In 48 BC, the princess, then 16, travelled to Korea from the ancient land of \u2018Ayuta\u2019 and married Kim Suro, founder and King of Geumgwan Gaya in south-eastern Korea.<\/span> <\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n By Suanshu Khurana <\/strong><\/p>\n On the banks of the Sarayu in Ayodhya, acres of green space, mostly known as Ram Katha Park, have been through a major beautification exercise. Once inaugurated on November 4, the spruced-up space will be known as Queen Heo Hwang-ok Memorial Park, after a Korean queen believed to have had Indian roots.<\/p>\n Earlier this month, the Delhi-based Korean Centre for Culture, in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, showcased a musical depicting the story of the queen at Kamani Auditorium. Directed by actor and director Imran Khan, The Legend of Princess Sriratna commemorated the completion of the park in Ayodhya.<\/p>\n Who was Queen Heo Hwang-ok?<\/strong><\/p>\n She was a Korean queen who is believed to have been born Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya, daughter of King Padmasen and Indumati. Padmasen ruled the ancient kingdom of Kausala, a region that extended from present-day UP to Odisha.<\/p>\n Her story is described in Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of Three Kingdoms), a 13th-century collection of legends, folktales and history of Korea\u2019s three kingdoms \u2014 Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla \u2014 and some other regions.<\/p>\n In 48 BC, the princess, then 16, travelled to Korea from the ancient land of \u2018Ayuta\u2019 and married Kim Suro, founder and King of Geumgwan Gaya in south-eastern Korea. She travelled by boat along with an entourage having been sent by her father, who is said to have had a dream about her marrying Suro. She became the first queen of Geumgwan Gaya, believed to be located around modern-day Gimhae city in Southern Gyeonsang province. The couple are said to have had 12 children.<\/p>\n What is her legacy?<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n More than six million present-day Koreans trace their lineage to Heo Hwang-ok. They belong to clans such as Gimhae Kim, Heo (the queen had asked the king that two of their sons be given her maiden name) and Lee. Her direct descendants include Kim Yoon-ok, wife of former South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. King Kim Suro and Queen Heo Hwang-ok birthed the Karak dynasty, whose descendants include former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung and former Prime Minister Kim Jong-pil.<\/p>\n