Korean Ties
21+
Our classic program - open to adult adoptees and their loved ones.
JUNE - JULY 2026
SEOUL • BUSAN • GYEONGJU • SEORAK
21+
Signature or Lite - which fits your journey?
CHOOSE YOUR TRACK
Both tracks include birth search assistance and shared group experiences.
SIGNATURE
June 28 -
July 10, 2026
13 days • Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju & Seorak Mountain
13 days of guided heritage experience
Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju & Seorak Mountain
Birth search assistance with NCRC
Full group activities and community time
Financial assistance available
from USD
$4,995
LITE
June 28 -
July 7, 2026
10 days • Seoul, Busan & Gyeongju
10 days - ideal for shorter availability
Seoul, Busan & Gyeongju’s top heritage destinations
Birth search assistance with NCRC
Same Ties team support and community
Financial assistance available
from USD
$4,495
Questions about which track is right for you? Contact Tanya - she's happy to help.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Signature Track • 13 days
This is a representative overview of what to expect during Korean Ties 21+
DAYS 1 - 4
Arrive in Seoul
group welcome, orientation & first cultural experiences. Visit NCRC and your agency office, if desired.
DAYS 5 & 6
Busan Exploration
KTX to Busan where we will support local single parents in addition to heritage experiences
DAY 7
Gyeongju
day trip to Gyeongju, capital of the Shilla dynasty.
DAYS 8 - 10
Busan & Seorak Mountain
cultural experiences in Busan and and overnight trip to Seorak Mountain, where we may catch the beginning of the fall leaves
DAYS 11 - 13
Seoul & Departure
final cultural experiences, group celebration, and flights home
Lite Track
9-day Version
Focuses on Seoul, Busan & Gyeongju. Departs for home on October 19 rather than October 22.
Full sample itinerary available by requesting our info packet.
Frequently asked questions about Korean Ties
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While a lot of adoptee heritage tours to Korea emphasize that it is your first time traveling or that you are required to do a birth search, we have neither of these requirements. We believe that going on a Ties tour is about your journey as an adoptee. Whether you have been back before, and/or, if you choose not to do a birth search - both are choices that you get to make. We will also support you if you change your mind and decide to do a birth search while in-country.
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Item descriptionAll searches will now go through NCRC (National Center for the Rights of the Child). Your program manager will have guidance for file review or family search.
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That’s great! We are here to support you on every step of the way. We do not have pre-requisites for prior travel to Korea; you are welcome to join us if you have been back 2 years ago, 20 years ago or not at all.
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Ties does not accept funding from the government or government-run organizations.
YOUR KOREAN TIES 21+ PROGRAM MANAGER
Tanya Kaanta
Tanya is a Korean adoptee and former academic. She has a Ph.D. in Sociology and an M.S. in Student Affairs in Higher Education with a focus on intercountry adoption, identity formation, emotion work, advocacy, and agency. Prior to Ties, she worked 20 years in higher education supporting students, teaching sociology, and conducting evaluation research. She has spoken at multiple Heritage Camps and first started working with Ties as an adjunct team member for Kazakhstan in 2019, where she loved connecting with both adoptees and parents. Along with her husband and teenage daughter, she currently splits her time between Colorado and living abroad, while their son attends college in Colorado. In her free time you can find her walking along the ocean or reading romance novels.
Please note: Tanya may not travel on every trip.
Ready to begin?
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Request information about 2026 or upcoming 2027 tours.