A Civilizational Call for Building the Ram Temple in South Korea
Lessons from Civilisation at Angkor Wat
By Dr Zena Chung, Founder and Chairperson, Indo-Korea Business Culture
Center (IKBCC)
Lord Ram, Queen Heo Hwang-ok, and the Reconnection of 2,000 Years of
India–Korea Civilization Ties
A visit to Angkor Wat is far more than an archaeological excursion. It becomes an
Intellectual and civilisation inquiry—an invitation to reflect on how human civilisation
was formed, transmitted, and sustained across time. Standing before this
monumental stone complex, left behind by the 12th-century Khmer Empire, one is
compelled to revisit enduring questions: how have God and humans, and humans
among them, could coexist within a shared system of values, order, and meaning?
Located in Siem Reap, Cambodia, Angkor Wat is widely regarded as one of
humanity’s greatest civilisation achievements, where politics, religion, and
cosmological converge are in architectural harmony. Built in the early 12th century by
King Suryavarman II, at the height of the Khmer Empire, built a temple complex that is not
merely a dynastic monument, it is the crystallisation of ideas, technologies, and
spiritual traditions shaped through continuous interaction between Eastern and
Western civilizations. At this place, one realises that civilisation is never an
isolated island, but a vast and flowing continuum connecting regions, generations,
and epochs.
Perhaps the most striking testimony to this interconnectedness is found along the
first-floor outer galleries of Angkor Wat, where scenes from the Indian epic
Ramayana are carved with astonishing precision. The life and philosophy of Lord
Ram, the spiritual foundation of Diwali, India’s most significant festival, is
preserved not in India alone, but deep within the heart of Southeast Asia. This
stands as irrefutable evidence that ancient societies were already bound together
through vibrant cultural and spiritual networks.
Even today, local guides passionately narrate the story of Lord Ram to visitors from
around the world. The epic is not a relic frozen in time; it remains a living narrative,
woven into the cultural consciousness of the region.
This civilisation flowed from India to Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, and across the Indo-China peninsula and ultimately reached the Korean Peninsula. The historical account of Queen Heo Hwang-ok, a princess from Ayodhya who married King Kim Suro of Gaya, should therefore not be dismissed as mere legend.
Rather, it may be understood as one chapter within a broader story of ancient maritime exchange and the movement of civilisations. History gains depth and clarity when viewed not as isolated events, but as interlinked narratives.
Civilisation Is Forged Amid Criticism and Endures as Legacy
The construction of Angkor Wat itself was not without controversy. Historical
accounts suggest that even in its time, criticism arose over the immense financial
and human burden imposed on the populace. Similar objections were voiced during
the building of the Taj Mahal in India, Eiffel Tower in France or even the Great Wall of
China.
Yet history is unsentimental. What were once seen as excessive state projects have,
over time, become defining symbols of national identity and invaluable cultural and
economic assets. Today, Angkor Wat stands as Cambodia’s foremost emblem of
world heritage, transforming Siem Reap into an international cultural and tourism hub
rivaling the capital, Phnom Penh.
The lesson is unmistakable: national projects of civilization significance must not be
judged solely by immediate public opinion or short-term efficiency. They demand a
long-term vision—one that considers the inheritance we leave to future
generations.
Re-examining Queen Heo Hwang-ok and the Task of Cultural Diplomacy
From this civilization perspective, the relationship between Korea and India,
mediated through Queen Heo Hwang-ok, transcends historical curiosity. She should
be re-evaluated not as a mythical foreign bride, but as a historical figure of noble
lineage connected to Ayodhya—one of India’s most sacred civilisation regions.
That major Korean clans such as the Gimhae Kim, Gimhae Heo, and Incheon Lee
trace their origins to this narrative expands the scope of early Korean history and
reaffirms the depth of India–Korea civilisation exchange.
In this context, discussions surrounding the establishment of a Ram temple in Korea
, together with a Gurudwara under the name of “Global Peace Centre for Humanity”
should not be viewed as an extension of religious influence. Rather, they represent an
effort to give spatial and cultural form to ancient civilisation ties. At a time when
nations actively convert historical narratives into cultural assets and instruments of
soft power, such initiatives merit consideration as cultural and diplomatic
undertakings beyond the confines of religion.
Ayodhya and the Emergence of a New Pilgrimage Geography
The inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024, and
scheduled its full completion for November 25, 2025, symbolising this renewed
civilization momentum. Just as Angkor Wat elevated Siem Reap into a global
pilgrimage and tourism centre, Ayodhya now stands poised to emerge as a new
civilization gateway for India.
That a non-capital city can connect the world through history, faith, and shared
memory highlights the immense potential of cultural heritage. This development
holds important implications for Korea as well. If the 2,000-year-old story of Queen
Heo Hwang-ok and King Kim Suro can be reinterpreted and embodied in
contemporary cultural spaces, too, could emerge as a new global centre of
cultural and spiritual tourism.
The Civilisation Message: “We Are One”
India’s ancient philosophical principle ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family resonates deeply with Korea’s foundational ideal of ‘Hongik Ingan,’ to broadly benefit humanity. In an era marked by geopolitical fragmentation, regional
conflicts, and the transition from bipolar to multipolar global orders, these shared
Civilisation values offer more than moral aspiration; they provide a realistic
framework for coexistence.
At moments such as this, the long-standing philosophies shared by India and Korea
can help shape a new international ethic one that prioritizes peace over war,
cooperation over competition, and the well-being of future generations over
immediate gain.
Angkor Wat is not merely a monument of stone from the past. It is a question posed
to humanity, and a proposal directed at the future. Only when we recover the long
rhythm of civilization in our thinking can its meaning be translated into the choices
and policies of our present time.
The Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi has frequently highlighted on
the Somnath Temple’s history of being destroyed and rebuilt multiple times and
celebrates 1,000years since the first attack in 1026AD as a testament and a Symbol
of Resilience and Pride, an “unbroken courage” and “eternal spirit” of India. His
vision includes comprehensive development of the temple complex as a new form of
Heritage Preservation and Modern Amenities, which will also include an
Exhibition Centre that will generate a Spiritual consciousness and a Pilgrimage
Rejuvenation, a new method of Heritage Augmentation Drive.
Now the 21st Century belongs to Asia. The world is noticing the present geopolitical
scenario and the power balance have shifted to the Global South. Another important
initiative taken by Prime Minister Modi is using Buddhist Philosophy & Buddhism
Heritage as India’s Foreign Policy for Global Peace and Harmony.
His vision for the Nalanda University is to revive its ancient glory as a PremierGlobal
Centre of learning and a symbol of India’s commitment to education and world
harmony. Nalanda University as a global hub for education, knowledgeand
Buddhist heritage. Recently, he inaugurated the Light and the Lotus: Relics of the
Awakened One. Reclaiming and celebrating India’s Ancient Cultural and Spiritual
Heritage. Returning to India, all these gem relics are a symbol of Lord Buddha’s
timeless values of peace, compassion and the heritage of humanity.
Nalanda University & Buddhism
The key aspects included: Global Knowledge Hub: The primary objective is to restore India’s past position as a leading centre of education and knowledge for the world, attracting students
and scholars globally.
Symbol of Shared Heritage: Modi emphasised that Nalanda is not merely an Indian renaissance, but a revival of the heritage of many East Asian countries that collaborated in its re-establishment. Ambassadors from 17 countries attended the new campus inauguration, highlighting its international significance.
Modern and Sustainable Campus: The new campus, inaugurated in June 2024,
is a state-of-the-art “Net Zero Green Campus” featuring solar plants, water
recycling systems, extensive water bodies, academic blocks, a library, and a
Yoga Centre, blending modern needs with ancient architectural elements.
Promoting Buddhist Ideals: The vision is deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy,
with the campus designed to promote peace, co-existence, and research in Buddhist studies, philosophy, and comparative religions. Modi himself planted a Bodhi tree sapling at the inauguration site, which is an important symbol in Buddhism.
“Nalanda Way” for the Future: He has urged the youth and scholars to follow the “Nalanda Way” to be curious, courageous, and kind and use its knowledge to provide direction to humanity and contribute to the goal of a “Viksit
Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047.
The present Spiritual Reawakening should be a joint initiative by the Prime Minister of India, with the Indian Diaspora and the Government of
The Republic of Korea work together to build a Ram Temple replica, a Gurdwara
adjacent to the Buddhist Temple in Seoul, the Republic of Korea, which is 2000
years of historical connection under the name of “Global Peace Centre for
Humanity.”
The moral values of Lord Ram, the teachings of Lord Buddha, and the teachings from Guru Granth Sahib is the need of the hour for the whole world.
As advocated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, that the world is one family, the teachings
from Guru Granth Sahib, the teachings of Lord Ram and the teachings of Lord Buddha is most relevant in the present world order. There is only ONE GOD, but with different names. It is IK ONKAR!
This “Global Peace Centre For Humanity” will promote Cultural Tourism and Spiritual Tourism, which can connect people from all over the world and South Korea, along with India, could provide a suitable place for the next generation The legacy of Lord Ram and Lord Buddha for a prosperous, happy life to children and a peaceful world, an example to the world to recognise the 2000 years of Indo–Korea’s historical connections with Queen Heo Hwang-ok, whose life exemplified
the true meaning of love, kindness and compassion and the present world to follow India’s philosophical principle is “ Vasudeva Kutumbakam” as ‘One Family.’