India and Republic of Korea Strengthen Historic Ties through Buddhism

The Buddhist Channel, 30 September 2023

Seoul, South Korea -- In the backdrop of the momentous 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and the Republic of Korea, a significant event took place on September 22, 2023, organized by the Indian Embassy in Seoul and the Gaya Culture Promotion Foundation of Korea, as part of a series of forums and cultural exchanges commemorating this milestone.

This event witnessed the collaboration of the International Buddhist Confederation, the Korean foreign ministry, and the Gimhae city government in unveiling a book titled 'Gaya Buddhism: Unlatching the Gate.'

Monk Domyeong authored this remarkable book, presenting a compelling theory that traces the arrival of Buddhism in Korea from India via sea routes, facilitated by Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya. Historical records suggest that Princess Suriratna reached the Korean Gaya kingdom in 48 A.D.

Citing the Korean classic historical text Samgukyusa, the book asserts that Princess Suriratna married King Kim-Suro, the legendary founder of the Gaya Kingdom, eventually becoming Queen Heo Hwang-ok. Notably, the princess and her brother are believed to have brought a Buddhist pagoda with them, known as the Pasa Stone Pagoda, which today stands alongside what is thought to be Queen Heo's tomb in Gimhae.

During the book launch event, Ven. Domyeong Sunim clarified that his work did not aim to discount other historical accounts or interpretations. He emphasized, "My study merely suggests the possibility of Buddhism's direct arrival in Korea from India by sea."

In contemporary Korea, over six million individuals can trace their ancestry back to Princess Suriratna, who assumed the name Queen Heo Hwang-ok after marrying King Suro. Gimhae, in South Gyeongsang Province, hosts an ancient tomb believed to belong to Queen Heo.

The book's release holds historical significance, reaffirming the deep-rooted civilizational connections between ancient India and Korea, as expressed by Ambassador Kumar. He remarked, "These ongoing exchanges reaffirm the close cultural ties and people-to-people exchanges between our two countries."

The publication and launch of the book received support from the Delhi-based International Buddhist Confederation, South Korea's Foreign Ministry, and the Gimhae city government.

Notably, census data from 2021 reveals that a majority, 60 percent, of South Korea's population does not identify with any religious affiliation. Among the religious segments, Christians constitute the largest group at 23 percent, while Buddhists make up 16 percent.

The event was graced by esteemed venerable monks, Indian Ambassador to Korea Shri Amit Kumar, Korean officials, as well as distinguished scholars and academics. A message from the Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation was also conveyed on this momentous occasion.