THIS MONTH IN THE KOREAN ADOPTEE COMMUNITY - JAN. 2025
The site of Omma Poom Park in Paju, South Korea
By Jon Oaks
Korean-American Day: A Celebration of Heritage and Identity for Korean-American Adoptees
Korean-American Day, observed annually on January 13, marks the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States in 1903. For Korean-American adoptees, this day offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on their dual identities, celebrate their cultural heritage, and consider the shared experiences that connect the Korean-American diaspora.
Chef Kristen Kish
Actor Jenna Ushkowitz
Unlike many Korean immigrants who maintain ties to their homeland and communities, adoptees often navigate a different relationship with Korean culture, shaped by their upbringing in non-Korean families. This dynamic can evoke complex emotions—pride in being part of the Korean-American story, mixed with a sense of longing or disconnection from cultural traditions. Korean-American Day encourages adoptees to embrace their multifaceted identities and find strength in the shared history of resilience and contributions.
Adoptees have made remarkable contributions to Korean-American culture. Renowned chef Kristen Kish, winner of Top Chef, and actress and advocate Jenna Ushkowitz have brought visibility to adoptee stories through their talents and platforms. Their achievements highlight how adoptees are an integral part of the Korean-American experience.
This year, Korean-American Day takes on added significance with the upcoming grand opening of Omma Poom Park on June 13-14, 2025, in Paju, South Korea. Omma Poom Park, which translates to "Mother's Embrace," is the world’s first memorial park dedicated to Korean adoptees and their birth families. It serves as a profound acknowledgment of the unique journeys of adoptees and the sacrifices of their birth mothers.
The sculpture ‘Shadow Child’ by Woonsook Kim at Omma Poom Park
Developed in partnership with the U.S.-based nonprofit Me & Korea, Omma Poom Park will provide a sacred space for reflection, healing, and reconnection. The grand opening will feature the unveiling of a new display at the Peace Museum, showcasing photos and profiles of 1,000 Korean adoptees. This exhibit, an expansion of the original 2018 outdoor installation, includes updated stories, creating a powerful tribute to adoptees worldwide.
Leading up to the park’s opening, Me & Korea is organizing sightseeing tours for adoptees, their families, and friends. These tours offer participants the chance to experience Korea’s beauty, reconnect with their roots, and form meaningful bonds during this monumental event.
For Korean-American adoptees, Korean-American Day and the creation of Omma Poom Park underscore the importance of acknowledging heritage and identity. Whether through visiting Korea, exploring Korean-American history, connecting with adoptee communities, or celebrating in the United States, these moments foster reflection, healing, and advocacy.
As we honor Korean-American Day this year, let us celebrate the complexity of adoptee experiences while advocating for greater understanding and recognition within the broader Korean-American community. Whether by participating in cultural events, supporting Omma Poom Park, or simply reflecting on the journey of adoptees, this is a time to embrace resilience and the enduring connections to Korean heritage.
‘Mother’s Arms’ by Wang Kwang Hyun at Omma Poom Park
