By Kim Young-jin
Staff reporter
Korean adoptees from around the world are converging in Seoul this week for what could be the largest such gathering ever.
Hosted by the International Korean Adoptees Associations (IKAA), the event aims to build community and promote dialogue and understanding between adoptees and Korean society.
The gathering, which meets every three years, is known as the most internationally inclusive and largest Korean adoptee conference in the world. Organizers expect some 800 participants this year, which would be its best turnout ever.
The festivities, held at Lotte Hotel in downtown Seoul, kicked off yesterday and will conclude with a closing ceremony Sunday.
The IKAA Gathering 2010 will feature a comprehensive range of workshops, forums, and presentations, as well as fun events such as an “Adoptee Amazing Race” and the ever-popular Adoptee World Cup soccer match. A mini-film festival and art gathering will also be held.
This year’s activities will focus on bridging gaps between the adoptee and Korean communities by encouraging participants to forge international relationships and become active participants in Korea’s globalization.
After the closing ceremony, some of the participants will embark on a tour of Korea that includes stops in Jeju and Gyeongju, led by Tim Holm, the organization’s president and a fellow adoptee.
IKAA was established to bolster communication and build global relationships among adoptees and to provide resources for the adoptee community. For more information, visit www.ikaa.org.