Korean Friendship Bell

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Korean Friendship Bell was presented by the people of the Republic of Korea to the people of the United States of America on the occasion of the American Bicentennial Jubilee to further friendship and trust between the two nations. Cast with an alloy of tin, copper, gold, silver and phosphorus, it reflects the distinct characteristics and beauty of traditional Korean bells. Its knob comprises a dragon-shaped figure and a sound pipe, and on its outer circumference four pairs of goddesses are carved in relief to symbolize the spirits of freedom, independence, peace and prosperity in each of the two countries. Ornate bands of the rose of Sharon, the national flower of Korea, decorate in relief the shoulder and rim of the bell. The bell measures 3.63 meters in height with a circumference of 7.25 meters and weighs 17 metric tons. Its pavilion, constructed in traditional Korean architectural style with a blue-tiled roof, is painted in a unique coloring pattern known in Korea as “tanch’ong.” It was the hope of the Korean people that the bell would forever sound the continued prosperity of the United States of America and the Republic of Korea together with the enduring friendship of the two nations, sealed by a mutual faith in freedom and independence.

Los Angeles, California · United States