Korean Adoptee & Interpreter Support Resource
IKAA with support from adoptees and interpreters has put together a new guide to help Korean adoptees and Korean-language interpreters navigate conversations. Interpreting for Korean Adoptees – Guidance for Adoptees and Interpreters covers topics from cultural differences to shared learnings for birth family searches and reunions.
This resource provides insights to help both adoptees and interpreters navigate the unique challenges of adoption-related conversations, ensuring that communication is both effective and compassionate. It was created with input from adoptees and interpreters to address common challenges. If you’re an adoptee who will be utilizing a language interpreter or an interpreter looking to better support adoptees, this guide is for you! You can access the document using the following link Interpreting for Korean Adoptees – Guidance for Adoptees and Interpreters
Why This Was Created: This guidance document was developed because interpreting for adoptees involves more than just language translation – it requires cultural sensitivity and an understanding of the unique challenges adoptees face. Many adoptees seek interpreters for deeply personal and emotional experiences, such as searching for birth family, navigating legal and adoption records, or reconnecting with Korean culture. However, interpreters may not always be familiar with the complexities of adoption, and misunderstandings can arise due to differences in cultural expectations, emotional responses, and communication styles. By providing guidance for both adoptees and interpreters, this document helps set clear expectations, ensures more accurate and respectful communication, and supports the emotional well-being of all parties involved.
Looking for a Korean language interpreter?
IKAA proudly endorses Art of Interpretation (AOI) as a trusted resource for Korean adoptees seeking interpretation support. Since the 2023 Korea Gathering, we have worked closely with founder and lead interpreter Hyujin Crystal Choi to pilot services with adoptees, which have received consistently positive feedback. Ongoing feedback will continue to shape and strengthen the guidance document and interpretation service.
Interpretation with Care, for Moments That Last a Lifetime
The Art of Interpretation (AOI) brings a team of professionally trained interpreters who specialize in supporting Korean adoptees through some of the most meaningful and often emotional moments of their lives. With formal education in interpretation and translation, and a deep understanding of cross-cultural communication, we offer both skill and sensitivity where they matter most.
We have quietly stood alongside Korean adoptees, providing interpretation during deeply personal journeys, often involving reunions with birth families. Since 2023, we’ve been honored to support IKAA, beginning with the 2023 IKAA Korea Gathering. We stepped in because we saw how easily meaningful moments and conversations can be misunderstood without interpretation that brings care, clarity, and cultural understanding.
To help make this service more accessible, we offer a special rate for Korean adoptees at $55 / hr. It’s our way of supporting a meaningful cause, ensuring that important conversations are never out of reach. Additional discount for 2025: With support from the Overseas Koreans Agency (OKA), IKAA and AOI are able to subsidize interpreter costs and offer a reduced rate of $25/hr (down from $55/hr). Funding is available for 2025 on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you’re planning a reunion or reconnecting with Korea, we’re here. You’ll be met with warmth, respect, and clear communication.
To request interpretation support, please fill out the google form below with basic information about your session. All submissions will be treated with strict confidentiality and used only to help us provide the best support possible.
Founder & Lead Interpreter,
Hyujin Crystal Choi
Google form: https://forms.gle/rFEH7JhrFcDcPpKT8
E-mail: artofintkr@gmail.com
Note: Please note that the AOI is independently operated and not managed by IKAA. IKAA does not oversee individual sessions and is not responsible for the availability, quality, content, or outcomes of the interpretation provided.