The Korean Bell of Friendship rings only five times a year: on New Year’s Eve, Korean American Day (January 13), the Fourth of July, Korean Liberation Day (August 15), and every September during Constitution Week.
On September 11, 2002, the bell rang to commemorate the first anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The bell is housed in a pagoda stone structure with a spectacular view of the Los Angeles Harbor and the Pacific Ocean.
The bell is made of over 17 tons of copper and tin, with gold, nickel, lead, and phosphorus added to the alloy for tone quality. Its diameter is 7½ feet, an average thickness of 8 inches, and 12 feet.
The bell is set in a pagoda-like stone structure constructed on the site by thirty artisans flown in from Korea. It took them ten months and cost $569,680. The pavilion is supported by twelve columns representing the twelve designs of the Oriental zodiac. Animals stand guard at the base of each column.
Nearby Things to see include the Point Fermin Lighthouse, Fort MacArthur San Pedro, and the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Perched on a bluff, the bell offers fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean and the Los Angeles Harbor. On a clear day, you can see Catalina Channel 26 miles away.
Nearby Fort MacArthur is probably the best-preserved example of the United States coastal defense gun site on the west coast. The Fort MacArthur Military Museum is located at the site of Battery Osgood-Farley. It displays exhibits on the history of the Fort, its role in defending the Los Angeles area, and the role of Los Angeles as a military port.
Where is the Korean Bell
Korean Bell of Friendship and Bell Pavilion Angels Gate Park 3601 S Gaffey Street San Pedro, CA 90731. Parking and admission are free.
An amazing site with wonderful views of the Pacific Ocean and Los Angeles Harbor.