For decades, South Korea struggled to shake off the painful label of being one of the world’s largest "orphan exporters." Beginning with the aftermath of the Korean War and continuing into the era of single mothers placing children for adoption, overseas adoptions had long outnumbered domestic ones. But now, that narrative is starting to change — and the numbers prove it.
According to recent statistics released for 2024, only 58 children from South Korea were adopted overseas in the entire year. That marks an 82% drop compared to five years ago — a dramatic and meaningful decline that signals a turning point in South Korea’s adoption landscape.
From Global Exports to Local Care
The fall in overseas adoptions is not just a numerical drop; it represents a deeper cultural and policy shift. For years, the stories of adult adoptees returning to Korea in search of their birth parents — often featured in tearful, poignant TV documentaries — highlighted the emotional scars of forced separation and identity loss.
But in contrast to the decline in international adoptions, domestic adoptions in Korea have steadily increased. In 2024, there were 154 domestic adoptions, almost triple the number of overseas placements. This reversal becomes even more striking when compared to 2019, when overseas adoptions made up 45% of all adoptions in Korea. Back then, domestic and international placements were nearly equal.
Today, the primary destinations for Korean children adopted abroad are still the United States (70.7%), Australia (8.6%), and Canada (6.9%).
A Gender Balance at Home — But Not Abroad
Another positive sign is the narrowing gender gap in domestic adoptions. In Korea, the number of girls adopted slightly exceeded boys by just 0.6%, signaling a healthy shift in societal perceptions. This is in sharp contrast to international adoptions, where male children account for more than 72%, reflecting a long-standing preference for boys abroad.
A New Era of Adoption Policy
Until now, the Korean government largely relied on private adoption agencies to handle both domestic and international adoptions. But starting July 2025, a public adoption system is expected to be established.
Under the new policy, local governments will take an active role in determining whether adoption serves the best interest of the child. For international cases, the Ministry of Health and Welfare will make the final decision. A bilateral review and certification system between Korea and receiving countries is expected to ensure the suitability of adoptive parents, making the process more transparent and child-focused.
Building Systems for Birth Family Tracing
A persistent issue for many adoptees has been the lack of access to birth records. To this day, only about 1% of adoptees successfully locate their birth parents. Even when adoption records are found, data from the Ministry of Health and Welfare show that over half lack sufficient information for a successful reunion.
The new system aims to address this. Not only will there be better record management, but also more robust procedures for information disclosure and support for adoptees seeking birth families — especially for those who return as adults in search of their roots.
Conclusion
The decline in overseas adoptions and the rise in domestic placements mark a major shift in South Korea’s approach to child welfare. No longer defined by painful separations and international departures, the country is beginning to foster a more self-sufficient, child-centered adoption culture — and in doing so, rewriting its global reputation.
“We’re not exporting children anymore — we’re protecting them at home.”
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