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smiling little boy adopted from Korea wearing camo shirt and hat in front of red car

Adopt from Korea

Since 1956, Holt has helped to unite more than 36,000 children from South Korea with permanent, loving families in the U.S.

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Holt established the first international adoption program in South Korea.

In Korea, children waiting for permanent, loving families are typically 2-3 years old at the time they join their adoptive families and have moderate medical or developmental needs. Most are in nurturing foster families and receive exceptional in-country care while they wait to join their families. With a unique expertise cultivated over more than 65 years in Korea, our Korea team is well equipped to guide your family through the adoption process. We will work closely with you to anticipate needs, overcome obstacles and support you throughout your journey to welcome a child into your family.

Intake for the Korea program is currently closed and Holt’s Korea adoption program is not accepting standard process applications. Contact us at [email protected] to learn about Holt’s other country programs and the children who need families!

Children in Korea Who Need Families

  • Children are on average 2-3 years old at the time they join their adoptive families.
  • More boys than girls from Korea need families through international adoption, and families cannot specify a gender preference.
  • Families must be open to a child with needs, including prenatal alcohol/tobacco exposure and developmental delays. Contact us at [email protected] for more information on common child needs.
  • All children stay in nurturing foster families while they wait, and a significant amount of information is typically available about the child, including any known/reported history from the child’s birth family.
  • Older children and those with more involved needs are featured on our waiting child photolisting.
  • Children with few or no identified needs are adopted domestically in Korea. As a result, Holt needs families able to parent a child with more involved needs.
waiting child photo listing graphics

Meet the children waiting for a family

Please subscribe to our Korea waiting child newsletter to see and read about waiting children from Korea.

Eligibility Requirements & Fees

couple sitting at home viewing virtual adoption financing webinar on their laptop

Need help funding your adoption?

Families adopting through Holt receive free, professional guidance and support from a one-on-one finance coach throughout their adoption process. Even if you’re just considering adoption, email us to set up your first consultation today!

Stories About Adoption from Korea

Korea Adoption FAQs

Vietnam children in orphanage waiting to be adopted

Help Protect International Adoption for Children

Your gift today will help a child be adopted, care for them while they wait, and even ensure that they receive critical post-adoption help for life!

Start Your Journey in Adoption

Whether you are considering adoption or are ready to apply to adopt, we have many free ways for you to explore our programs or get started.

Request Free Adoption Information

Click below to complete our inquiry form or email us at [email protected] to connect with one of our adoption specialists.

Adoption Info Meetings

Check out our free, virtual adoption information meetings open to families in all 50 states!

Apply Online

Ready to start your adoption journey? The first step is to create a Holt portal account, then submit an application. Click below to log in or create a new portal account. If you’re already in touch with Holt or have worked with Holt previously and do not have a portal login, email [email protected] to access your account!

Hear What Families Have to Say About Adopting Through Holt

Inquire About Korea Adoption

Holt is ready to answer your questions! It only takes a few minutes to submit your inquiry. Our adoption specialists will be in touch with you within one business day.

Intake for the Korea program is currently closed and Holt’s Korea adoption program is not accepting standard process applications.

Holt International is a Hague-accredited agency with adoption programs in these locations: