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Introduction to�The Korean Bell of Friendship

June 20, 2024

Ernest Lee, Story Keeper

Korean Friendship Bell

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Agenda

  • Purpose & Historical Background
  • Historical Events & Connections
  • Embedded Culture & Symbolism
  • Hidden Significance & Meaning
  • Future Plans
  • Question & Answers

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The Bell of Friendship

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The Bell of Friendship

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The Bell of Friendship

  • Korea’s Bicentennial Gift to the People of the United States
  • Modeled after Devine Bell of King Song Deok of Unified Silla Period (771 CE)
  • The largest bell in the world in 1976: 12 feet in height, 7.5 feet in diameter
  • 18-tons, made of bronze alloy; Cost $500,000 to cast, 9 Bell Masters, 12,000 laborers
  • Pavilion was constructed over 10 months by 30 artisans and stone masons who stayed at the barracks at Fort MacArthur at additional cost of $450,000.
  • First rung on July 4, 1976 in Busan; October 3, 1976 in Los Angeles
  • Designated as Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument No. 187 in 1978

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The Bell of Friendship

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The Bell of Friendship

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Purpose & Historical Background

  • Commemorate American Bicentennial
  • Symbol of Friendship & Alliance
  • Honor Veterans of the Korean War
  • Honor Shared Sacrifice and Values
    • Freedom
    • Democracy
    • Prosperity through the “Pioneer Spirit”

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Historical Events & Connections

  • Opening of Diplomatic Relationship
  • World War II
  • Liberation of Korea
  • Korean War
  • Vietnam War
  • Modern Alliance and Partnership
  • Six Important Commemorations: New Year’s Eve, Korean American Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, National Liberation Day, Constitution Day.

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Embedded Culture & Symbolism

  • The Bell & Bell-ringing
  • Roses of Sharon (Mu Gung Hwa)
  • Four Pairs of Figures
    • Goddess Liberty & Seon-Nyeo (Korean Angel)
    • Tae Geuk, Mu Gung Hwa, Laurel, and a Dove
  • Twelve Columns (12 Animal Symbols of the Zodiac)
  • Stone Steps (Choreography of Reverence)

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Embedded Culture & Symbolism

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Embedded Culture & Symbolism

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Embedded Culture & Symbolism

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Hidden Significance & Meaning

  • Sacred Musical Instrument
  • Unified Kingdoms & Unified Korea
  • MacArthur Connection
  • Thirty-three Rings. Why?

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Rededication: January 10, 2014

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Future Plans

  • Further Maintenance & Restoration
  • Revision & Implement the 1976 Master Plan
    • Walk of Remembrance
    • Points of Interests
    • Enhancements
    • Educational Programs

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Question and Answers

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