The bell is 12 feet high with a diameter of 7.5 feet.
The pagoda design follows traditional Korean styles with no nails used in its construction.
The bell is decorated with the figure of the Goddess of Liberty and various Korean spirits.
It is one of the largest bells in the world.
The bell was cast in South Korea before being dismantled and shipped to California for assembly.
The site was selected for its strategic location overlooking the Pacific and the gateway to the Port of Los Angeles.
The bell features a unique sound profile created by a specifically shaped strike point.
The structure is designed to withstand the coastal weather conditions of the San Pedro cliffs.
The Korean Friendship Bell is a massive bronze bell housed in a stone pagoda located at the southern tip of the Palos Verdes Peninsula in San Pedro. It was presented by the Republic of Korea to the United States in 1976 to commemorate the bicentennial of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and honor veterans of the Korean War. The bell is modeled after the 8th-century Divine Bell of King Seongdeok of Silla. It is cast in bronze, gold, nickel, lead, and phosphorous and weighs approximately 17 tons. The pagoda structure features intricate architectural motifs, including carved spirits and symbols of the Korean and American nations. It is situated within Angels Gate Park, providing panoramic views of the Los Angeles Harbor and the Pacific Ocean. As of June 2026, the site remains a public landmark maintained by the City of Los Angeles. The bell is rung only five times per year during specific celebratory or commemorative events.
From the hillside path facing the pagoda with the ocean horizon in the background.
Bring a light jacket as the hilltop location is often windy and significantly cooler than inland areas.
Visit on a clear day to maximize visibility of Catalina Island across the channel.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Angels Gate Park trails.
Do not attempt to touch or strike the bell itself, as it is protected and strictly off-limits to the public.
The bell is rung only on specific holidays including New Year's Eve, Korean American Day, July 4th, Korean Liberation Day, and Constitution Day.
Maintain a quiet tone near the structure; avoid climbing on the pagoda railings.
