[ChristineVA]

Hi everyone -

I've been lurking for a few weeks and have done quite a bit of research on Guatemala adoptions but just started looking into Korea. (I attended one informational meeting for a local agency, but they do not have a Korea program.)

I've read about the basic requirements for Korea, but can anyone who has really researched both or who has been through both processes shed some light on what you think are the key differences or pros & cons of Korea? (We almost certainly would want a girl, which I assume is a longer wait.)

As far as cultural issues, I know virtually nothing about Korean history, culture, and the language. I speak pretty good Spanish & have several friends who are South/Central Americans & native speakers, so I feel a bit more of an affinity toward Guatemala for that reason. I don't know if that's important or not.

We're still undecided whether we want to adopt at all, let alone deciding on a country, but hearing from people who have been through the process is tremendously helpful in making such an important decision.

Thanks & good luck to all of you who are waiting for your babies!

[Carlee1boy]

Hi there,

We brought our son home from Guatemala last July, and accepted the referral of a baby girl born in South Korea just last month. I think there are many similarities between the two programs, including great foster care, the ability to bring home young babies, and good medical care.

You mentioned wanting a girl. If you adopt from Guatemala you can specify that, but expect a longer wait. If you choose Korea, you cannot specify a girl unless you only have boys already in your home. (and like Guatemala, the wait for girls is typically longer).

To contrast the two programs, I can say that I have already received tons more information (medical and otherwise) about our baby girl in South Korea than we ever did about our son from Guatemala. Also, the paperwork involved with Korea is significantly less, as they do not require a dossier.

So to us, these two programs were the most appealing. We loved our experience in Guatemala (and went over twice) and are looking forward to bringing home our daughter! Good luck in your decision. It is such a personal one, and you have to choose the one that is the best fit for you and your family.

Take care,
Carolyn

[dmrjcr]

With Korea right now, many agencies are restricting or eliminating altogether the ability to request a girl, even with boys in the home. That may be a consideration.

[Mandy4President]

Keep in mind that Guat is going to be putting a halt on their adoptions sometime next year. If you don't begin an adoption soon thru there, you may miss the deadline.

[hbrown24]

I think Carlee1Boy has some great advice. We brought home our daughter last year from Guat and had a wonderful experience. We are now considering Korea for our second adoption. You just have to go with your gut, if you feel more drawn toward Guatemala culture perhaps that is where your child is. I think both cultures are beautiful but very different (obviously!).


Like Mandy said, adoptions may be put on hold next year sometime, however it is the U.S. that is doing it. This all has to do with the Haugue. Go to the Guat forum for more info on that or guatadopt.com. We are not starting our adoption until Jan. which is why we probably won't go with Guatemala. Things are too rocky over there right now but if you started right away I'm sure it would be fine.

Good luck in whatever you choose. It is very personal and you have to go with what you feel most comfortable.

[ChristineVA]

Thanks for all the advice.

I did not realize we wouldn't even be able to request a girl from Korea, so that's good to know. We're open to a boy, but definitely our preference would be a girl.

I'm much more drawn to Guatemala than Korea, not just because of ability to request a girl, but other reasons as well. But I've done a lot of research on the Hague issues and I know that Guatemala may not be an option for us if we wait too much longer. At the same time, though, we have to be 100% confident in our decision before we move forward. So we know there's a chance we may miss the opportunity to adopt from Guat, but we think it would be worse to start pursuing an adoption that we don't feel completely ready for. Maybe we should start our homestudy anyway?

[Babybmine]

Please keep in mind that Guatemala may shut down all adoptions for a short period of time next year. If you are considering Guatemala please get info on how the process is going when you sign with an agency.

We have done both a Korea adoption and a Guatemala adoption. And both countries have alot of pros. We are very happy with the choices of countries that we made. If you have more questions feel free to pm me.
Carla

[ChristineVA]

Hi Carla -

I tried to pm you but your mailbox is full(?). I was wondering what agency you used for your Guat adoption. We know who we'd be using if we go with Korea but are still researching for Guatemala. You can PM me. Thanks!

[jpns]

without sounding crass, are korean adoptions less expensive than guat? We spent about 40K 2 years ago on our guat adopt, and are now considering a sister. any info would be great. Thanks jpns

[hbrown24]

Yes, Korea adoptions are less expensive. I have not adopted from there so I can't tell you 100% but I think total they are in the low $20s. If you travel it may be a little more.

[mommytoEli]

I just want to chime in b/c I lived in Korea and worked in an orphanage there in 1998/99. As much as I love the Guatemalan culture (hence my Guatemalan baby in the left hand corner), I also love Korea! THe people are amazing, the food is fabulous, and the country is beautiful. I hear alot about Guatemala not being safe to travel about, but I never felt that way in Korea. The language is not difficult to pick up....much much easier than Spanish. I have also noticed in the US that there are many Saturday and afterschool language programs for Korean children, and not many for Spanish speaking children.

[caseyjmu99]

We too were trying to decide between Korea, Guatemala (and China). I spoke with one of our potential agencies today, and they said that they could not in good conscience steer people towards the Guat program at this time. Things are just too unstable at this time. If you really want a girl you might want to consider China- I think 95% of the children available are girls.

[sslgdl]

I did want to add that it was pretty much confirmed to me also that Korea was changing their policy and you would not be able to choose gender. We were able to request a girl due to having 3 bio sons. One thing that wasn't mentioned is that there are 3 agencies in the US so far that have put all Korea adoptions on hold until atleast Nov. You can file you paperwork but it is held in their office until they decide what is going to happen. Also Korea is making a big change to their adoption program next year in which the babies will be put up for domestic adoption for five mos before being allowed for intl. adoption. I know that you mentioned having to know it is right for you before making the decision and I totally agree with that. If it wasn't for that fact we would already have our daughter but looking at all the changes going on with all the countries I don't know if I personally would take too much time - I would sit down and do some serious soul searching with my dh if those are the two countries you are interested in.

[our first baby]

Hi we have a son from Guatemala too and i am searching countries too..i didn't know there was another one that had foster homes? What is the cost for Korea? Time lines????? Please e mail me? Thanx..Cath`