Resources
As an organization, one of our core missions is to bridge the gap between adoptees (and their families) and their Korean heritage. By exploring and embracing the richness of authentic Korean culture, adoptees often discover a deeper sense of identity and connection to a larger community. This page offers curated links to valuable resources, helping families dive into the world of Korean literature, cuisine, cinema, and music. Enjoy the journey of cultural discovery!
Learn Korean with KORAFF!
Did you miss our latest event, or want to revisit the fun of learning Korean? We’ve uploaded the presentation from our Korean Language Learning session to share with everyone!
Learn Talchum & K-POP Dance
Missed our recent event or want to dance along again? We’ve uploaded the YouTube videos from our Talchum (Korean Mask Dance) and K-pop Dance sessions so you can join the fun anytime!
Talchum (Korean Mask Dance)
K-POP Dance Session
Korean TV Shows
Comedy Big League (코미디빅리그): This show, which ran from 2006 to 2019, featured a similar format to Gag Concert with a variety of comedians performing skits. It was known for its edgy humor and parodies of popular culture.
Gag Concert (개그콘서트): The granddaddy of Korean sketch comedy shows, Gag Concert ran for an impressive 21 years from 1999 to 2020. It featured a large cast of comedians who performed a wide variety of skits, from slapstick to observational humor. The show recently returned for a second season in November 2023, so you can catch new episodes as well!
Comedy Big League (코미디빅리그): This show, which ran from 2006 to 2019, featured a similar format to Gag Concert with a variety of comedians performing skits. It was known for its edgy humor and parodies of popular culture.
SNL Korea (코리아 코미디 쇼): The Korean version of Saturday Night Live offers a mix of sketches, celebrity parodies, and musical performances. It's a great choice if you're looking for something a bit more familiar.
Knowing Bros (아는 형님): This popular show features a group of veteran comedians who act as school students and interview celebrity guests. The show is known for its hilarious games and challenges, as well as the friendly rapport between the cast and guests.
The Zone: Survival Mission (더 ZONE: 생존 미션): This variety show combines comedy with action and adventure. Each episode follows a group of celebrities as they complete a series of difficult challenges in a unique location. It's a lot of fun to watch the stars work together (and against each other) to survive.
Running Man (런닝맨): Another classic variety show, Running Man is a game show in which celebrities compete in a series of physical and mental challenges. The show is known for its hilarious punishments for losing teams, and the chemistry between the long-running cast is fantastic.
Our collection of PowerPoint presentations is designed to enhance the learning experience for Korean language and culture classes. Each presentation is thoughtfully crafted to provide engaging visuals, easy-to-follow content, and interactive elements that cater to students of all levels. These resources cover a wide range of topics, including basic Korean phrases, grammar essentials, traditional customs, and contemporary culture. Dive into learning Korean with these dynamic and user-friendly materials!
Books
A Cab Called Reliable by Patti Kim
Ahn Joo Cho emigrated from Korea to Virginia when she was seven. Two years later, a cab called reliable takes away her mother and infant brother forever. Over the years, Ahn Joo excels at writing while her home life with her old-fashioned father deteriorates. A heart-breaking secret finally sets her free to create her own heritage.
A Dream Come True by Adorable Adoptees (Jessica Rose, Nicole and Sarah Dankert)
These three teens, all adopted from Korea, created a memory book especially for adopted children. Notebook-style binder, with Velcro-closure and cute artwork, allows for customization.
A Euro-American on a Korean Tour at a Thai Restaurant in China by Chris Winston
Part memoir, part parenting guide, this book shares how a mother worked to meet her children’s needs and, in doing so, birthed a new kind of community.
A Family in South Korea by Lerner Publications
Describes the busy life of Chun Yung Mee who lives with her family in a village in the Republic of Korea. Includes color photos on each page.
A Gesture Life by Chang-Rae Lee
As he did in his debut (Native Speaker), the author explores the dilemma of being an outsider. First, as a native-born Korean, protagonist Franklin Hata bends over backwards to fit into Japanese culture, circa 1944. Then he attempts a similar bit of environmental adaptation in postwar America–more specifically, in the slumbering New York suburb of Bedley Run. But in neither case does he quite succeed, which gives the novel its peculiar, faltering sense of tragedy.
A Ghost at Heart’s Edge by Susan Ito and Tina Cervin (editors)
Fifty short stories and poems reveal the sometimes heartbreaking, often affirming tales of adoption. Written from the point of view of birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees, this unique anthology spans nations and cultures. Includes authors Alison Lurie, Isabel Allende, Sandra McPherson, Jacquelyn Mitchard, Louise Erdrich, Chitra Divakaruni, and Lynna Williams.
A Gift of the Emperor by Therese Park
A graphic story about Korean comfort women.
A Kid’s Guide to Asian-American History by Valerie Petrillo
More than 70 activities including eleven based in Korean culture.
A Korean Mother’s Cooking Notes by Chang Sun-Young
Easy to follow; reads like a journal.
A New Beginning: A Collection of Essays by Kim Dae-Jung
Writings by the current president of South Korea and winner of the 200 Nobel Peace prize, spanning nearly four decades of South Korea’s struggle for democracy and human rights.
A New History of Korea by Ki-baik Lee
Widely used as a college text in Korea. Translated into several other languages, including this English one.
A New History of Korea by Ki-baik Lee
A Person of Interest by Susan Choi