It was a grand gift—a 17-ton copper, tin, and gold emblem of friendship presented to the United States on its 200th birthday by Korea. But after 38 years on a windswept bluff in Angels Gate Park, The Bell of Friendship was corroding, and the pagoda that housed it was marred by bird droppings. No longer: The bell was rededicated in January after a four-month, $400,000 rehabilitation during which artisans from South Korea cleaned, restored, and tuned the bell and completely repaired and repainted the pagoda in its traditional pattern and colors. Now the refurbished ringer’s star power is helping introduce a new generation to the surrounding park’s many charms. Constant ocean breezes and 270° views of the Pacific make the grassy grounds perfect for picnics and kite flying.
It was a grand gift—a 17-ton copper, tin, and gold emblem of friendship presented to the United States on its 200th birthday by Korea. But after 38 years on a windswept bluff in Angels Gate Park, The Bell of Friendship was corroding, and the pagoda that housed it was marred by bird droppings. No longer: The bell was rededicated in January after a four-month, $400,000 rehabilitation during which artisans from South Korea cleaned, restored, and tuned the bell and completely repaired and repainted the pagoda in its traditional pattern and colors. Now the refurbished ringer’s star power is helping introduce a new generation to the surrounding park’s many charms. Constant ocean breezes and 270° views of the Pacific make the grassy grounds perfect for picnics and kite flying.
