Why Does Ayodhya Have A Park Honouring A South Korean Queen? Here's The 2,000-Year-Old Connection
Ayodhya's link to South Korea dates back 2,000 years to Princess Suriratna, who married King Kim Suro. Rani Ho Park in Ayodhya honours this bond, promoting cultural ties.
Ayodhya, the revered city often associated with Lord Rama, holds within its ancient lanes not just tales of mythology but also an extraordinary connection that stretches to South Korea. This bond is not a recent phenomenon; it has thrived for over 2,000 years, creating a unique cultural bridge between the two nations. Every year, numerous South Korean citizens visit Ayodhya, considering it their maternal homeland. But what is the story that ties Ayodhya so deeply to a land thousands of miles away?
The Legend of Princess Suriratna and the Kim Dynasty
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The origins of this remarkable relationship can be traced back to a legendary marriage. Historical and folklore accounts suggest that a princess from Ayodhya, Suriratna – also known as Queen Heo Hwang-ok in Korea – was wed to King Kim Suro of the Gaya kingdom in present-day South Korea. According to these accounts, Queen Heo traveled across the seas to marry the Korean ruler, establishing the Kim dynasty, one of the most prominent bloodlines in Korea. Today, approximately 35% of South Koreans belonging to the Kim lineage trace their ancestry back to this princess, reinforcing Ayodhya’s significance in their heritage.
Rani Ho Park: A Symbol of Cultural Ties
To honour this deep-rooted connection, a special memorial known as Rani Ho Park has been built on the banks of the Saryu River in Ayodhya. Designed to celebrate the Indo-Korean historical relationship, the park serves as a space for cultural exchange and remembrance. It narrates the journey of Queen Heo Hwang-ok from India to Korea, marking her as a figure of unbroken ties between the two nations.
Among the park’s notable features are two architecturally distinct pavilions:
- The Ayodhya Pavilion, showcasing the grandeur of traditional Awadhi architecture.
- The Korea Pavilion, reflecting classical Korean structural elements, providing a glimpse into the rich heritage of Korea.
One of the park’s most striking installations is a symbolic sea with a golden egg placed at its centre. This golden egg is a reference to a significant moment in Queen Heo’s journey, as legends tell of a mystical golden egg she carried across the waters to Korea, symbolising prosperity and new beginnings.
The significance of Rani Ho Park extends far beyond its aesthetic appeal. According to Rajendra Prasad Yadav, Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, the park represents an active effort to preserve and promote the shared history of India and South Korea. The initiative is expected to boost tourism and cultural exchanges, reinforcing diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
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