Thanks to all who joined us this summer!
We hope to see you again at some future IKAA event!
Note: Adoptees living in Korea may request a special discount (email info@ikaa.org).
Rethinking What’s Possible
The 2023 IKAA Korea Gathering
July 10th to 16th 2023
We’re excited to announce the next IKAA Korea Gathering taking place July 10th to 16th, 2023 at COEX and other venues in Seoul, Korea. Held every three years, the Korea Gathering is a unique opportunity to explore Korea while connecting with the global adoptee community. Explore new ways to discover and engage with Korea, lift up diverse adoptee stories and experiences, and facilitate connections and understanding. Thousands from over 15+ countries have attended past Gatherings. You can expect some similar programming from previous years, but we will also be making exciting new changes!
The theme of the IKAA Gathering 2023 is Rethinking What’s Possible. International adoption from Korea is approaching 70 years old and Korean adoptee-led organizations have existed for over 35 years. The community has come a long way in grassroots community building, post adoption services, and advocacy. Today, we continue to see adoptees discovering the community and widespread digital technologies have enabled adoptees to find, connect, and collaborate in ways that weren’t before possible.
Rethinking ways to build, explore, and empower our community
Build multi-generational and global connections to better understand our diverse community, and show what we can accomplish when we work together.
Explore new ways to discover and engage with Korean food, culture and history. It doesn’t matter if this is your first time back or if you’re an experienced traveler to Korea.
Empower adoptees and tell our own stories. As a community, we can acknowledge hardships and injustices. And we can celebrate our accomplishments and strengthen resilience through joy.
IKAA Korea Gathering Itinerary
A view into the week of programming. Session details and specific locations will be provided in the conference app for registered attendees. Note: Attendees select only one Community Dinner time slot and some events will require sign-up. IKAA Korea Gathering programming is only open to invited or registered attendees.
Virtual Sessions (Pre-Gathering)
Saturday/Sunday - June 17/18
Family Welcome Event @ JBK Hall
Monday - July 10 (11am - 1pm)
Family Program Lunch and Activities
Monday - July 10 (1pm - 4pm)
Return to Seoul @ CGV Theater
Monday - July 10 (2pm - 4pm)
Newcomers Welcome Reception @ JBK Hall
Monday - July 10 (5pm - 7:30pm)
Community Dinner 1 - Traditional Korean Food
Monday - July 10 (5:30pm)
Community Dinner 2 and 3 - Traditional Korean Food
Monday - July 10 (6:30pm)
Opening Ceremony (private event, registered attendees and invitation only) @ Coex
Tuesday - July 11 (10am - 12pm)
Opening Reception @ Coex
Tuesday - July 11 (2pm - 4:30pm)
Geographies of Kinship @ CGV Theater
Tuesday - July 11 (5pm - 7pm)
Community Dinner 4 - Traditional Korean Food
Tuesday - July 11 (7:30pm)
Research Symposium @ Coex
Wednesday - July 12 (9am - 5pm)
Adoption Healing through Sound and Touch @ON Yoga
Wednesday - July 12 (10:15-11:45am)
Amazing Race Scavenger Hunt
Wednesday - July 12 (12:30pm)
Community Dinner 5 - Traditional Korean Food
Wednesday - July 12 (5:30pm)
Community Dinner 6 and 7 - Traditional Korean Food
Wednesday - July 12 (6:30pm)
Presentations / Discussion Groups / Workshops @ Coex
Thursday - July 13 (9:30am - 6pm)
Gwangjang Market Tour
Thursday - July 13 (1:30pm)
Seongsu Tour
Thursday - July 13 (1:30pm)
Baseball Game @ Jamsil Stadium
Thursday - July 13 (6:30pm)
Presentations / Discussion Groups / Workshops @ Coex
Friday - July 14 (9:30am - 6pm)
Family Programming
Friday - July 14 (10am to 1pm)
Gwangjang Market Tour
Friday - July 14 (1:30pm)
Seongsu Tour
Friday - July 14 (1:30pm)
Concert @ Nodeul Island
Friday - July 14 (7:30pm)
Presentations / Discussion Groups / Workshops @ Coex
Saturday - July 15 (9:30am - 6pm)
Mother Dear @ CGV Theater
Saturday - July 15 (6:30 - 8:30pm)
Presentations / Discussion Groups / Workshops @ JBK Hall
Sunday - July 16 (9:30am - 3:30pm)
Closing Reception @ JBK Hall
Sunday - July 16 (3:30pm - 5:30pm)
Closing Party
Sunday - July 16 (8:30pm)
Virtual Sessions (Post-Gathering)
August
COEX, A New Location
Heading to Gangnam
COEX will be the primary location for the IKAA Korea Gathering. Programming, including the Opening Ceremony, Research Symposium, Workshops / Presentations / Discussion Groups, Closing Reception and more will be held at or near to COEX. COEX is located in Gangnam (south of the river). The location provides convenient access to public transportation like buses and the subway (line 2, 7, and 9). See COEX’s site for directions and map.
Accomodations
We recommend that attendees stay near COEX for convenience. One major advantage of this location is the number of accommodation options in the area. There are a number of hotels which are walking distance to COEX. Additionally, past participants have stayed at Airbnbs and Guesthouses. The map below shows hotels in close proximity to COEX. See the full map and list/links of nearby hotels here. They vary in size, amenities, and price point. Overall, participants have many options for accommodation and can stay in close proximity to other attendees.
