Acres of green space in Ayodhya’s Ram Katha Park that remained alive with recitals from scriptures, public discourses, and other religious activities is undergoing beautification and will be soon known as Queen Heo Hwang-ok Memorial Park. The space has been named after a Korean queen with Indian roots and will be available for public access from November 4.
The Delhi-based Korean center for Culture and the Indian Council for Cultural relations has unitedly showcased a musical last month that narrated the story of the Korean queen at the Kaman auditorium. Directed by actor Imran khan, the Legend of Princess Sriratna observed the occasion of completion of the park.
Queen Heo Hwang-ok
It is believed that the Korean queen was born as Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya, daughter of King Padmasen who ruled the ancient kingdom of Kaushala. Her mother was queen Indumati. Siriratna’s story can be found in a 13th century collection of legends, the Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of Three Kingdoms). The book predominantly compiles the story of three Korean kingdoms Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje.
The legend has it that in 48 BC, Suriratana when 16, traveled to Korea from the ancient city of “Ayuta’ and married Kim Suro, king of south-eastern Korean state, Geumgwan Gaya after her father led by a dream sent her to the foreign land in a boat with an entourage. She became the first queen of the newly founded kingdom, believed to be located in modern-day Gimhae city in Southern Gyeonsang province. The couple then had 12 children.
Read More at https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/travel-tourism/ayodhya-is-revamping-park-in-memory-of-heo-hwang-ok-heres-everything-about-the-korean-queen-of-indian-origin/2357129