How can I learn my family history?

Question

I was adopted from Korea when I was 4 months old, and I have the paperwork. I know my parents names, ages, and reasons for the adoption. Unfortunatly, I have no idea about my family background. I don't know what kind of health problems run in my family, or what genetic factors I could be carrying. The reason I am concerned about this, is I'd like to know before I have my own children. I also know that genetic testing is very expensive. Should I stop worrying about this? What advice would you give me?

Answer 1

Probably nothing to worry about. It would give you peace of mind to have ties, to know what all happened, who your ancestors were, etc.

If you can not do a papertrail type trace, you can opt for a DNA test, such as from www.familytreedna.com.

As to your medical concerns, that is an entirely different type of DNA test; you would need to contact the medical establishment for that.

Answer 2

could the adoption agency get in touch with a relative in Korea?  you probably don't have to worry about inheriting health problems, but most adopted women I know think about it.  ask your adoptive parents if they were told about anything.  they would also know who to contact from the adoption agency.