The recent revision bill of the nationality law may once again be encouraging Korean parents to attempt to provide their children with the benefits of U.S. or Canadian nationality. Traveling to the United States to give birth has long been in vogue among affluent Korean women, which led to a steady increase in the number of related agencies and local Korean obstetricians available.

"Over the recent weeks, we have held special orientations for would-be mothers who wish to have their child abroad," said a consultant of an overseas delivery agency who asked to remain anonymous. "The parturient trips to the Unites States and Canada are fully booked several months ahead."

The two countries are not only popular for their English-speaking environment but also for their territorial principle, endowing nationality to those who are born within their borders.

The parental zeal was especially strong in the relatively affluent Seoul districts such as Gangnam-gu, Seocho-gu and Songpa-gu, the consultant said.

The sudden rush of interest closely followed the nationality law revision bill, submitted by the Justice Ministry on Nov. 13.

According to the present Nationality Act, a person with dual nationality aged 20 or older is to choose between the two by age 22. Should the person fail to make a choice, he or she is to automatically lose Korean nationality upon becoming 22.

The revision bill, however, allows such people to maintain their dual nationality on the condition that they submit a written vow not to exercise their foreign nationality in Korean territory. Men, restricted by their military duties, are to be so allowed if they complete serving the army by age 22.

"Those who hold dual nationality, especially men, had to make a choice by the time they turn 22," said the consultant. "Relatively few, however, found enough reasons to stick to Korea and go through the trouble of serving the army, especially as many of them did not feel so emotionally attached to the country."

When the revision bill is effectuated, however, they will be provided with a wider set of options, she said.

The ministry has made clear its intent to take measures against the expected side effects, including a sharp increase in the number of planned overseas deliveries.

"We will take measures not to bestow double benefits on those who acquired dual nationality from being born overseas," said a ministry official. "Children with dual nationality will not be admitted into foreign schools in Korea but as part of the Korean quota."

The ministry's vow, however, has done little to discourage the enthusiastic Korean parents.

In a country where speaking fluent English has become a social prerequisite, U.S. or Canadian citizenship is considered a privilege, one for which parents are willing to pay physical and economic prices.

Trips arranged by professional agencies for the purpose of giving birth abroad cost around 20 million won ($17,286) per person and are excluded from any local medical insurance benefits. The amount does not include additional costs required in post-natal care, but 5,000 to 7,000 babies are estimated to be born this way every year, according to related agencies.

"Those 'birth trips' do cost a lot and the whole trend surely does not look good, but I can understand the reasons behind it, considering the resulting benefits," said Lee Kyung-jin, who studied in a U.S. university for several years.

"Studying in the States as a foreign student was so costly, whereas my friends who had U.S. nationality had access to cheaper tuition and better medical and social benefits," she said.

Most of the eager pregnant clients indeed have such benefits in mind for their children, according to agencies.

Some, however, are skeptical about parental overzealousness.

"I see many of my well-to-do neighbors who have given birth in the United States, or those who plan to do so, but I personally am not intrigued," said Kim Hye-won, a 27-year-old woman living in Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam, in her seventh month of pregnancy.

Acquiring the U.S. or Canadian nationality does not seem to be worth all the trouble of traveling abroad in a pregnant state and giving birth in an unknown place, especially considering the expenses, she said.

"Many who decide on their overseas delivery have families or close relatives there, in which case it is more apprehensible," she said. "Otherwise, I doubt it is wise for anybody to endure the entire process, relying on an agency, and I would not recommend it to others or myself."

(tellme@heraldm.com)

By Bae Hyun-jung

2009.11.25