Korea-Mexico Friendship Bell - Atlas Obscura

Korea-Mexico Friendship Bell

A replica of one of South Korea's National Treasures stands as a tribute to that country's relations with Mexico. 

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The bell of King Seongdeok of Silla, also known as Emile Bell (“emile” meaning “mommy” in the Silla language) is one of South Korea’s National Treasures (#29), so it makes sense that reproductions of this important object are often used by the country’s government as gifts of goodwill. One of the best-known examples is found in Los Angeles, while Mexico City has a pair of its own.

The first of these was gifted in 2010 and can be found in the Parque Bicentenario (Bicentennial Park), on the city’s northwest. The other, donated two years later, is located more centrally, right in front of the well-known Mothers’ Monument. Both are smaller than the original, although still impressive in their dimensions. Weighing nearly one ton, the bronze bells are four feet (1.4 meters) tall and with a diameter of 80 centimeters.

Despite the two-year difference between their giftings, these two bells were given by the South Korean government in order to celebrate the centennial of the start of the Mexican Revolution, and the bicentennial of the start of the War of Independence, both commemorated in 2010.

The 2012 date is also appropriate as it represented 50 years since diplomatic relations between South Korea and Mexico were established. Their respective plaques have text in both Spanish and Korean.

Know Before You Go

The Mothers' Monument bell, marked on the map, can be seen at all times as it is located in a public plaza.

The other is located in Parque Bicentenario, which is open Tuesdays to Sundays, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Access is free, but areas might be restricted due to the many events that take place here, some of which are separately ticketed. It is advisable to verify these on the website before visiting.

In partnership with KAYAK

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