New Delhi: Her Excellency Mrs. Kim Jung-sook, First Lady of the Republic of Korea visited India from 4-7 November, 2018 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
During the visit, Prime Minister met the First Lady on 5th November 2018, and exchanged views on promoting people to people exchanges between the two nations. Prime Minister also recalled the successful visit of President Moon Jae-in to India in July 2018, which gave a new direction to India- Republic of Korea Special Strategic Partnership.
Earlier that day, First Lady of India, Smt. Savita Kovind hosted a luncheon for the visiting dignitary at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Minsiter of External Affairs, Smt. Sushma Swaraj also called on First Lady Kim the same day.
During her stay in India, First Lady Kim visited Ayodhya on 6th November 2018, where she was the Chief Guest at the Deepotsav event organised by the State Government of Uttar Pradesh. She also led the ground-breaking ceremony for the new memorial of Queen Suriratna (Huh Hwang-ok) in Ayodhya on 6 November 2018.
Ayodhya and Korea have a deep historical connection through the legendary Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya, who traveled to Korea in 48 CE and married the Korean King Suro. The First Lady’s participation in the festivities in Ayodhya showcased our close civilisational links as well as the ongoing deepening engagement with the Republic of Korea.
First Lady Kim also visited the Taj Mahal on 7th November, 2018 before returning to Seoul.