airline schedules, fares, transportation systems, lodging options, service availability, pricing, and travel requirements may change over time. Always verify information directly with the appropriate airline, transportation provider, lodging provider, service provider, or government authority before making travel plans.

Travel Planning & Airlines

Flight Search Tool

Google Flights

Compare airfare, monitor fare changes, and track flight prices when planning travel to Korea.

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Airline

Korean Air

South Korea's flagship carrier offering direct and connecting service between the United States and Korea.

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Airline

Asiana Airlines

Major South Korean airline providing international service to Korea and destinations throughout Asia.

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Airline

Air Canada

Popular option for travel to Korea through Canadian connections, including Toronto and Vancouver.

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Airline

Delta Air Lines

U.S.-based airline offering connections to Korea through various domestic and international hubs.

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Airport Departure Resource

Incheon Airport Smart Pass

A departure screening service at Incheon International Airport that lets registered travelers use facial recognition at designated checkpoints and some boarding gates.

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Shopping & Tax Refunds

Official Travel & Shopping Guide

Tax Refund Guide for Foreign Visitors

Korea Tourism Organization (VISITKOREA) · Official website

Planning to shop while visiting Korea? The Korea Tourism Organization's official Duty Free & Tax Refund Guide explains how eligible foreign visitors can receive VAT refunds on qualifying purchases made at participating Tax Free stores.

Whether you're purchasing gifts, clothing, cosmetics, electronics, or souvenirs, this guide walks you through the refund process—from immediate in-store refunds to claiming your refund before departing Korea through Incheon International Airport and other participating airports.

This is an excellent resource for travelers looking to save money while shopping in Korea.

Topics covered:

  • VAT (Tax) Refund Program
  • Immediate Tax Refund Shopping
  • Airport Tax Refund Process
  • Duty Free Shopping
  • Eligible Purchases
  • Refund Requirements
  • Participating Stores
  • Customs Procedures
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Helpful Tip

Many stores in Korea offer Immediate Tax Refunds at checkout when you present your passport. If an immediate refund isn't available, keep your receipt and tax refund documentation to claim your refund before leaving Korea at participating airport refund kiosks and counters.

Tags: Tax Refund, VAT Refund, Duty Free, Shopping, Travel, Incheon Airport, Foreign Visitors, Tourism, Travel Tips, Airport, Korea Shopping, Money Saving. Search terms: Korea tax refund, VAT refund Korea, duty free Korea, Incheon Airport tax refund, shopping in Korea, foreign visitor tax refund, Visit Korea, Korea Tourism Organization.

Source: Korea Tourism Organization (VISITKOREA)

Visit Official Guide

Food Delivery & Everyday Services

Food Delivery & Shopping App

Baemin (배달의민족)

Woowa Brothers · Official website

Baemin, also known as Baedal Minjok, is one of Korea’s best-known delivery apps. It can be used to browse nearby restaurants, order prepared food, arrange pickup, and access grocery or shopping delivery where available.

Helpful for visitors:

  • Restaurant and café delivery
  • Pickup orders
  • Groceries and everyday items in supported areas
  • Searching local restaurants near your lodging
  • English, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean app language options

Before You Order

Set the app language in your phone’s Baemin settings when that option is available. Account, phone verification, delivery-address, and payment steps can vary by app version and order. Keep a working phone number available, enter your address carefully, and confirm that your payment method is accepted before placing the order.

If Baemin is difficult to use: Try restaurant pickup, ask your hotel or host whether they can help place an order, or order directly from a restaurant that offers its own delivery or online ordering. Availability and support vary by location.

Tags: Baemin, Baedal Minjok, 배달의민족, Food Delivery, Restaurant Delivery, Grocery Delivery, Pickup, Korea Travel, English App, Foreign Visitors. Search terms: Korea food delivery app, order food in Korea, food delivery for tourists, Baemin English, Korean delivery app, restaurant delivery Seoul.

Source: Baemin and official app listings

Explore Baemin

Photography & Memory Keeping

English-Speaking Photographer in Seoul

Kaylee Captures

Kaylee Captures is an English-speaking photography business based in Seoul offering portrait, couples, engagement, and hanbok photography sessions.

For Korean adoptees and visitors traveling to Korea, professional photos can be a meaningful way to preserve memories from a first trip back, birth family reunion, heritage visit, solo identity journey, family trip, hanbok experience, or special milestone.

Best for:

  • Korean adoptees visiting Korea
  • Birth family reunions
  • Heritage trips and solo travelers
  • Couples, engagements, and family trips
  • Hanbok photo experiences in Seoul

Haneul note: Inclusion in the Haneul Resource Hub highlights services that may be useful to Korean adoptees and their families. Haneul does not guarantee services, pricing, availability, or individual experiences.

Search terms: Kaylee Captures, photographer in Seoul, English-speaking photographer, Korea travel photography, hanbok photography, Korean adoptee travel, birth family reunion photos, heritage trip, memory keeping.

Visit Kaylee Captures →

Transportation

⭐ Recommended for First-Time Visitors
Transportation & Taxi App

k.ride – Kakao Taxi for Foreign Visitors

Kakao Mobility · Official website

k.ride is Kakao Mobility's official ride-hailing app for international visitors. Search destinations in English, book licensed taxis, view fare estimates, and pay with international cards—making it a convenient option for airport transfers and travel throughout Korea.

Why We Recommend It:

  • Designed specifically for foreign visitors
  • English-language interface
  • Supports international credit and debit cards
  • No Korean bank account required
  • No Kakao Pay required
  • Easy airport transportation
  • Book licensed taxis anywhere in Korea
  • Fare estimates before booking
  • Safe and reliable transportation

Helpful Tip

If you plan to stay in Korea for an extended period or already use Kakao services, you may also want to install Kakao T, Korea's primary transportation app used by local residents. While k.ride is recommended for most first-time visitors, Kakao T offers additional transportation options, including taxis, public transit, bike sharing, and parking services.

Tags: Transportation, Taxi, k.ride, Kakao, Kakao Mobility, Kakao Taxi, Airport Transportation, Travel, Travel Tips, Foreign Visitors, Ride Hailing, Incheon Airport, Seoul, Busan, Jeju. Search terms: Korea taxi app, transportation in Korea, Incheon Airport taxi, Seoul taxi, foreign visitor transportation, travel Korea.

Source: Kakao Mobility

k.ride by Kakao Mobility

Travel Tip for First-Time Visitors

Before arriving in Korea, consider downloading Naver Map, Kakao Metro, and Kakao T. These apps are commonly used by residents and can make navigating public transportation significantly easier.

Helpful for Adoptees: If you're visiting Korea for the first time, setting up these resources before departure can help reduce stress and make it easier to navigate airports, train stations, and unfamiliar neighborhoods.

Haneul Transportation Guide

T-money for Visitors: Checking Your Card Balance

Learn how to check the balance on a physical T-money card using a compatible phone, convenience store, subway machine, or transit reader—even if you cannot use the official T-money app.

Search terms: T-money, Tmoney, T money, transit card balance, check transit card, transportation card, NFC, iPhone, Android, convenience store, subway card, bus card, Korea transit.

View T-money Guide →
Airport Railroad

AREX Airport Railroad

Rail service connecting Incheon International Airport with Seoul Station and other transportation hubs.

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Rail Travel

Korail / KTX

Book high-speed train tickets, check schedules, and travel throughout South Korea using the national rail system.

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Navigation App

Naver Map

Popular Korean navigation app offering public transit routes, walking directions, local businesses, and reviews.

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Subway App

Kakao Metro

Real-time subway information, route planning, transfer guidance, and station details across Korea.

Visit Resource →
Transportation App

Kakao T

Korea's leading transportation app for taxis, navigation, and local travel services.

Visit Resource →
Subway Resource

Seoul Subway Map

Official Seoul Metro resource with subway maps, station information, and route planning tools.

Visit Resource →

Language Shouldn't Be a Barrier

Some Korean transportation and government websites may only display in Korean. Browser translation tools can help you access these resources more easily.

Chrome
  • On Android or computer, open the Korean website in Chrome.
  • Tap or click the Translate option in the address bar or menu.
  • Choose English.
  • If available, select Always Translate Korean.
Safari / Apple Devices
  • On iPhone or iPad, open the website in Safari.
  • Tap the Page Menu or aA button in the address bar.
  • Select Translate Website or Translate to English.
  • On Mac, click the Translate button in the Safari address bar and choose English.

Helpful Backup Tools: If a page does not translate clearly, try Papago, Google Translate, Google Lens, or ChatGPT for help understanding the text.

Processes

📜 Identity, Records & Citizenship

Resources designed to help adoptees explore personal history, access records, understand citizenship pathways, and learn about family search and reunification processes.

This section is actively being expanded. Additional resources, guides, and informational materials will continue to be added as they are identified, reviewed, and developed.

Haneul of New England provides citizenship and nationality resources for educational purposes only and does not provide legal advice. Laws and requirements may change over time. Please consult the appropriate Korean consulate, Korean government office, or qualified legal professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Identity Resource

Family Registry Information

Learn about Korean family registry records and how they may relate to personal history, family search efforts, and citizenship inquiries.

More Guidance Coming →
Records Resource

Adoption Records

Information regarding adoption records, documentation, and organizations that may assist with records requests.

See Related Organizations →
Citizenship & Return

Korean Citizenship & Return

A consolidated guide to Korean citizenship restoration, dual citizenship, return-to-Korea resources, official offices, and adoptee-led educational support.

Search terms: citizenship, Korean citizenship, citizenship restoration, restoration, dual citizenship, GOA'L, GOAL, KAD, KAD Citizenship Collective, return to Korea, Overseas Koreans Agency, Korean Consulates.

Explore Citizenship & Return →
Reconnection Resource

Family Search & Reunification

Resources that may assist adoptees seeking information about birth family search and reunification processes.

See Related Organizations →
Growing Resource Library

Future Identity Resources

Additional informational resources, guides, and reference materials will continue to be added as this section expands.

Suggest a Resource →

Knowledge

🌱 Haneul Guides

Original guides and informational resources created to help Korean adoptees navigate identity, connection, travel, family search, language, and cultural reconnection.

This section is actively being expanded. Additional guides, educational resources, and informational materials will continue to be added as they are researched, written, reviewed, and developed.

Free Companion App

Haneul Companion

A mobile-friendly companion app for quickly opening Haneul resources, community links, language tools, Founder’s Corner reflections, and Media & Stories.

Search terms: Haneul Companion, companion app, Korean adoptee app, mobile resource app, App Store, Android home screen, install app, resource companion.

Learn About the Companion App →
Haneul Guide

First Trip to Korea

Practical information and lessons learned for adoptees preparing to visit Korea.

Guide in Development
Haneul Guide

Understanding Korean Family Registry

An introduction to Korean family registry records and their role in identity, family search, and citizenship inquiries.

Guide in Development
Haneul Guide

Learning Korean as an Adult Adoptee

Resources, tools, and strategies for adoptees beginning their Korean language journey.

Guide in Development
Haneul Guide

Preparing for Reunification

Thoughtful considerations and practical preparation for adoptees exploring family reconnection.

Guide in Development
Growing Resource Library

Future Haneul Guides

Additional guides and educational resources will continue to be added as the Haneul Resource Hub expands.

Growing Resource Library

Have an idea for a guide?

We are always looking for topics that may benefit Korean adoptees, birth families, and community members.

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Still looking?

Can’t find what you’re looking for?

We are continuously expanding the Haneul Resource Hub. If you know of a resource that may benefit the community, we welcome your suggestion.

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