"Adoption, Another Way to Become a Family"... Colorful Events Held for Adoption Day

Gwangju City Holds Commemoration Ceremony at Family Land
Commendations Awarded; Efforts to Improve Awareness of Adoption Culture

Gwangju City held the "20th Adoption Day Commemoration Event" on the 10th at Gwangju Family Land, attended by about 150 people including adoptive families and agency officials. Photo by Gwangju City

To mark "Adoption Day" (May 11), Gwangju City held the "20th Adoption Day Commemoration Event" at Gwangju Family Land on May 10.

Adoption Day is a statutory commemorative day established to signify that "one family adopts one child, creating a new family." It is observed annually on May 11 to encourage healthy domestic adoption and to raise awareness about adoption culture.

With the slogan "Adoption is another way to become a family," the city organizes an annual event with adoptive families to improve perceptions of adoption and to foster a healthy adoption culture.

About 150 people, including adoptive families and representatives from adoption agencies, attended the event. Various citizen-participation programs were held, including a bubble show and magic performance, an adoption photo exhibition, an adoption quiz, and experience booths for adoptive families, all of which received a positive response. During the commemorative ceremony, commendations were awarded to Lee Insoon and Lee Hyunmi for their contributions to promoting adoption culture.

Lee Youngdong, Director of the Department of Women and Family, stated, "Every child has the right to be loved and to grow up healthy," and added, "As public responsibility for adoption grows, Gwangju City will reflect the voices of adoptive families in policy and strengthen sustainable support systems."

Meanwhile, Gwangju City is working to reduce the financial burden on adoptive families by providing child-rearing allowances for adopted children, subsidies and medical expenses for children with disabilities, congratulatory payments for adoption, and psychological therapy fees. The city also continues to offer post-adoption services such as counseling.