“Proud Korean… Adoptees who healed their wounds by finding their roots” [Global Korean] / YTN Korean”
Maryse Josse – “The Miracle of Reuniting with Birth Parents.” / YTN Korean
“Overseas Adoption: 160,000 People… ‘I Want to Find My Korean Parents’ / KBS 2023.10.14.”
Register for Chuseok Dinner (1/10/23)
Interview of Ran
Ran: “My French friend Camille who was my student interviewed me about my life in Europe.
The interview takes place entirely in Korean.
I put the French translation.
Camille lives in Korea to study Korean at the University of Ehwa and she will soon return to France. Soon it will be my turn to interview her to ask her how she studied Korean! Because she recently passed the TOPIK level 4!”
Interview of Sunwoo Potié [vidéo in French]
Sunwoo is KAB’s photographer
Adoption stories
“Au pays des enfants abandonnés”,
Un reportage de Camille Le Pomellec, Minju Song, Byoungsoo Kim, Colin Guillemant pour Hikari Presse diffusé dans “Envoyé spécial” le 1er juin 2023.
Korean adoptees returning to Korea
https://youtu.be/FdSbuN5p9FU
Korean adoptee reunites with her birth mother
https://youtu.be/2hfT8PJYG4U
Story of Kara Bos. This 36-year-old had to sue in order to be acknowledged by her biological father in South Korea. Her lawsuit could impact thousands.
https://youtu.be/J40_YJ9Qk7w
South Korea’s cruel Adoption Industry | Korea adoptee’s interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWFAZX2Vv_8
A mother searched her son for 48 years… https://www.facebook.com/100067046185454/posts/pfbid0nneCuGRBEdgSwQ5xkmdakiE6MTxfRBGAeJC5KinA3HaSTs54BjriYtdjfEjrqB74l/
Travel in Korea August 2023 for KAB members in partnership with Racines Coréennes of France
Interview of Sarah Maréchal [in French]
K-food
Website with authentic recipes: https://kimchimari.com/recipe-index/
What are the best Korean restaurants in Belgium according to chef Sang Hoon Degeimbre? [Article in French] 👉Anju, Maru, Iyagi, Table d’Ho, Mokja
5 restaurants where to eat Korean in Brussels [Article in French] 👉Itaewon, Bap&Dak, Nom Pow, Maru, Iyagi
Where to eat korean in Brussels? [Article in French] 👉Seoul, Maru, Hana
Sang Hoon Degeimbre opens Anju, a new Korean restaurant in Brussels [Article in French]
Korean restaurants in Belgium:
(disclaimer: KAB do not recommend any of these restaurants, we just gathered information from the web for you)
👉contact us if you see something to be changed
Brussels & surroundings
| Anju | Rue de la Source 73, 1060 Saint-Gilles | 0492 51 28 09 https://www.anju.be/ | |
| Maru | Ch. de Waterloo 510, 1050 Ixelles | +32 2 346 11 11 https://www.facebook.com/marubrussels | |
| Iyagi | Rue Longue Vie 40, 1050 Ixelles | +32 2 647 58 47 https://www.facebook.com/iiiyagiii/ | |
| Itaewon | Rue Lesbroussart 49, 1050 Ixelles | +32 492 07 80 94 http://www.itaewon.be/ | |
| Bap & Dak | Rue Lesbroussart 55, 1050 Ixelles | +32 2 361 56 59 http://www.bapanddak.be/ | |
| Hana | Rue Saint-Boniface 21 1050 Ixelles | +32 2 502 52 41 http://www.hana-resto.be/ | |
| Seoul | Rue capitaine Crespel 14, 1050 Ixelles | +32 2 513 17 25 http://www.seoul-resto.be/ | |
| Tchingu | Rue du trône 133, 1050 Ixelles | +32 2 511 35 15 +32 472 45 62 87 tchingu.business.site | |
| Pin Korean BBQ & Hot Pot | Rue du Marche aux Poulets 10, 1000 Bruxelles | +32 485 13 86 83 http://www.facebook.com/pinhotpot | |
| Yummy Bowl | Rue des Eperonniers 49, 1000 Bruxelles | +32 495 35 69 05 +32 02 265 1802 https://yummybowl.be/fr | |
| Ki’hap | Rue Gréty 73, 1000 Bruxelles | +32 468 11 35 59 https://www.instagram.com/kihap.friedchicken/ | |
| Nom Pow | Pt Rue au Beurre 14, 1000 Bruxelles | https://www.nompowrestaurant.com/?l=fr | |
| Tokkebi | Rue des Eperonniers 8, 1000 Bruxelles | https://instagram.com/tokkebi.bxl | |
| Omonni Korean Fried Chicken | Rue des Palmiers 45, 1150 Woluwe-Saint-Pierre | 0493 13 96 53 https://www.omonni.be/ | |
| *** | *** | *** | |
| Korean BBQ | Leuvensesteenweg 147A 3080 Tervuren | +32 2 308 88 92 | |
| Choolchooli | Stationsstraat 95, 1930 Zaventem | +32 494 41 74 17 https://www.instagram.com/choolchool_i/ | |
| Toki | Passage Pieter van Aelst 30b, 9300 Aalst | +32 492 44 90 60 https://tokiaalst.com/ |
Braine-l’Alleud & Wavre
| Annyeong | Place du Môle 13, 1420 Braine-l’Alleud | +32 468 42 31 91 https://www.restaurant-annyeong.be/ | |
| Gangnam | Rue Provinciale 244, 1301 Wavre, Belgique | +32 10 88 80 17 https://www.gangnamkoreanrestaurant.be/ |
Namur
| Coréen Grill | Chaussée de Dinant 924 , 5100 Namur | +32 (0) 81 566 678 https://coreengrill.be/ |
Liège
| closed |
Leuven
| XLBBQ | Tiensestraat 16, 3000 Leuven | 016 22 75 58 http://www.xlbbq.eu/ | |
| Oh, my kimchi! | Busleidengang 6d 3000 Leuveen | 016752777 http://www.ohmykimchi.be/ | |
| koreasnacks | Mechelsesteenweg175, 2220 Heist-op-den-Berg (tussen Antwerpen en Leuven) | 015 73 07 77 http://www.koreasnacks.be/ |
Antwerpen
| Table d’Ho | Gitschotellei 188 2140 Antwerpen | 03 298 91 51 http://www.tabledho.be/ | |
| Picniq | Sint-Jorispoort 12, 2000 Antwerpen | picniq.be | |
| KBAP Korean Cuisine | Sint-Katelijnevest 39, 2000 Antwerpen | 0468 58 82 29 |
Bruges
| Madam Wong’s Bar | Langestraat 20B 8000 Bruges | https://madamwongsbar.business.site/ |
Gent
| Hey Joo | Oudburg 18, 9000, Gent | https://heyjoo.be/ | |
| Mokja | Wiedauwkaai 23J, 9000 Gent | 0485 70 03 31 mokja.be | |
| Kim’s Kitchen | Oudburg 23, 9000 Gent | 0487 55 38 20 https://www.kimskitchen.eu/ |
YTN 20 years of overseas broadcasting around the world… YTN that connects ‘Koreans’ pride and sense of identity [Global NOW] / YTN korean
Interview of Laure Badufle [in French]
Korean culture
[pdf doc in French]
Overseas adopted children returned as artists… ‘Homeland’ themed exhibition
by Kimura Byol Lemoine, 13 April 2023
To mark the 70th anniversary of overseas adoption, international adoptees will visit their home countries and hold an art exhibition at the National Assembly and Insa-dong for a month.
The Arts and Culture Association with Overseas Adoptees (KADU, CEO Park Chan-ho) held the opening ceremony of the ‘KADU Overseas Adopted Artist Exhibition’ at 3:00 pm on the 10th at the special exhibition hall in the 2nd lobby of the National Assembly Members’ Hall.
This exhibition is co-hosted by Rep. Sujin Lee, Minjung Kang, and Seongju Kim from the Democratic Party of Korea, and independent members Hyeongbae Min and Mihyang Yoon, and KADU.
At the opening ceremony, Rep. Soo-jin Lee (Dongjak-eul, Seoul) said, “This year marks the 70th anniversary of overseas adoption. We need to do our best in enactment and budgeting,” he demanded.
Park Chan-ho, CEO of KADU, said, “It is not the fault of the adoptees that they do not know the Korean language or culture.”
In the exhibition, 28 adoptees from 11 countries, including the United States, Germany, Canada, Denmark, France, Sweden, Belgium and Norway, will present 80 paintings, photographs, installation art, and videos on the theme of ‘motherland’. These works contain the pain experienced during the process of overseas adoption and the longing for the hometown. They plan to tell Korean audiences their stories as well.
Until the 15th, it will be held at the special exhibition hall of the National Assembly Members’ Hall, and from the 19th to May 2nd, it will be moved to the Maru Art Center in Insa-dong. A conversation with the artist is also scheduled at 3:00 pm on the 23rd.
In line with the exhibition, a forum will be held on the 21st at 2:00 p.m. at the National Assembly Members’ Hall with the theme of ’70 years of international adoption, rethinking international adoption’. On the 22nd, a traditional exorcism performance with the theme of ‘motherland’ will be held.
Meanwhile, KADU also carries out volunteer activities such as giving Korean names to international adoptees and lighting candles of hope for overseas adoptees. Photographers Park Chan-ho, Park Jong-myeon, Lim Anna, Yoon Jeong-mi, children’s writer Lim Jeong-jin, traditional artist Lee Mi-young, national intangible cultural asset Kim Hye-gyeong, and Jeonnam intangible cultural asset Kim Jeong-hee are active as members.
Music
Top 10 music in Korea: http://world.kbs.co.kr/service/musictop10.htm?lang=f&start_year=2022&rank_date=2022-07-10
[Arirang Special] Song So Hee (송소희), ‘Arirang Alone (홀로 아리랑)’
Feel the Rhythm of KOREA: SEOUL
Movie & K-drama
Movie “Retour à Séoul” 
Synopsis: On a whim, 25-year-old Freddie returns for the first time to South Korea, where she was born. The young woman sets off with ardor in search of her origins in this country which is foreign to her, tipping her life in new and unexpected directions.
Released: February 8, 2023
Interview of the realisator and the main actress: https://www.arte.tv/fr/videos/113302-001-A/la-coree-du-sud-selon-davy-chou-et-park-ji-min/
🎬 BSFF Brussels Short Film Festival 26 APR > 06 MAY 2023
There are 7 Korean short films
🎬 BIFF at Heysel this April.
Program
https://www.bifff.net/program/
KAB News & Events
Information on selection of 2024 Korean government Scholarship Program for Graduate Degree (Global Korea Scholarship: GKS)
https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/be-en/brd/m_7437/view.do?seq=761073
11 Février 2024 – Pictures Seollal @ Restaurant Gangnam
February 11th – Seollal 2024 @ Gangnam restaurant
The year 2024 is the year of the blue dragon. May it bring you peace, love, and excellent health !
For this occasion, we have the pleasure of organizing Seollal on Sunday, February 11th at 12:00 PM at the Gangnam restaurant in Wavre.
We offer an exceptional tasting menu at the price of €40 for members and €45 for non-members. To secure your spot, please make reservations and payments before Wednesday, February 7th, through our website. Seats are limited, so don’t delay !
GANGNAM RESTAURANT – 11 February 2024 @ 12h00
Rue Provinciale 244, 1301 Wavre
https://maps.app.goo.gl/jggzbJ2XocJqkSY58
You can register here :
https://forms.gle/eRNsP4WHgSUSHVCP8
Events agenda 2024
The year 2023 is coming to an end… Throughout this year, we have organized events aimed at bringing our community together and creating unforgettable memories. We want to express our sincere gratitude for your consistent presence and unwavering support! Each experience has been a valuable lesson for our young association, and we are confident that these lessons will contribute to making the year 2024 even more exceptional!
Here’s a sneak peek at what we have in store for the upcoming year:
Seollal: 10-11/02/2024
Sports day in collaboration with the Korean community: May 2024
BBQ: Mid-August
Adoption Day: Late October 2024
Gala: December 2024
12 November 2023 – Korean Adoptee’s Day
On November 9th, it is World Adoption Day.
« What is #WorldAdoptionDay?
#WorldAdoptionDay is a day to lift up all voices in the adoption community, to share your story, to reflect on your adoption journey and to connect with those touched by adoption. Every adoption journey is different but most stories often start from a painful place where a mother and a child are tragically separated.» (World Adoption Day)
On this occasion, KAB is pleased to invite you to an afternoon of reflection and sharing on the journey of adopted Koreans. This experience will be approached from the perspective of everyday racism towards the Asian community, its impact on the daily lives of adoptees, their social, professional, and emotional relationships, as well as the consequences for integration.
When : November 12, 2023, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Where : 4 Rue de la Régence, 1000 Brussels
Details : Free entry with prior registration via email: contact@k-a-b.be
Registration closes on October 31, 2023
Program
2:00 pm – Welcome
2:10 pm – President’s speech
2:15 pm – Introduction
2:25 pm – Dialogue between Sung-Shim Courier, journalist at l’Echo and author of the podcast/audio creation “Vous avez eu tous les visages,” and Shahin Mohammad, consultant and speaker on inclusion and diversity
3:15 pm – Open debate for all and Q&A session
4:45 pm – Drinks and relaxation moment
2 December 2023 Korean GALA (FULL)
With great pleasure, we invite you to our ‘Korean Gala’ organized in partnership with the Korean Community on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 5:30 PM at Chalet du Laerbeek (Avenue du Laerbeek, 145 – 1090 Jette).
As the number of seats is limited to 120, they are likely to be reserved quickly.
You can register via our email address contact@k-a-b.be by mentioning:
- GALA
- Last Name – First Name
- Number of adult seats
- Number of children and/or student seats
If you are a contributing member of KAB (with up-to-date membership fees)
Upon receipt of your full payment to account number BE34 7340 6719 0390, we will confirm your reservation by email. The early registrants will be served first.
If there are no more seats available when you make your payment, you will be added to a reserve list and notified by email. You will, of course, be refunded if necessary.
Reservations will be closed on November 24.
For parking, we recommend parking along Avenue de Laerbeek (please be cautious, as this road is not illuminated in the evening and at night).
Google Maps: Chalet du Laerbeek
You will find the prices, practical information, and the detailed program for the evening below.
A friendly, festive evening with a touch of magic is guaranteed.
Dress code: Evening attire or Hanbok.
We look forward to welcoming many of you!
2023 IKAA Korea Gathering – Opening Ceremony Video
This video showcases the @IKAA_org network and their partner organizations, as well as their multidecade long histories of providing support and services for the Korean adoptee community across the US, Europe and Australia.
It was created as a celebration of the 6th IKAA Korea Gathering held in July 2023 in Seoul, with more than 450 attendees from 19 countries! The IKAA Korea Gathering is the world’s largest global Korean adoptee conference.
Check out ikaa.org for more information.
2 December 2023: KAB Gala dinner + spectacle with the Korean community
Note already the date 2 dec!
(details soon…)
12 November 2023 12h-19h: Day of the adoptee, conference / debate at the KCC in Brussels
(details soon…)
7 October 2023 19h Braine l’Alleud: KAB Diner & Bowling
Restaurant and bowling evening on Saturday 7 October at 7 p.m. in Braine-l’alleud. The evening will be co-organized by facebook group Fans de Corée with K-A-B: Korean Adoptees in Belgium.
Where: The world is small. Buffet at 7:00 p.m.
https://lemondeestpetits.com/
Then BowlFactory at 10 p.m. 2 parts.
http://www.bowlfactory.eu/
Registration via facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/koreanadopteesinbelgium/permalink/2462500550570496/
6 October 2023 18h-19h: KAB General Assembly
(details soon…)
1 October 2023 Chuseok Dinner
KAB is co-organizing a Chuseok lunch with our friends from Kapero on Sunday, October 1st.
Location: Cafeteria Le Bardok in Malines. Catered by Table d’Ho in Antwerp.
Program: 12:00 PM – Arrival, 12:15 PM – Speech, 12:30 PM – Buffet, 1:30 PM – Quiz.
Price:
€35 for non-member adults without beverages.
€27 for adult members without beverages.
€19 for children under 12 without beverages.
Click on the link below to register to the event :
13 August 2023: KAB BBQ at Bois des Rêves
Pictures of this event on 13/08/2023
KAB’s pictures (by Sunwoo)
Video: https://www.facebook.com/437351358150776/videos/250540597803437/
Reunion after 49 years! Soon and Tim arrived in Belgium the same day
11 August 2023: The KAB team met the new Ambassador of Korea in Belgium M. Ryu Jeonghyun and the Vice-Consul Mrs. Jun Misun, to discuss future collaborations.
Pictures of this event on 11/08/2023
KAB’s pictures (by Sunwoo)
10 July 2023: The KAB delegation is now in Seoul for the IKAA gathering!
Fred’s Angels (Valérie, Sarah, Souki)
We’re excited to announce the next IKAA Korea Gathering taking place July 10th to 16th, 2023 at COEX and other venues in Seoul, Korea. Held every three years, the Korea Gathering is a unique opportunity to explore Korea while connecting with the global adoptee community. Explore new ways to discover and engage with Korea, lift up diverse adoptee stories and experiences, and facilitate connections and understanding. Thousands from over 15+ countries have attended past Gatherings. You can expect some similar programming from previous years, but we will also be making exciting new changes!
The theme of the IKAA Gathering 2023 is Rethinking What’s Possible. International adoption from Korea is approaching 70 years old and Korean adoptee-led organizations have existed for over 35 years. The community has come a long way in grassroots community building, post adoption services, and advocacy. Today, we continue to see adoptees discovering the community and widespread digital technologies have enabled adoptees to find, connect, and collaborate in ways that weren’t before possible.
Pictures of this event on 10/07/2023
KAB’s pictures (by Sarah)
7 July 2023: KAB is now on Instagram ! https://www.instagram.com/korean_adoptees_in_belgium/
2 July 2023: KAB has the pleasure to announce that Sandra joined the KAB team as Treasurer, and Maryse joined the KAB team as Event Manager, Michael (who was already in the team) becomes the IT Manager. Welcome to all 💐, let’s do fantastic things together!
Top: Sarah (Public relation) and Michael (IT). Below: Myriam (Secretary), Maryse (Event Manager), Sandra (Treasurer) (not on this picture but in the team: Frederick, Valérie, Sunwoo, Ran, Tim)
17-18 June 2023: The Korean Festival HALLYUTOWN 17-18 June was a huge succes!!,
HALLYUTOWN will be celebrating everything Korean! You will get the chance to try korean food and snacks, get the smoothest skin with Korean skincare and enjoy the many cultural aspects from this amazing country!
Pictures of this event on 17/06/2023
KAB’s pictures (by Tim)
Pictures of this event on 17/06/2023 (part 2)
KAB’s pictures (by Sunwoo)
Videos from RTL Television over Hallyu Town, featuring Frédérick and Evelyn from KAB !!
https://www.rtl.be/page-videos/belgique/societe/les-journees-de-la-culture-coreenne-se-tiennent-ce-week-end-bruxelles/2023-06-17/video/560363
12 June 2023: a new testimonial video of Sunwoo has been broadcasted on Korean TV YTN: watch it here (as well as the previous ones from Laure, Minjin, Kisuk, Sunny, Frédérick, Sarah)
3 June 2023: Korean Bazaar – Wezembeek-Opem
Korean Bazaar – June 3rd – Wezembeek-Opem 
Event organized by the Korean community
Pictures of this event on 03/06/2023
KAB’s pictures (by Sunwoo)
29 May 2023: Korean Language Courses 2023/2024 in Brussels (KCC). Info, schedule and registration: https://brussels.korean-culture.org/en/646/board/438/read/123052
25 May 2023: Inauguration of the new korean restaurant ANJU in Brussels 🇰🇷
Michelin-starred chef Sang Hoon Degeimbre opens a restaurant in Brussels devoted to Korean cuisine, “Anju”
“Anju” is a “casual” bistro style, with Korean codes, surprises, fun and above all taste.
“I designed the restaurant menu and created the recipes that will be followed to the letter by the team in place. I will remain the guarantor of the quality of the cuisine of chef Victor, who has become familiar with the tastes, but also with the elegance and purity of Korean cuisine My trip to Korea inspired me for the restaurant, but it also comforted me in the concept.
Several Korean dishes will be served, of course with homemade kimchi (fermented cabbage). Anju refers to a meal during which one eats dishes accompanied by drinks. I also create the wine and spirits list, with soju and makgeolli. The latter is a drink that is similar to a wine and enhances a dish. Also worth trying is cheongju, which is considered a wine since it results from the sedimentation of makgeolli to harvest the translucent part.”
Where? Rue de la Source 73, 1060 Saint-Gilles
The Anju restaurant was inaugurated on May 25, in the presence of the Korean ambassador, many journalists and friends, as well as the KAB team.
Pictures of this event on 25/05/2023
KAB’s pictures (by Sunwoo)
13 May 2023 11h: Sport day with the Korean community 🇰🇷
on 13 May 11h Parc Malou
Badminton, Softarchery, Pétanque, Volley, Onewheel (demo), drawing contest for the children.
Pictures of this event on 13/05/2023
KAB’s pictures (by Sunwoo)
16 April 2023: KAB has the pleasure to announce that Myriam joined the KAB team as secretary. 💐Welcome Myriam!
📢KAB is still looking for a treasurer
14 April 2023: Travel in Korea August 2023 for KAB members in partnership with Racines Coréennes of France, all info here
12 April 2023: 2023 OKFriends Homecoming Youth Camp, OKF program summer 2023 for young people 18-25 at university, 1 week in Korea in July 18 – July 25 (7 nights, 8 days) -OR- August 1 – August 8 (7 nights, 8 days), completely free for adoptees and children of adoptees (flight, hotel, transportation, meals). register rapidly, more info here
10 April 2023: 2 new testimonial videos from Sarah and Frédérick have been broadcast on Korean TV: watch them here (as well as the previous ones from Laure, Minjin, Kisuk, Sunny)
11 March 2023: KAB organized its first restaurant event. It was very pleasant to meet old friends and also meet new members and friends. KAB gathered more than 50 peoples, and had special guests from the Korean Community, the Korean Cultural Center and the Korean Consulate. #Korean food #good mood #friendship #raffle #presentation of KAB.
Pictures of this event on 11/03/2023
KAB’s pictures (by Sunwoo)
16 February 2023: as from today you can register as member of KAB, thank you for your support! Register here.
12 February 2023: KAB co-organized its first event, the screening of the film “Retour à Seoul” followed by a debate with Laure Badufle, the person who inspired the film’s script. This event was a great success with many participants, a very good film, a moving story, a very interesting debate, and a great atmosphere.
February 12, 13h45, Brussels cinéma Palace. New movie “Retour à Séoul” in the presence of Laure Badufle, the person who inspired the screenplay of the movie.
RETURN TO SEOUL, Davy Chou
FR/BE/KR, 119′, 2022, VO ST FR/NL
The Palace is pleased to organize a film-debate around the film RETURN TO SEOUL. The meeting will take place at the end of the film in the presence of Laure Badufle (who inspired the screenplay of the film by Davy Chou, the director) and will be moderated by Frédérick Van Der Plassche of the association KAB, Korean Adoptees in Belgium.
The meeting will be in French.
Synopsis: On a whim, 25-year-old Freddie returns for the first time to South Korea, where she was born. The young woman sets off with ardor in search of her origins in this country which is foreign to her, tipping her life in new and unexpected directions.
Pictures of this event on 12/02/2023
KAB’s pictures (by Sunwoo)
31 January 2023: 7pm Brussels, Palace: New movie “Retour à Séoul” Avant-première
26 January 2023: KAB – Korean Adoptees in Belgium is the new name of the Korean adoptees Association in Belgium, which replaces the previous Association BAK. It starts its activities very soon in February 2023. Please check all the planned activities here below on this website. A new team is active. Come and join us! We will be very happy to meet you!
Visa for adoptees & Useful links:
Embassy of Korea in Brussels: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr/be-en/index.do
Procedure to get the Visa F-4 (for Adoptees): https://pafcoree.or.kr/2022/12/05/mon-actualite/ (information for France)
F4 Visa is quite interesting for Adoptees, it is valid 5 years and is renewable. With this visa you can work and study, and it is easier to get than than student visa or working visa. Once you have the visa you can ask for an ARC (Alien Registration Card) at the immigration office, with this ARC you can go to Korea anytime and as long as you want. To get this F4 visa (info for Belgium specifically, update of 31/08/2023):
- Application form (doc you can find on the Embassy website)
- An ID photo
- A passport with min 6 months validity
- A criminal record certificate, this document can be asked to your commune (normally is free), this document in French or Dutch does not need to be translated.
- An adoption certificate, issued by the korean adoption agency, this document must have your Korean name and your Belgian name, the doc is in Korean and English, so it does not need to be translated. It can be requested by email from the adoption agency.
- Cost is normally +/- 82€
- It takes 1 week to get, but you need an appointment at the Korean consulate, it takes 1 or 2 weeks to get an appointment online)
- Normally (to be confirmed) children of Adoptee also have the right to get the F4 visa, just need an extra document to prove the family relation.
- There is no requirement for language
- But when asking your ARC card you should have a residence address in Korea, this is the most complicated part (because some landlords do not want to give the attest because they do not declare their renting)
Nice Article from Vanessa Ricate [in French]
source: https://www.facebook.com/groups/138429644857862/permalink/631326988901456/
Existe t’il des sujets tabous? Pour certains oui, il y a des sujets à ne pas aborder et certains non, aucun tabou.
Évoquer le sujet de l’adoption en est-il un? À chacun son avis…
Peut être aussi sur le fait que ça soit « quelqu’un » d’autre qui l’évoque, ça peut paraître « étrange » voire gênant, et ce de manière maladroite…
Sur ça aussi, chacun(e) aura son avis.
Voyons ça comme un partage, non pas banal mais un partage comme on en voit souvent.
( pour la petite parenthèse, gardez à l’esprit que l’empathie est une belle qualité humaine… À condition de savoir l’utiliser à bon escient. )
Pour ce post, je vais reprendre ce qui a été écrit dans l’un de mes posts sur la diaspora coréenne:
« Contrairement aux autres pays, les coréens en France et en Belgique sont moins issus de l’immigration mais d’adoption….
Il existe très peu d’informations, certainement par soucis de confidentialité, mais selon quelques unes, les adoptions d’enfants sud-coréens auraient commencé après la guerre de Corée qui a laissé des orphelins. C’est en 1956, que la Holt ouvre un bureau au siège de l’armée du salut en Corée. L’association a été créée par Bertha et Harry Holt, un couple d’américains, qui ont fait passer une loi auprès du congrès.
Au fil des années, de nombreux enfants ont été adoptés par des familles belges.
En France, on compte approximativement entre 10000 et 11000 adoptés coréens.
Février 1995, l’association française des adoptés d’origine coréenne, Racines coréennes, est créée. Elle a pour but de favoriser la rencontre et les échanges entre Coréens adoptés en France, et de promouvoir les échanges socioculturels entre français et coréens, aide les adoptés dans leurs démarches…. »
Je vous propose cet article de RC, « HISTOIRE DE L’ADOPTION EN CORÉE – PAR ANNÉE »
« L’histoire de l’adoption en République de Corée est intimement liée à l’histoire du pays.
Depuis la Guerre de Corée dans les années 1950 et les différentes crises qu’a pu traverser la Corée, les adoptions nationales et internationales d’enfants coréens ont semé une diaspora qui s’étend à de nombreux pays et sur plus d’un demi-siècle.
Retour en arrière sur près de 70 ans de faits marquants, tant politiques que centrés sur l’adoption en elle-même »
Overseas Koreans Agency
source: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=648460700651212&set=a.458051436358807
Interview of Minjin [in French/Korean]
Guesthouse “Fleur Paris” in Paris
Guesthouse “Fleur Paris” in Paris, France, in a Korean family, usually for Korean tourists, but also for Korean adoptees.
10% discount for KAB members! and breakfast included
Paris sur les fleurs
Métro : Ligne 7 Villejuif – Paul Vaillant Couturier
TÉL : +33 6 48 48 99 31
ID Kakaotalk: flowerparis
Courriel : flower_paris@naver.com
Website : https://www.flowerparis.net/
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K-Culture
ArirangTV livestream 24h/24h
You can watch Arirang TV here: ArirangTV
Korean Cultural Center Brussels: https://www.facebook.com/koreanculturalcenterbrussels/
“Cet arbuste à floraison hivernale” korean poetry [In French]: http://world.kbs.co.kr/service/contents_view.htm?lang=f&menu_cate=culture&id=&board_seq=434494&page=1&board_code=
Poem by Caro Line [in French] 🌸 🌸 🌸 , link to her Facebook page
Visit Korea: https://vr.visitkorea.or.kr/
KAB Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/koreanadopteesinbelgium
The group is a community where all members can post and share, it is a private group but anyone can join, mainly Korean adoptees in Belgium and their relatives/friends.
KAB Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/KoreanAdopteesinBelgium
The page is managed by the KAB team, you can follow it but you cannot post anything.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/korean_adoptees_in_belgium/
Contact us
You can also send an email to
Partners
BamkoBooks is a Korean online bookstore and KAB members benefit from a 5% discount all year round !
Sandrine & Yatto (member of KAB)
Delicious pastries in Woluwe St Lambert Av Prekelinden 79
Sandrine & Yatto (member of KAB)
Taekwondo https://www.masterkim.be/
Pôle des Adoptés Francophones Corée
Racines coréennes and also on facebook
Korean Cultural Center Brussels https://brussels.korean-culture.org/en
KAB team
The KAB team members are all volunteers and work for free to make the KAB association live, they are all honest and do not benefit from any advantage, each pays his membership fee.
Frédérick Van Der Plassche – KAB President
Frédérick is born in Seoul and was adopted in 1973 by a Belgian (Dutch speaking) family. Has 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Speaks Dutch, French & English. Has a daughter (13 years old)
Studied hotel management and now International Flight Attendant at Brussels Airlines
His hobbies are sport, cooking, reading and traveling.
Has been to South Korea several times and has discovered the best food in South Korea.
🎬 Interview of Frédérick (2 videos)
Valérie Dangotte – KAB Vice-President
Valérie is born in Daegu in 1971, aged 1 month old when she’s found and was adopted 5 months later by a Belgian family. Later her parents adopted 2 other Korean children.
Speaks French, English & Dutch, and is legal assistant.
Has 2 sons (30 years old and 27 years old).
Her hobbies are watching Kdrama, listening to BTS’s songs (proud being an ARMY), traveling and being also the Vice-President of another non-profit organization which collects food from the supermarket and gives it to homeless and people in need. Is also group leader of another non-profit organization which helps disabled people.
Takes Korean classes (twice a week) in King Sejong Institute.
Came to Korea in 1998 (first time) with a program for Adoptees : YWCA, in 2017 (with her younger son), in April/May 2023 with some friends. Has already visited many Korean cities such as Seoul, Daegu, Busan, Jeju, Gyeongju, Jeonju, Andong
Sarah Maréchal – KAB Public Relations
Sarah is born in Busan and was adopted in 1973 by a Belgian family.
Has Belgian-native older brother & sister.
Speaks French, English & Dutch.
Has 1 daughter (21 years old) & 1 son (18 years old)
Began studying fashion design then set her sights on studying library science at a college of higher education, and art history (contemporary art) at the University of Brussels.
Is an administrative assistant in a European institution in Brussels.
Her hobbies are painting, music, literature, cinema, sports and travelling.
Was in South Korea for the 1st time (Seoul and Busan) in April 2011 on the occasion of the annual International Conference of Korean Journalists, as a “special guest”.
Discovered Korean cinema and Kdramas (which she is a fan of!) on long-haul flights, and Korean food thanks to the Shilla and Korea Market stores and Hana & Itaewon restaurants that have opened in the European capital.
Playing the harp and learning the changgo (janggu), Korean drum, since a workshop was held at the Korean Cultural Center in March 2022.
Took Korean culture courses at IHECS and Korean in 2021 with the King Sejong Institute, and has been taking private lessons with Ran Choi since 2022.
Myriam Lefrancq – KAB Secretary
“I was born in Seoul in 1975 and arrived in Belgium when I was 15 months old.
I spent most of my childhood in the Dinant region and I now live in Brussels.
Trained as a jurist, I now work in the social security sector.
I was lucky enough to reunite with my biological family at the age of 30. I went to visit them in 2005 and 3 years later, my family came to Belgium for ten days. I thus found my two sisters, my two brothers and my dad (my mom having died when I was 2 months old).”
Ran Choi – KAB Public Relations (Korean)
Ran is KAB Public Relations (Korean), and is also Korean language teacher
Maryse Josse – KAB Event Manager
My Korean name is Hyun Ja Oh.
I arrived in Belgium on December 26, 1976, at the age of 5 and a half.
I was adopted into a Belgian-French family in Mons. It was only later, at the age of 51, that I started searching for my Korean roots. Perhaps it takes sufficient maturity to receive, accept, and forgive. At 52 years old (already!), I am in a relationship and have two daughters, aged 30 and 21. I work in the public service of Wallonia in project management.
I am happy to volunteer with the KAB group because I find a sense of belonging to a community there. It allows me to share my experiences as an adoptee and reconcile with Korea.
Helping other Koreans to go through the same journey has a deep meaning for me and helps me feel fulfilled.
Michael Cheung – KAB IT Manager
Michael is KAB IT Manager
Valérie Maquinay – Penningmeester KAB
Hallo, mijn Koreaanse naam is Han Hyun-Mee. Ik ben geboren in Zuid-Korea en op 2-jarige leeftijd gevonden in Masan. Op 2,5-jarige leeftijd ben ik geadopteerd door een Belgisch gezin in de regio Luik (Verviers).
Ik heb gestudeerd om lerares lager onderwijs te worden, maar omdat ik geen werk kon vinden in mijn vakgebied, heb ik een opleiding gevolgd in management-accountancy. Na gewerkt te hebben in Vilvoorde en Brussel, ben ik naar Henegouwen verhuisd, en werk ik al 14 jaar als assistent-accountant voor een vzw in de buurt van Bergen.
Ik heb al 10 jaar een relatie en heb twee prachtige dochters, Amélie (19 jaar) en Abigaël (15 jaar).
Ik hou van reizen, koken (vooral de Koreaanse keuken), breien, haken en het kijken van K-drama’s. Mijn favoriete acteurs zijn Lee Joon-Gi, Song Joong-Ki, Kim Soo-Hyun en Ji Chang-Wook.
Mijn eerste reis naar Korea was in oktober 2022, en het was de mooiste reis die ik ooit heb gemaakt. Voor het eerst in mijn leven voelde ik me thuis en werd ik vervuld van ongelooflijke voldoening toen ik door de verschillende straten van de steden liep die ik had bezocht. Ik had me nog nooit zo goed gevoeld in mijn hele leven.
Sinds augustus 2023 volg ik privélessen Koreaans bij Ran.
Ik ben lid geworden van K-A-B om meer te leren over adoptie, andere geadopteerden te ontmoeten, te delen, uit te wisselen en deel uit te maken van deze gemeenschap die uniek voor ons is.
Adoption useful links
- G.O.A.’L. Stay – G.O.A.’L. (goal.or.kr) – Enjoy a studio apartment located in the heart of Seoul with quick access to the G.O.A.’L. office! (Global Overseas Adoptees’ Link)
- P.A.F (Kim Foucart) [in French]: https://www.facebook.com/pafcoreeAdmin
- NCRC (Philippe Kang): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011556889126
- Facebook group for adoptees searching for their families: Korean Adoptees searching for their birth families
- Support Services for Overseas Koreans: https://eng.korean.net/portal_en/support/overview.do
- Korean-English translator who helps adoptees with their research, it’s a paid service: https://www.facebook.com/groups/261155381193646/permalink/1290168954958945/
Travel useful links:
- Visit Korea: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr
- Koroot (Guesthouse for Adoptees): http://koroot.org/eng/main
- K-ETA (K-ETA is Korea Electronic Travel Authorization): https://www.k-eta.go.kr/
- K-ETA is not required for Belgian citizen during the period 01/04/2023 till 31/12/2024: https://www.k-eta.go.kr/portal/board/viewboarddetail.do?bbsSn=149899
- 2023 OKFriends Homecoming Youth Camp, OKF program summer 2023 for young people 18-25 at university, 1 week in Korea in July 18 – July 25 (7 nights, 8 days) -OR- August 1 – August 8 (7 nights, 8 days), completely free for adoptees and children of adoptees (flight, hotel, transportation, meals).
register rapidly, more info here (registration is closed now, but similar summercamps are organized each year) - Where to eat in Seoul?: seouleats.com
- Website to find a shared house in Korea
https://www.thecomenstay.com/
(cheaper than airbnb for long term stay, for students) - Website to rent a room in a host family https://www.homestay.com/ (cheaper and interesting for people who want to exchange with local people)
- Information about transportation in Korea: https://www.facebook.com/unboldecoree/posts/650378920448901
Archive
How to get your adoption file [in French], Philippe Kang
Interview of Sunny Boderi
Interview of Lauwens Ki-Suk – Jeong Jin-Tae
How to apply for a DNA test?
The Korean government helps the Korean adoptees to find their birth families by organizing a DNA testing. This is free and can be performed in the Korean consulates worldwide.
Some conditions: the adoptee must be still searching for his/her family and his/her adoption documents do not contain any other way to find the family (it means that if your file contains a family name then you can find your family without DNA testing).
You can download the files here :
Fill-in the 2 documents in English + copy of your ID + child photo (optional) + copy of your adoption file (just 1 or 2 main pages). Send all to the email address familysearch@ncrc.or.kr
Note: in the field “Submit to” indicate “Embassy in Belgium”.
The NCRC agency will then inform you if you are eligible to do the DNA test and will inform the consulate you have choosen, the consulate will invite you to come to their office. The test takes 30 min, and people at the consulate usually speak French and Dutch.
If you have some difficulties to understand the procedure please come to any of the KAB events and someone of the KAB team will help you (we know several persons who already did it).
More info here :
Korean language lessons
Korean language lessons given by Ran Choi
Our KAB Korean teacher Ran Choi gives Korean language lessons, it is online for individual or group. Price for individual teaching is 30 EUR per hour and 25 EUR per hour for the KAB members. Prices for group lessons are negotiable. Contact Ran for more information : ranana.tablet@gmail.com .
Ran has a facebook group for Korean language students : Joayo Corée
Self-study for free
You can easily learn Korean for free at your own pace.
We recommend some Youtube channels:
learn korean 365
https://youtube.com/c/LearnKorean365
JW Korea TV
https://youtube.com/channel/UCC1t7I4fGV6QJMVhlfHy1-w
Kendra
https://youtube.com/c/KendrasLanguageSchool
Learn Korean 101
https://youtube.com/c/koreanclass101
Talk to me in Korean
https://youtube.com/c/TalkToMeInKorean2009
Korean full course
https://youtube.com/c/KOREANFULLCOURSE
YoungYoon Korean (dialogue)
https://youtube.com/@YYKorean
Very good App to learn Korean that I recommend: “Kimiko coréen” [app in French] and “TOPIK” (search in Play Store or Apple)
An excellent tool to watch videos & K-dramas with 2 languages sub-titles: “Language Reactor”
This is a Chrome free extension (plug-in): https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/language-reactor/hoombieeljmmljlkjmnheibnpciblicm/related
It works with Netflix and Youtube
When you place your mouse on a word that you don’t know you have the translation of this specific word, and the video pauses automatically, just move out the mouse and the video continues. This is awsome!
Global Overseas Adoptees’ Link (G.O.A.’L)
Korean language scholarschip to study in Seoul (usually 30-50% off if you register through GOA’L) https://goal.or.kr/scholarship/
Some additional information (to help those interested, the information below applies to +/- all Korean universities):
- Typically 10 weeks and 200 hours lessons, 4 hours a day (what they call “semester” is actually a term or 3 months). There are 6 levels (2 beginners, 2 intermediate, 2 advanced), so 1.5 years in all, but of course you go as far as you want.
- Normal price is +/- 1400 USD per semester (tuition only).
- Up to 50% off, so very interesting.
- Discount only for GOA’L members, so for adoptees, max for 2 semesters at the same university.
- Language programs open for men/women even in universities for women.
- The application process is quite difficult from an administrative point of view, so start the process on time, I advise you to collect the required documents even before the application period opens. Example, if you graduated from university, ask for a graduation certificate signed by your university, then it must be legalized by the regional ministry of higher education (requires an appointment), then have it apostilled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (requires an appointment), then have it translated into English or Korean by a legal translator, and the translation must be legalized, then send it per mail to the university in Korea. They do not accept photocopies or scans, and no documents can be sent by email. For a high school diploma, same process but must be apostilled by the Korean consulate, for which you have to make an appointment online, which can sometimes take 1 week. The total cost of the administration steps is 100-200 Eur, and add 100-200 Eur if you need express delivery like DHL, Fedex.
- If you study only 1 semester (= 10 weeks) then you do not need a visa (Europeans can stay in Korea up to 90 days without a visa), but for longer periods it is advisable to have a student visa D-4. To obtain this visa, you must register for at least 2 semesters (and pay all semesters in advance), it is also necessary to have a certificate from your bank stating that you have at least 10,000 USD in your account ( not a simple screenshot, it must be signed by the bank and in English).
- If you are an adoptee, then you can apply for a F4 visa, which is more interesting than the other visas (study or work). It is valid for 2 years and can be renewed/extended easily. You just need an adoption certificate, a criminal record check (just ask your municipality, no translation required), a valid passport (min 6 months), a photo, then book an apointment at the consulate, it costs less than 100 EUR.
- This administrative complexity is unrelated to the GOA’L scholarship. This is generally the case for all foreign students applying to a Korean university.
- Hope this helps, good luck!
Nest Korea
Nest Korea is offering the 한글공부방 Korean Language Class! Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity!
More info: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=642782274517831&set=a.395805255882202
Looking to get started with Korean or improve your language skills without putting a dent in your budget?
National Center for the Rights of the Child (NCRC), together with King Sejong Institution Foundation (KSIF), is providing again free Korean courses to overseas adoptees living in Korea!
The applicant should:
-have a visa that allows them to stay in the country for the time of the course
-be able to commit to a minimum of 80% class attendance
More information:
Application form:
https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSdVeMLP05aEAs…/viewform
Application deadline is June 16 (KST).
For further inquiries, please contact NCRC’s Lee Hyun-Jin
02-6454-8697
guswls9876@ncrc.or.kr
#한국어
Always wanted to be able to watch K-dramas without subtitles? Or understand the lyrics of your favorite K-pop song? 
Apply for the Korean Language courses of the year 2023/2024!
The courses will run from the fifth week of August 2023 to the second week of June 2024, totaling 30 classes, which will include exams and various Korean cultural experiences.
[ Registration ] June 26 – June 28, from 6 PM to 8 PM
How to register: registrations must be done in person at the Korean Cultural Center located at Regentschapsstraat 4 Rue de la Regence, 1000 Brussels.
Places are LIMITED and are on a first come first served basis. (Max. 20 students per class.)
[ Pre-registration ]
• Pre-registration is only available for those who have passed the level test for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 terms with an attendance rate of 70 percent or higher.
• The Korean Cultural Center will send individual emails in mid-June to those who meet these criteria. We will not accept any other lists or registrations outside of this process.
For more detailed info (payment, class schedule, books, etc. ) see: https://brussels.korean-culture.org/…/438/read/123052
>> Update: beginner course was already sold out after 30 min!
Korean language course for adoptees living in Korea – fall 2023
Korean Language Class in Waterloo every Saturday (4h)
Become a member too…
Why are you a KAB member?
" Very interested in Asia since childhood, and following my meeting with Johan, a former president of KOBEL, I felt drawn to my country. KAB allows you to meet friends and share experiences during activities "
President
Frédérick Van Der Plassche
@KAB
Why are you a KAB member?
" I am an expat living in Belgium. I joined the group to meet and to help others if possible and do cool activities with other people who love Korea "
Public Relations
and Korean teacher
Ran Choi
@KAB
Why are you a KAB member?
" Proud to be Belgian and of Korean origin, I want to promote Korean culture to Korean adoptees and (future) lovers of Korea through the meetings and activities that we are going to organize! "
Public Relations
Sarah Maréchal
@KAB
Why are you a KAB member?
"I decided to get involved in the K-A-B association to create contacts and exchange with Koreans who have experienced the same journey as me, to better know my roots/culture and possibly help people who have not had my chance. to find their biological family."
Myriam Lefrancq
@KAB
Secretary
Why are you a KAB member?
"I rediscovered Korea in 1989, and since then I have been hanging out with other adoptees. I support KAB and everything that is done to promote meetings."
Tim
Why are you a KAB member?
" I'm one of the oldest adopted in Belgium. My motivation at KAB is to bring two cultures together with a great team. We are ready to assist everyone with advice and action. "
Vasco De Beukelaer
Why are you a KAB member?
"I joined the KAB group because I find a sense of belonging to a community where I can share my experiences as an adoptee and reconcile with Korea."
Event Manager
Maryse
@KAB
Why are you a KAB member?
" This page is for all members. Put your text here, for example: I want to meet other adoptees "
send us an email with your text and picture
what you do
Your name here
@your work
If you like what KAB does, and want to support us, please become a member, it costs only 25 EUR per year. Your membership fee is used to pay for the administrative costs of the association, and for the organization of events. KAB has strict rules for using the money responsibly.
Members benefit from reductions during activities and discounts at our partners.
One of our partners is BamkoBooks. Bamkobooks is an online bookstore and KAB members benefit from a 5% discount all year round ! (https://www.bamkobooks.com).
More will follow ! Thank you for your support!
Interview of Frédérick Van Der Plassche (our KAB president)
First interview of Frédérick by AGnès Calvache in Feb 2022.
Disclaimer: this video was recorded before the start of the KAB, and mentions BAK which is the previous association before KAB.