at the top of the hill in Angel's Gate Park is this spectacular sight...
The Korean Bell of Friendship (sometimes referred to as the Korean Friendship Bell) at Angel's Gate Park. The walkway to the pavilion has a plaque with the history of the friendship bell (more info linked at the videos and articles at the end) as well as two Korean totem poles. In older photos of the totems, they appear to be different, so maybe this was a newer version.
There were many folks out there that afternoon, some flying kites, others walking their dogs and a few having picnics. West of the park was Point Fermin which has a park and a lighthouse (can't be seen in my photo, sadly).
The Korean Bell of Friendship is housed in an ornate pavilion (called the Belfry of Friendship) with amazing painted columns and supports. This is one of the largest bronze bells of its kind and was given as a gift from South Korea to the United States in 1976 to celebrate the bicentennial and to symbolize the friendship between the countries. The effort was led by Korean American actor, Philip Ahn, the first Asian American actor to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The bell is only rung five times a year: New Year's Day, Korean American Day (January 13), July 4th, Korean Liberation Day (August 15) and Constitution Day (September 17). The bell is struck with a large wooden log; it does not have a clapper.
The pavilion and bell were quite impressive in person. The colors were so vibrant and the curved roof points striking.
Incredible detail...
View from the eastern side of the pavilion:
View of the coast (near Point Fermin)...
The chimes of tinkling bells caught our attention as a paletero strolled through. It was a pretty warm day and TC and I were wanting some icy refreshment.
Our paletas:
Chamoy with Lucas for her and a pineapple one for me. I was able to utilize my elementary level Spanish. The paletas were about $2 each but I gave him a $5 so he could keep the change.
Bert wasn't really a fan of TC's paleta; the sour and spicy flavors aren't his thing. He preferred my pineapple popicle instead which was really quite refreshing.
On the way down the hill was another "park", which wasn't really a park in the sense that it wasn't grassy or large or anything. It was just a small area with awesome views of the Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors, and on a clear day, Catalina Island. There are also several for pay telescopes if you wish to get a closer look.
Articles/posts:
"Korean Bell of Friendship" OnceCoolThingEverWeekend, Oct. 26, 2012
Korean Bell... ChangMookWan (this post has really cool photos)
Korean Friendship Bell and Pavilion (@ Angel's Gate Park)
3601 S. Gaffy St.
San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 548-7705
sanpedro.com/sp_point/korenbel.htm / fb page (their page has a different version of the totem poles) + reviews from you know where and tripadvisor
More info about Angel's Gate Recreational Center:
agrecent.htm
Here's a really short video
Lookout Point Park
S. Gaffey St. & 36th St.
San Pedro, CA 90731
fb page + the reviews from yelp
It was almost three p.m. which meant we could check in to our hotel which was 30+ blocks away....
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