Angels Gate Park, in San Pedro, is home to the Korean Friendship Bell. I haven't photographed the bell in a while, so I made a point of it tonight.
This massive and intricately-decorated bell and pavilion was donated in 1976 to the people of Los Angeles by the people of the Republic of Korea to celebrate the bicentennial of the U.S. independence, honor veterans of the Korean War, and to consolidate traditional friendship between the two countries. The bell is patterned after the Bronze Bell of King Songdok, which was cast in 771 A.D. and is still on view in South Korea today.
The bell weighs 17 tons, with a height of 12 feet and 7-1/2 feet in diameter. It is made of cooper and tin, with gold, nicked, lead and phosphorous added for tone quality. The bell has no clapper but is struck from the outside with a wooden log.
The pavilion is supported by twelve columns representing the twelve designs of the Oriental zodiac. Animals stand guard at the base of each column.
The bell is rung only four times each year: the Fourth of July, August 15 (Korean Independence Day) and New Year's Eve, and every September to coincide with bell ringings around the country to celebrate Constitution week.
Cindy, I really like this shot. I didn't know about this bell. I really appreciate that you took the time to tell us about the history of the bell. We have a bell in San Diego that was presented to San Diego by the City of Yokohama, Japan. That bell is located on Shelter Island in San Diego.
@thirdjoe Thank you Joe. I chose a different POV this time, and I was pleasantly surprised with the sunlight and the colors. I didn't know about the bell on Shelter Island. I'll have to check it out sometime. :)
