Korean Ties
First Wave
The only program dedicated to First Wavers
OCT 2027
SEOUL • SEORAK • GYEONGJU • BUSAN
AGES 50+
Signature or Lite - which fits your journey?
CHOOSE YOUR EXPERIENCE
SIGNATURE
October 9 - 21, 2027
● 13 days of guided heritage experience
● Seoul, Gyeongju, Seorak Mountain & Busan
● Birth search assistance with NCRC
● Full group activities and community time
● Financial assistance available
❄️ Early Bird Registration ends January 31, 2027 ❄️
from USD
$5,400
LITE
October 9 - 18, 2027
● 10 days of guided heritage experience
● Seoul, Gyeongju and Seorak’s top heritage destinations
● Birth search assistance with NCRC
● Same Ties team support and community
● Financial assistance available
❄️ Early Bird Registration ends January 31, 2027 ❄️
$4,900
from USD
Questions about which journey is right for you? Contact Liz, Korean Ties First Wave Program Manager - she's happy to help.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Signature Track • 13 days
This is a representative overview of what to expect during Korean Ties First Wave
DAYS 1 - 4
Arrive in Seoul
group welcome, orientation & first cultural experiences. Visit NCRC and your agency office, if desired.
DAYS 8 - 10
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 5 - 6
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 18 rather than October 21.
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 PROGRAM MANAGER
Liz Kwon
Born in Seoul and raised in Wisconsin, Liz has been deeply rooted in the Korean adoptee community since childhood. After joining Ties Next Gen Korea in 2024, she transitioned to a full-time role as Program Manager and Tech Specialist in 2025. A seasoned speaker for organizations like KAAN and Adoption Mosaic, Liz brings professional precision and personal expertise to topics of identity, birth search and heritage travel. Currently residing in South Korea, she bridges her professional advocacy with her lived experience, providing a vital, on the ground perspective for the families and adoptees she serves.
Please note: Liz may not travel on every trip.
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Request information about 2026 or upcoming 2027 tours.