Why Do Hundreds of South Koreans Throng to Ayodhya Every Year? by Surangama Banerjee

 
                                                                   Suriratna/Heo on 2019 joint Indian-Korean stamps

Home to millennia old cultures and centuries-old kingdoms, India boasts of a long and dramatic history. Sharing its history with the subcontinent as well as South-East Asia, Indian legends and mythologies find their place in many cultures across the world. But did you know that India shares an ancient and interesting bond with Korea? Yes! The hermit kingdom which rose to prominence with the Second World War, actually holds a connection with India. Interesting, right?!

Every year, hundreds of South Koreans visit Ayodhya, which is also the birth place of lord Rama, to pay homage to their ancestor. Want to know more about this interesting Indian-Korean connection? Come, let’s delve into the mystery.

Korean legend states that the princess of Ayodhya named Heo Hwang-ok, also known as Suriratna, went all the way to Korea some 2000 years ago to marry King Suro of Geumgwan Gaya. Together, they both are heralded as the ancestors of more than two-thirds of Koreans today. Surprising, isn’t it?!

#MMTQuickFact: Heo Hwang-ok is worshipped as the most blessed queen ever to have set foot on Korea. Her offspring rose to prominence and unified Korea, and distinguished luminaries of the day still trace their lineage to her.

Even though historically debatable, enough legends have surfaced around this event to peep the interests of world media. Ancient Korean text Samguk Yusa chronicles King Suro’s wife to have been a princess of a distant kingdom called Ayuta, which people relate to be the holy city of present-day Ayodhya. Also, the twin fish royal family symbol of Gaya Kingdom is deemed to be the symbol of ancient Hindu families of Ayodhya. The descendants of Queen Heo Hwang-ok and King Kim Suro, brought various kingdoms of Korea together and gave birth to the famous Karak dynasty, which is the ancient house that gave Korea some of its best and illustrious citizens. Some of the members of the erstwhile dynasty are said to have possessed the stones which the princess carried with her as god’s blessing during the long and perilous sea journey.

MMTTrivia: It is believed that the queen died at the age of 157. 

While the South-Korea-India ties have received a kick due to trade policies and government relations, plans have been put in place to develop Ayodhya and Gimhae as sister cities. Furthermore, the South Korean government has decided to commission a memorial upgrade to Queen Heo Hwang-ok at her hometown, which the First Lady of South Korea formally attended on her visit to India. The two governments have also agreed to release a joint stamp to commemorate the famous queen.

With hundreds of Koreans flocking to Ayodhya every year to pay their obeisance to their ancestor, the tourism is also touted to receive a boost. After all, who doesn’t love a good legend to perk up their itinerary with?


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