Korean Ties First Wave

What is First Wave?

First Wave is an idea that was created by a friend of Ties, who had organized a heritage trip for adoptees 50+. We quickly realized how the first wave of adoptees from Korea share a unique qualitative experience and wanted to offer a program that reflects our commitment and support to adoptees. In addition, the owner and Director of Ties is also part of this First Wave from Korea. She'll be traveling with the group on our inaugural trip October 2025.

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On a First Wave trip, you'll find adult Korean adoptees aged 50 and up, traveling solo or accompanied by those who are a part of their lives including spouses, friends, significant others, children of adoptees, siblings, and extended family. We believe adoptees traveling alongside other adoptees is invaluable. We will personalize your experience, tailoring it to your interests, while emphasizing reconnection with Korean culture.

First Wave: Flagship

October 18 - 30, 2025

11 Days

Visit Seoul and Busan's Top Destinations

Reconnect with People and Places

Request Information

Register for Flagship

First Wave: Lite

October 18 - 27, 2025

9 Days

Visit Seoul and Busan's Top Destinations

Reconnect with People and Places

Request Information

Register for Lite

Discover Other Ways to Travel to Korea with Ties

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Not ready to travel yet?

Pre-register now to get first access to registration for your preferred year.

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Day 1 - Arrive in Incheon and Welcome Orientation

Day 2 - City Tour (Gyeongbok Palace, Bukchon, Dongdaemun), Connect and Chat/Talk Time (CC/TT) at hotel. Optional walk to Myeongdong food market and shopping

Day 3 - NCRC Visits (National Center for the Rights of the Child)

Day 4 - Depart to Busan by KTX. Fish and International Market

Day 5 - Free Day (Optional Tour Gyeongju)

Day 6 - Cultural Experience (Cooking Class or Simliar)

Day 7 - Depart to Seorak Mountain via KTX train

Day 8 - Mt. Seorak National Park: Cable Car and Sinheungsa Temple

Day 9 - Return to Seoul. Evening Nanta Performance.

Day 10 -

Flagship: Optional Day - DMZ, Coex, War Museum

Lite: Participants depart to US

Day 11 - Folk Village Tour and Seoul Tower

Day 12 - Free Day and Farewell Dinner in the Evening

Day 13 - Depart to the US

For those adoptees who wish to view their file or conduct a birth search, we'll invite you to let us know about your wishes for reconnection. Working with the social service agencies in Korea and the NCRC (National Center for the Rights of the Child), and sometimes your US agency, we will arrange visits as requested. There are times when significant people cannot be found or are not available. Similarly, there are times when the places you would like to visit are closed or have ceased to exist. Agencies in Korea and the NCRC will help with the research involved. Should you need customized transportation, translators/guides, etc., we will discuss those options and costs as they are available.

Inclusions:

Comprehensive pre-travel materials to help prepare logistically and emotionally for the journey, a very important part of each traveler’s readiness for this amazing, life-enhancing experience
A Korea First Wave Group Leader and Adoption Specialist who builds bridges, creates community that encourages reflective conversations, and deals with the details enabling you to enjoy the journey
Assistance thinking through the significant people and places you'd like to visit related to your adoption and how visits might impact the adoptee's birth country experience
Moderate or first-class accommodations with private bath, including tax and service fees
Welcome and airport transfers upon arrival and departure, and transportation for all inclusions
Transportation between locations (Seoul to Busan) included in the journey
All sightseeing, inclusions, admissions listed in the information packet (click to request)
(B)reakfasts, (L)unches and (D)inners as shown in the information packet (click to request)
All gratuities for group meals
An English-speaking Korean guide who will share Korean customs, lifestyle, and humor

Exclusions:

International airfares
Passport and/or Visa fees
Tips and Gratuity
Personal expenses, spending money
Any meals that are not included on the information packet itinerary
Excursions or Extensions that travelers opt into during their time in-country including travel to the adoptee's province or city of birth.
Optional activities
Transfers between the airport and the hotel before or after the main tour itinerary (unless previously discussed)

Prefer to travel to Korea without a larger group? For some adoptees and their loved ones private travel is the best fit. Visit our page on Private Travel to learn the reasons private travel may be for you, or contact our Korea First Wave Program Manager, Tanya Kaanta, to discuss the possibility of private travel (please include details like dates, length of visit, reconnections you'd like to make, why you think private travel is right for you, and any other information you'd like us to know).

While we excel in individualized trips, we generally recommend group travel for adoptees and their loved ones. Whatever your preference, a transformative heritage journey awaits – let us help you create memories that last a lifetime.

Day 1 - Arrive in Incheon and Welcome Orientation

Day 2 - City Tour (Gyeongbok Palace, Bukchon, Dongdaemun), Connect and Chat/Talk Time (CC/TT) at hotel. Optional walk to Myeongdong food market and shopping

Day 3 - NCRC Visits (National Center for the Rights of the Child)

Day 4 - Depart to Busan by KTX. Fish and International Market

Day 5 - Free Day (Optional Tour Gyeongju)

Day 6 - Cultural Experience (Cooking Class or Simliar)

Day 7 - Depart to Seorak Mountain via KTX train

Day 8 - Mt. Seorak National Park: Cable Car and Sinheungsa Temple

Day 9 - Return to Seoul. Evening Nanta Performance.

Day 10 -

Flagship: Optional Day: DMZ, Coex, War Museum

Lite: Participants depart to US

Day 11 - Folk Village Tour and Seoul Tower

Day 12 - Free Day and Farewell Dinner in the Evening

Day 13 - Depart to the US

For those adoptees who wish to view their file or conduct a birth search, we'll invite you to let us know about your wishes for reconnection. Working with the social service agencies in Korea and the NCRC (National Center for the Rights of the Child), and sometimes your US agency, we will arrange visits as requested. There are times when significant people cannot be found or are not available. Similarly, there are times when the places you would like to visit are closed or have ceased to exist. Agencies in Korea and the NCRC will help with the research involved. Should you need customized transportation, translators/guides, etc., we will discuss those options and costs as they are available.

Inclusions:

Comprehensive pre-travel materials to help prepare logistically and emotionally for the journey, a very important part of each traveler’s readiness for this amazing, life-enhancing experience
A Korea First Wave Group Leader and Adoption Specialist who builds bridges, creates community that encourages reflective conversations, and handles the details enabling you to enjoy the journey
Assistance thinking through the significant people and places you'd like to visit related to your adoption and how visits might impact the adoptee's birth country experience
Moderate or first-class accommodations with private bath, including tax and service fees
Welcome and airport transfers upon arrival and departure, and transportation for all inclusions
Transportation between locations (Seoul to Busan) included in the journey
All sightseeing, inclusions, admissions listed in the information packet (click to request)
(B)reakfasts, (L)unches and (D)inners as shown in the information packet (click to request)
All gratuities for group meals
An English-speaking Korean guide who will share Korean customs, lifestyle, and humor

Exclusions:

International airfares
Passport and/or Visa fees
Tips and Gratuity
Personal expenses, spending money
Any meals that are not included on the information packet itinerary
Excursions or Extensions that travelers opt into during their time in-country including travel to the adoptee's province or city of birth.
Optional activities
Transfers between the airport and the hotel before or after the main tour itinerary (unless previously discussed)

Prefer to travel to Korea without a larger group? For some adoptees and their loved ones private travel is the best fit. Visit our page on Private Travel to learn the reasons private travel may be for you, or contact our Korea First Wave Program Manager, Tanya Kaanta, to discuss the possibility of private travel (please include details like dates, length of visit, reconnections you'd like to make, why you think private travel is right for you, and any other information you'd like us to know).

While we excel in individualized trips, we generally recommend group travel for adoptees and their loved ones. Whatever your preference, a transformative heritage journey awaits – let us help you create memories that last a lifetime.

Other Ways to Travel to Korea with Ties

Heritage Trips: Korean Ties

Experience the wonders of Korea on our heritage tour designed for adoptees and their loved ones.

More Details

Korean Ties for Adult Adoptees

This Korean Ties trip is specifically designed for adult Korean adoptees who want to experience what it might be like to live in Korea.

More Details

YOUR TIES PROGRAM MANAGER

Tanya Kaanta

Tanya is a Korean adoptee and former academic. She has a Ph.D. in Sociology and an M.S. in Student Affairs in Higher Education with a focus on intercountry adoption, identity formation, emotion work, advocacy, and agency. Prior to Ties, she worked 20 years in higher education supporting students, teaching sociology, and conducting evaluation research. She has spoken at multiple Heritage Camps and first started working with Ties as adjunct staff for Kazakhstan in 2019, where she loved connecting with both adoptees and parents. Along with her husband and teenage daughter, she currently splits her time between Colorado and living abroad, while their son attends college in Colorado. In her free time you can find her walking along the ocean or reading romance novels.

Please note: Tanya may not travel on every trip.

Tanya@TheTiesProgram.com

(303) 731-2230

Learn More About Our Team

Frequently Asked Questions

The average size of our heritage travel groups can vary depending on the country and specific trip itinerary. Typically, our groups range in size from 20 to 70 participants. The size of the group is influenced by factors such as the destination, the type of trip, and the preferences of our travelers.

For specific information about the group size for a particular trip or destination, please feel free to reach out to us directly. We can provide more detailed insights based on the specific heritage journey you are interested in.

We aim to create inclusive and engaging experiences for our travelers while ensuring that each participant receives personalized attention and support throughout the journey.

Yes, anyone important to your journey is welcome to join our trips, subject to availability and trip-specific considerations. Many of our participants choose to travel with loved ones who share an interest in exploring their heritage and culture. Our goal is to facilitate meaningful experiences for all participants, including extended family members and friends who wish to join the journey.

Also, we encourage you to check out our blog post on "Questions Adoptees Should Ask When Choosing Travel Companions for a Heritage Journey" to help determine who to bring on your heritage trip. For more information about bringing extended family members or friends on a specific heritage trip, please contact us so we can assist you further.

Yes, we welcome registrations of larger groups interested in participating in our heritage trips. Registering a big group allows for a shared experience and can enhance the journey for all participants.

To accommodate a big group, we recommend reaching out to us directly to discuss availability, logistics, and any special arrangements that may be needed. Our team is committed to facilitating memorable and enjoyable experiences for groups of varying sizes.

No, the registration fee is separate from the program fee. For travel insurance purposes, the registration fee is a separate administrative charge that covers processing and securing your spot on the trip and does not count as the first land payment. The first land payment refers specifically to the initial installment of the program fee, which covers the costs of accommodations, transportation, and activities during the heritage trip.

If you have specific questions about the payment structure and its impact on travel insurance, feel free to reach out to our team for further assistance.

Visa requirements vary depending on the destination country. Some countries may require visas for entry, while others allow visa-free travel. Look up your destination using the U.S. State Department's Learn About Your Destination search tool. On the country’s information page, you will find entry, exit, and visa requirements. You will also find travel advisories and a link to the country’s embassy. It's important to check the specific visa requirements for your destination well in advance of your travel dates. Our team can assist you with visa information and guidance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

Absolutely! Our itineraries include designated free time where participants can explore independently, relax, or pursue personal interests. This allows adoptees and their loved ones to customize their experience and make the most of their journey. Costs are adjusted accordingly based on the activities participants choose. Travelers are not required to attend every activity on the itinerary. You are welcome to opt out of an activity or day as long as you inform your group guide. Additionally, some of our trips offer days with options to choose between activities or to enjoy free time instead. Please note that the program fee covers all planned activities, and opting out of certain activities is a personal decision that does not affect the program fee.

Cancellation policies varies by trip, and is included in the information packet you will receive when submitting an Information Request form.

Ties is both a group and an adoptee + loved ones travel experience. Planning involves coordinating group activities and services AND customizing for each adoptee and those traveling with them.

Customizing individual adoptee connections involves gathering information from adoptees and their loved ones related to their personalized desires; contacting them to confirm understanding of their desires; gathering further information, if necessary; asking questions; assembling this information in a format our in-country partner prefers; exchanging correspondence with the in-country partner related to individual requests; communicating information with each adoptee and their loved ones which may lead to further requests; communicating with our in-country partner on additional requests; working with our in-country partner on customized individual itineraries that mesh with larger group activities; monitoring these arrangements; and accommodating changes that may need to be made. This work begins shortly after registration is received and continues through departure.

We strongly recommend the purchase of travel insurance and highly suggest obtaining cancel-for-any-reason coverage.

Throughout your journey, Ties staff will facilitate informal, optional discussions and activities for adoptees and adult loved ones traveling.

Connect & Chat provides a space for adoptees and internationally adopted siblings to form connections and build community, with adoptees. These gatherings aim to strengthen bonds, foster inclusivity, and ensure everyone has a good time. Some Connect & Chat sessions delve deeper into personal reflections based on participant needs. Our skilled staff are adept at facilitating these organic discussions.

Adult loved ones traveling with adoptees are invited to our signature Talk Time sessions, which are more discussion-based than activity-based. While all activities are optional, Connect & Chat and Talk Times are highly rated by participants, and we encourage your participation.

*Groups of 25 or fewer people may be accompanied by a well-trained staff member with adoption expertise serving as the group leader. For groups with less than 10 participants, an in-country guide will accompany the group. In this scenario, your program will not include Talk Time or Connect & Chat sessions.