Korea First Wave
What is First Wave?
Korea First Wave
10 Days
Visit Seoul's Top Destinations
Reconnect with People and Places
Discover Other Ways to Travel to Korea with Ties
Not ready to travel yet?
Pre-register now to get first access to registration for your preferred year.
The itinerary for the Korea First Wave trip is still being finalized, as this will be the inaugural trip for this brand-new program. We continue to work to create an unforgettable experience and will provide detailed information as soon as it is available. To stay informed about the First Wave Korea trip and receive updates along with the final information packet, please request information here or email Program Manager Tanya Kaanta.
Day 1 - Arrive in Incheon and Welcome Orientation
Day 2 - Agency Visits, Visit Gyeongbok Palace While Wearing Hanbok, and Enjoy Gwangjang Market
Day 3 - Discover the Yongin Folks Village, Namdaemun Market, and Insadong.
Day 4 - Travel to Gangwon. Visit the Gosung DMZ, Dosung War Museum, and Seorak Mt Gwongeumseong Fortress by cable car and Shinheung Temple
Day 5 - Experience the View of the Ocean by Rail Bike in the Morning. Visit the Cheomseongdae and Seokguram before traveling to Busan
Day 6- 9 - Visit the Hyundai Automobile Factory, Haedong Yonggung Temple, and Ride the Haeundae Blue Line Park Beach Train. Enjoy Free Time in the Afternoon.
Day 10 - Discover Temple Life, Including a Tea Ceremony, Arts & Crafts, Q&A with A Monk, and Lunch at The Temple.
Day 11 - Enjoy Time at an International Market, the Jagalchi Fish Market, and the Bupyung (Gangtong) Market Before Traveling Back to Seoul.
Day 12 - While in Seoul, Visit the Yongin University and Enjoy a Taekwondo Demonstration with A Chance to Participate. In the Afternoon, Shop for K-Beauty Products and Enjoy Street Food at Myeongdong.
Day 13 - Visit the NCRC (National Center for the Right of the Child), Visit Seoul-ro7017 (Highland Park), Namsan Tower.
Day 14 - Spend Time At The Doeksu Palace and Watch the Guard Changing Ceremony. Visit the Chunggae Stream, Gwanghwamun Plaza, and/or the Hangul Museum. Farewell Dinner On A Han River Dinner Cruise.
Travel to Incheon Int'l Airport For The Journey Home and Beyond.
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.
The itinerary for the Korea First Wave trip is still being finalized, as this will be the inaugural trip for this brand-new program. We continue to work to create an unforgettable experience and will provide detailed information as soon as it is available. To stay informed about the First Wave Korea trip and receive updates along with the final information packet, please request information here or email Program Manager Tanya Kaanta.
Day 1 - Arrive in Incheon and Welcome Orientation
Day 2 - Agency Visits, Visit Gyeongbok Palace While Wearing Hanbok, and Enjoy Gwangjang Market
Day 3 - Discover the Yongin Folks Village, Namdaemun Market, and Insadong.
Day 4 - Travel to Gangwon. Visit the Gosung DMZ, Dosung War Museum, and Seorak Mt Gwongeumseong Fortress by cable car and Shinheung Temple
Day 5 - Experience the View of the Ocean by Rail Bike in the Morning. Visit the Cheomseongdae and Seokguram before traveling to Busan
Day 6- 9 - Visit the Hyundai Automobile Factory, Haedong Yonggung Temple, and Ride the Haeundae Blue Line Park Beach Train. Enjoy Free Time in the Afternoon.
Day 10 - Discover Temple Life, Including a Tea Ceremony, Arts & Crafts, Q&A with A Monk, and Lunch at The Temple.
Day 11 - Enjoy Time at an International Market, the Jagalchi Fish Market, and the Bupyung (Gangtong) Market Before Traveling Back to Seoul.
Day 12 - While in Seoul, Visit the Yongin University and Enjoy a Taekwondo Demonstration with A Chance to Participate. In the Afternoon, Shop for K-Beauty Products and Enjoy Street Food at Myeongdong.
Day 13 - Visit the NCRC (National Center for the Right of the Child), Visit Seoul-ro7017 (Highland Park), Namsan Tower.
Day 14 - Spend Time At The Doeksu Palace and Watch the Guard Changing Ceremony. Visit the Chunggae Stream, Gwanghwamun Plaza, and/or the Hangul Museum. Farewell Dinner On A Han River Dinner Cruise.
Travel to Incheon Int'l Airport For The Journey Home and Beyond.
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
Experience the wonders of Korea on our heritage tour designed for adoptees and their loved ones.
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.
(303) 731-2230
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.
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.