DAY TRIP Korean Bell of Friendship and Bell Pavilion

Offering breathtaking views of Catalina Island, Los Angeles Harbor and the Pacific Ocean, the Korean Bell of Friendship and Bell Pavilion sits high atop the San Pedro Peninsula.

The bell and surrounding pavilion were given to the people of Los Angeles in 1976 by the people of the Republic of Korea as a celebration of the bicentennial of U.S. independence, a way to honor the veterans of the Korean War, as well as to symbolize friendship between Korea and the United States.

Weighing 17 tons, the bell was originally cast in Korea using a variety of metals including copper, gold, lead and phosphorus (for tone purposes).

The surrounding pavilion of the bell features intricate artwork along the support beams and 12 columns that represent the 12 designs of the Chinese zodiac, while a large log that hangs from the ceiling is used to make the bell’s loud gong. Interestingly, the bell is rung only three times each year: the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve and Aug. 15, Korean Independence Day. It may also be rung to coincide with Constitution Week in September.

The Korean Bell area offers a children’s playground, basketball court and a soccer field and recreation center.

Because of the bell’s location, it is often windy, making it a great place to fly a kite — or, if you are lucky enough, you might run into a film crew, as the area is often used for filming movies and television commercials.

The area was used in the film “The Usual Suspects.”

GETTING THERE

Take the 405 Freeway north about 20 miles, and transition to the 710 Freeway south. Continue roughly 4.5 miles to West Ocean Boulevard. Continue on CA-47 south. After going over the Vincent Thomas Bridge, take the exit on the left toward San Pedro/Gaffey Street.

Stay on Gaffey Street until West 37th Street, then turn right.

HOURS

Call (310) 548-7705 for hours.

ADMISSION

Free.