On the 15th, Gyeongsangbuk-do hosted an event inviting 59 overseas adoptees originally from Daegu and Gyeongbuk residing in eight countries—including the United States, Sweden, and Canada—to meet and converse with Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor Lee Cheol-woo.

This meeting is part of "Daegu-Gyeongbuk: Our Beginning," a homeland visit program designed for adoptees to revisit their birthplaces and experience Korean history and culture.

The participants comprise 26 individuals from Gyeongbuk and 33 from Daegu, staying in the Daegu and Gyeongbuk region for six days from the 12th to the 17th to reflect upon their ties with their motherland.

Me&Korea, the nonprofit organization that hosted the event, is based in California, USA. It supports adoptees in finding their biological families, visiting their homeland, and receiving Korean language and cultural education. The provincial government is cooperating with Me&Korea and local cities and counties to ensure adoptees receive necessary information and support from relevant organizations to find their families.

Governor Lee warmly welcomed the participants, who have built their respective lives across diverse cultures and environments. He then introduced Gyeongju and Andong's historical and cultural heritage, Gyeongbuk's industries, and last year's APEC Summit in Gyeongju.

Attendees were presented with a set of chopsticks and spoons as a gift. The gesture carries the meaning of sharing affection through dining together—a Korean cultural tradition—and warmly cherishing the ties that began in Daegu and Gyeongbuk.

Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor Lee Cheol-woo stated, "We hope Gyeongbuk can be a small source of strength in the journey of finding your families and your roots. We will cooperate with cities and counties so that you can find necessary information and receive help from relevant institutions, and we will continue to listen to your stories moving forward."

Gyeongsangbuk-do plans to continue cooperating with related organizations to ensure adoptees receive the information and support needed to find their families.

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