Korean Temple Bell

The Korean Temple Bell is a bronze bell housed within a brick and granite pagoda structure at the Oregon Convention Center. The bell displays traditional Korean craftsmanship through its bronze construction and sits in a public space designed for viewing and interaction.

The city of Ulsan in South Korea presented this bell to Portland in 1989 as a gesture of goodwill. The work was created through the Convention Center's One Percent for Art program, which supports public artworks.

The bell participates in a sound installation called Bell and Wind Environment, inviting visitors to engage with it as a work of art. The piece brings together Asian craftsmanship traditions with modern public space, creating a place where different cultures meet.

The artwork is located on the grounds of the Oregon Convention Center and remains accessible to visitors. The piece can be easily found while exploring the outdoor areas surrounding the center.

The Smithsonian Institution conducted a survey of the bell in 1993 and documented public discussions about religious symbols in civic spaces. This debate reveals how public artworks can prompt different perspectives on shared community spaces.

Location: Portland

GPS coordinates: 45.52985,-122.66381

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:20