Segye Ilbo Article:
”All Adoption Records in One Place…’Security & Safety Equipment in Place’ [In-Depth Report]”

Posted to Paperslip on July 23rd, 2025.
Translation via ChatGPT.
Bolds and red highlighting ours.
Please see original Korean article link above for photos.

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“‘All Adoption Records in One Place…’Security & Safety Equipment in Place’” — Segye Ilbo

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All Adoption Records in One Place…“Security & Safety Equipment in Place” [In-Depth Report]

Segye Ilbo
Posted: 2025-07-23 19:20:12 | Updated: 2025-07-24 04:13:51

Temporary Archives of the National Center for the Rights of the Child (NCRC)

  • 260,000 files stored in a 4,867 m² logistics center

  • Constant temperature and humidity maintained with dedicated equipment

  • Equipped with security cameras and sterilization devices

  • Shelving holds over twice the weight capacity of mobile archives

  • Only 4–5 staff members—serious manpower shortage

  • Urgent need for site and budget for permanent archive facility

[GoYang, Gyeonggi Province – July 23]

On the 4th floor of a logistics center in Deokyang District, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, what used to be a warehouse built in 2022 has been transformed into a temporary archive for storing domestic and international adoption records. Since July 19th, 2025, when responsibility for the adoption system officially shifted from private organizations to the government, the National Center for the Rights of the Child (NCRC) has taken charge of managing these records. To ensure safe transfer and preservation of original adoption records held by adoption agencies and child welfare facilities, and to provide an adoption information disclosure service, the NCRC established this temporary facility.

The archive, located on the 4th floor of the logistics building, spans a shelving area of approximately 2,215 m², with a total space of 4,867 m² including inspection and office areas. The NCRC explained, “We carefully selected this facility to meet the area and weight-bearing standards set by the National Archives of Korea for archive and special archive facilities. Since it had not been leased since completion in 2022, it’s clean and structurally capable of withstanding 2,300 kg per square meter—more than twice the standard of typical mobile archive shelves.”

On July 23, rows of mobile shelving racks (mobiracks) for storing adoption records stretched across the temporary archive floor. This year, over 260,000 records from eight adoption agencies and child welfare facilities are expected to be transferred here for NCRC management.
Photo by Jang Han-seo, Goyang

When reporters visited, the space was lined with long rows of mobile shelving designed for record storage. Four climate-control machines were in place to maintain optimal archival conditions—22°C and 45% humidity. In addition, CCTV cameras and other security systems had been installed. Once records are verified at the adoption agency level, they are sealed and transported by vehicle to the facility. There, they are re-inventoried and undergo disinfection or other preservation processes depending on their condition.

The NCRC plans to complete the transfer and organization of over 260,000 records this year and expand to include records from at least 70 child welfare facilities in 2026. Starting in 2027, records from local governments and other facilities will be moved in phases. The temporary archive has a total capacity of about 600,000 files. A representative said, “We’re currently conducting a full survey to determine the overall volume and status of these records.”

However, the transition to a fully organized system and construction of a permanent archive still faces many challenges. Currently, only 4 to 5 NCRC staff members are working on the inspection process. Although plans are in place to increase staffing, they are currently overwhelmed.

Additionally, while sprinklers are installed in case of fire, there’s concern that water damage could destroy the records. In response, the NCRC said it will use sealed storage racks and containers to minimize moisture exposure and install around 30 gas-based fire extinguishers.

The temporary archive lease runs until 2030. The NCRC aims to construct a permanent adoption archive by 2031, but this is far from guaranteed. Although a feasibility study was completed in 2023 to secure a construction site, budget shortfalls forced them to start over. The NCRC plans to conduct a new feasibility study next year to find a new location. Since building a permanent facility will take at least four years, any delays in funding or approval could derail the timeline.

Director Jung Ik-jung stated, “With the launch of the temporary archive, we are committed to the safe transfer and management of scattered adoption records and to providing transparent adoption information. We won’t stop at this temporary solution and will work closely with relevant agencies to realize a permanent archive in the future.”

Reported by Jang Han-seo, Goyang
jhs@segye.com
© Segye Ilbo – “Eyes on the World”

*Paperslip Note: Director Jung Ik-jung retires in Spring 2026.