
Introduction:
Ayodhya, revered as the birthplace of Lord Ram, is a sacred destination that annually draws hundreds of South Korean tourists. However, the reason behind this influx isn't directly linked to Lord Ram but rather to a remarkable historical figure—Queen Huh Hwang-ok, also known as Princess Suriratna. This blog explores the special connection between Ayodhya and South Korea, delving into the fascinating tale of a princess who embarked on a journey from Ayodhya to become a revered queen in South Korea.
The Legend of Queen Huh Hwang-ok:
Legend has it that Queen Huh Hwang-ok, once a princess of Ayodhya, journeyed to South Korea and married King Kim Suro of the Karak Clan in 48 AD. Dr Uday Dokras' research paper sheds light on this intriguing tale, documented in the Ancient Korean text Samguk Yusa. The text reveals that the queen hailed from a distant kingdom known as Ayuta, identified by many as the present-day holy city of Ayodhya.

The Memorial in Ayodhya:
In 2001, Ayodhya witnessed the inauguration of Queen Huh Hwang-ok's memorial. The significance of this memorial reached new heights in 2015 when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former South Korean President Moon Jae-in signed a memorandum of understanding for its expansion. By 2022, the memorial park stood as a beautiful tribute to the queen's legacy, symbolizing the enduring connection between Ayodhya and South Korea.
Ancestral Roots in Ayodhya:
The ties between Ayodhya and the Karak Clan run deep. According to Uttar Pradesh tourism's official website, approximately 60 lakh people of the Karak clan consider Ayodhya their maternal home. This ancestral connection acts as a powerful magnet, drawing South Korean tourists to explore their roots and pay homage to Queen Huh Hwang-ok.
The Journey from Ayodhya to South Korea:
According to the Uttar Pradesh government website, Princess Suriratna is believed to have embarked on a remarkable journey to Korea by boat at the tender age of 16. The story, rooted in ancient Chinese-language texts, narrates that the King of Ayodhya received a divine order to send his daughter to South Korea to marry King Kim Suro, as revealed in a dream. The union resulted in ten sons, and both the king and queen were said to have lived for over 150 years.

Cultural Significance:
The cultural exchange between Ayodhya and South Korea has been marked by the issuance of commemorative stamps in 2019, featuring Queen Huh Hwang-ok. The then South Korean Ambassador to India, Shin Bong-kil, highlighted the importance of Ayodhya in Korea's ancient history. Artefacts from Ayodhya discovered in archaeological findings at King Kim Suro's tomb further underscore the enduring cultural ties between the two nations.
Conclusion:
The memorial of Queen Huh Hwang-ok in Ayodhya serves as a testament to the rich historical ties between India and South Korea. As South Korean tourists flock to Ayodhya each year, the story of this Indian princess turned Korean queen continues to bridge the gap between these two nations, fostering cultural understanding and appreciation for a shared heritage that transcends time and borders.
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