A Symbol of Friendship Between Two Countries: The Korean Friendship Bell in San Pedro, California.

Giving gifts is a love language and is very common when it comes to friendships, however, Korea took it to a whole different level for California with the Korean Bell of Friendship.

A massive bronze bell in a beautiful Korean inspired pavilion was given by the Korean Republic to the citizens of Los Angeles, California as a gift that acknowledges the events that happened in the Korean war.

Photo Courtesy: San Pedro

The landmark is located in Angel's Gate Park San Pedro, Los Angeles California. The landmark compliments the blue sea of the bay harbor behind it and the greens of nature around it.

The Bronze Bell of King Songdok. Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

The Bronze Bell of King Songdok, which was cast in 771 A.D., served as inspiration for the bell's design and is currently on display in South Korea.

The bell, bigger than the average human person, is a symbol of friendship between two different countries, created and dedicated on October 3, 1976 to honor American veterans of the Korean War, and is regarded as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument (No. 187).

The bell itself was made in Korean and shipped out to America, then housed in a pagoda-like stone building that took 10 months to build and was built on the spot by thirty craftsmen who were flown in from Korea.

Photo Courtesy: ETSY

Such elements applied in the master piece showcase the independence, peace, and prosperity in the United States and South Korea.

Moreover, Twelve columns are found in the pavilion: one for each of the twelve Asian zodiac animals that stand watch at the foot of each column, supporting the pavilion.

Besides being rung on every first Saturday of the month at exactly 12:15pm, The bell rings only 5 times a year on special occasions. These dates include the following:

July 4, Independence Day

August 15, National Liberation Day of Korea

New Year's Eve

January 13, Korean American Day

September 17, Constitution Week

Honoring what a person has done for another person's sake through gifts is definitely a love language.

In this case, Koreans have honored the service of American veterans even after what happened 200 years ago.

The astonishing landmark will remain a symbol of friendship, alliance, and peace between Korea and America.

What was the most significant gift you received? Comment down below

Written by: Ellyssa van Schaijk

Ellyssa van Schaijk is a digital marketing intern of PS Media Enterprise. She is a 3rd-year Bachelor of Arts in Communication student from Batangas State University-Arasof Nasugbu Campus, Philippines.

Source: http://www.seecalifornia.com/culture/san-pedro-korean-friendship-bell.html