New Delhi: To strengthen the historical connection between the ancient town of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh and the far-away Korean peninsula, South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook will visit India to be the chief guest at the “ground-breaking ceremony of the Queen Suriratna (Heo Hwang-ok) Memorial in Ayodhya” on November 6 to be organised by the UP government — a day before the grand Diwali festival.
The Indian government on Wednesday said, “Ayodhya and Korea have a deep historical connection through the legendary Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya, who travelled to Korea in 48 CE (AD) and married Korean King Suro.”
The invitation to visit India was extended to Ms Kim Jung-sook — wife of South Korean President Moon Jae-in — by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In a statement, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said, “At the invitation of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, H.E. (Mrs.) Kim Jung-sook, First Lady of the Republic of Korea will lead a high-level delegation to India from November 4-7, 2018. She will be the chief guest at the Deepotsav event being organised by the state government of Uttar Pradesh and the ground-breaking ceremony of the Queen Suriratna (Heo Hwang-ok) Memorial in Ayodhya on 6 November 2018.”
The MEA added, “India and Republic of Korea share a Special Strategic Partnership. H.E. Mr. Moon Jae-in, President of Republic of Korea had visited India in July 2018.
“The visit of the Korean President had imparted new strength to our evolving partnership.
“The First Lady’s participation in the festivities in Ayodhya will showcase our close civilisational links as well as the ongoing deepening engagement between our two countries.”
