17-ton bell & stone pavilion on a hilltop in Angels Gate Park, a gift by South Korea for the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976, sweeping views of the ocean and harbor.
The Korean Bell of Friendship is a 17-ton bronze bell in a hand-built pavilion at the top of Angels Gate Park. South Korea gave it to the United States in 1976 for the Bicentennial, to honor Korean War veterans and the friendship between the two countries. It’s free to visit and has some of the widest views in San Pedro.
Visiting the bell
- Cost: Free, with free parking in the Angels Gate Park lot.
- Where: Angels Gate Park, 3601 S. Gaffey Street, at the top of the hill above Point Fermin.
- Bell ringings: The bell is rung on New Year’s Eve, Korean American Day (January 13), the Fourth of July, Korean Liberation Day (August 15) and Constitution Day in September. A full ringing is 33 strikes. There is also a short maintenance ring on the first Saturday of the month, open to the public.
The bell and pavilion
The bell is modeled on the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok, cast in 771 and one of South Korea’s national treasures. It stands about 12 feet tall, has no clapper, and is struck from the outside with a wooden log. Its sides show four pairs of figures, each a Goddess of Liberty holding a torch beside a Korean spirit carrying a symbol: the Korean flag, the rose of Sharon, a laurel branch and a dove of peace.
The pavilion was built on site by craftsmen from Korea. Its twelve columns stand for the twelve animals of the Asian zodiac.
Tips
Come on a clear day for views of Catalina Island, the Angels Gate Lighthouse and ships entering the harbor. The hilltop is breezy and popular for kite flying and picnics. The Fort MacArthur Museum is in the same park, and Point Fermin Lighthouse is a short drive away.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Korean Bell of Friendship free?
Yes. Visiting the bell and parking in Angels Gate Park are both free.
When is the Korean Bell rung?
On New Year’s Eve, Korean American Day (January 13), July 4, Korean Liberation Day (August 15) and Constitution Day in September, plus a maintenance ring on the first Saturday of each month.
How heavy is the Korean Bell of Friendship?
About 17 tons. It is about 12 feet tall.
Why is there a Korean bell in San Pedro?
South Korea gave it to the people of the United States in 1976 for the Bicentennial, to honor veterans of the Korean War and celebrate the friendship between the two countries.