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NEWS RELEASE For more information
contact: Adopted Children to Accompany Lieutenant Governor Owen to Visit their Native Land in South Korea Olympia (June 23, 2005)— At the invitation of Jeollabuk-do Province, Korea, Lt. Governor Brad Owen is leading a goodwill mission to Jeollabuk-do and Seoul at the end of month. The purpose of the mission is to re-introduce adopted Korean children living in Washington to their native land and culture. The visit is also aimed at building stronger ties between Washington and Jeollabuk-do Province, which have had a sister province/state relationship for over nine years. Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen will be accompanied by his wife, two adopted Korean sons, daughter-in-law, and five families (seven adopted Korean children with one parent per family), as well as Andrew Sim, president of the Washington-Jeollabuk-do sister state committee, and one staff person. The delegation departs June 28th and returns July 7th, after spending four days in Jeonju, the provincial capital, a day in Gunsan, a day in the Demilitarized Zone and two days in Seoul. The Jeollabuk-do provincial government is hosting the delegation during their visit.Washington and Korea have strong business and cultural ties. The Republic of Korea is Washington’s fifth largest trading partner, with Washington exporting over $2 billion in products to South Korea last year. It is estimated that there are approximately 100,000 Korean residents in the State of Washington. The Jeollabuk-do USA Liaison Office and Office of Lieutenant Governor hope that by experiencing Korea firsthand, these young Washington residents will return with increased understanding and appreciation of their native culture and this will inspire them to cherish the culture and help keep Korean traditions alive. At the same time, Washington residents will be learning how much Korea has progressed in various aspects, while offering Koreans an example of how successful adoption can be. “I cherish this opportunity to demonstrate to South Koreans what a positive experience adoption is, while these Washington children discover their birthplace and its fascinating history and culture,” said Owen, who adopted his two Korean sons over twenty years ago. “Along the way, we will be establishing meaningful relationships that may last a lifetime.”While in Jeonju, Lt Governor Owen will participate in the inauguration of a new $172 million provincial capitol building. He will also meet with Governor Kang Hyon-Wook of Jeollabuk-do. Last month the lieutenant governor welcomed the governor at a luncheon in honor of the opening of a new Jeollabuk-do liaison office, located in Lakewood. In addition to official meetings, the group will visit Holt Children’s Services, Inc., the organization that placed some of the adopted children with their Washington families. They will visit Youngkwang Girls’ High School, play soccer with local American children attending a foreign school in Jeonju at the World Cup stadium, and spend a night with Korean host families, among other cultural activities.
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