EARLY BACKGROUND (1950s-1980s)
Korean International Adoption began in the early 1950s and 1960s. The South Korean government had formed overseas adoption under the Ministry of Social affairs. For about ten years or so the majority of the children who were sent overseas were mixed-race children who were usually a result of American military fathers as well as Korean women. These children were often viewed negatively, as they were seen as inferior for their biracial features. Following the Korean War, there was an estimated 200,000 South Korean Children that were put up for adoption -- many of them were brought to the United States, primarily by white families.
Korean Adoption rose after the Korean War had left many families poverty-struck and struggling to provide for their families. It wasn't just mixed children of military fathers anymore. During the 1970s and 1980s, many of the Korean adoptees were out of wed-lock pregnancies or single mothers who had been abandoned.
Korean Adoption rose after the Korean War had left many families poverty-struck and struggling to provide for their families. It wasn't just mixed children of military fathers anymore. During the 1970s and 1980s, many of the Korean adoptees were out of wed-lock pregnancies or single mothers who had been abandoned.