Ayodhya, the sacred city in India, has a unique and fascinating connection to South Korea that dates back around 2,000 years. According to Korean legend, a teenage princess from Ayodhya, Suriratna, embarked on an extraordinary journey across the ocean and sailed approximately 4,500 kilometers to Korea. Upon reaching Korea, she married King Kim Suro, who went on to establish the Gaya Kingdom. The princess, now known as Queen Heo Hwang-ok, became an integral part of Korean history and culture and her descendants consider Ayodhya as their maternal home.
This captivating fable is not widely known in India, but it holds significant cultural and historical importance for the people of South Korea. Around 60 lakh (6 million) Koreans consider themselves descendants of Queen Heo Hwang-ok, and they regard Ayodhya as their maternal home. This unique connection has fostered a sense of kinship between the two cultures, transcending geographical boundaries.
The legend of Queen Heo Hwang-ok narrates the story of a princess who crossed the ocean in a boat from Ayodhya, demonstrating the deep historical ties between India and Korea. The tale highlights the princess’s journey to Korea and her marriage to King Kim Suro, linking the ancient civilizations of Ayodhya and Gaya in a union that has resonated through generations.
In Ayodhya, the Queen Heo Memorial Park stands as a testament to this cultural connection. Established on the banks of the Sarayu River in Ayodhya in 2001, the memorial park was a collaborative effort between the Uttar Pradesh government and Gimhae city in South Korea. Spread over 2,000 square meters, the park features a meditation hall, pavilions dedicated to Queen Heo Hwang-ok and King Kim Suro, pathways, a fountain, murals, and audio-video facilities.
Members of the Karak clan, who consider Ayodhya as their grandmother’s home, visit the Queen Heo Memorial Park every year. The park, designed in a typical Korean style with tiled sloping roofs, offers a serene space for reflection and cultural exchange.
The recent consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024, was a momentous occasion for the descendants of Queen Heo Hwang-ok. Many of them, unable to visit in person due to geographical constraints, eagerly watched the ceremony online. The grandeur of the new Ram Temple added another layer of significance to their connection with Ayodhya.
The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony of the new idol of Ram Lalla at the temple drew attention from Koreans who cherish Ayodhya as a place of cultural heritage. The symbolic importance of Ayodhya in Korea-India relations, stemming from the matrimonial link between Queen Sriratna (Heo Hwang-ok) and King Kim Suro in 48 AD, was acknowledged by the South Korean embassy, which congratulated India on the occasion.
For Koreans, Ayodhya is not just a city with historical relevance; it holds deep emotional and cultural ties. Queen Heo Hwang-ok is revered as the progenitor mother of the Gimhae Heo families, and her legacy continues through the descendants who maintain a strong connection with Ayodhya.
As the descendants express their eagerness to visit the grand Ram Temple, it reflects the enduring cultural bonds between Ayodhya and Korea. This unique historical narrative serves as a bridge between the two nations, fostering mutual respect and understanding that transcends time and borders.
Ayodhya’s connection to Korea through the legend of Queen Heo Hwang-ok is a remarkable chapter in the cultural heritage of both nations. The Queen Heo Memorial Park stands as a symbol of this enduring connection, and the recent consecration of the Ram Temple adds a new layer of significance to the shared history. The descendants’ eagerness to visit Ayodhya reflects the deep-rooted cultural ties and mutual respect between India and South Korea.