Interstate 10 highway under construction at State Route 11 in California with heavy machinery and construction workers

Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Memorial Interchange

Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Memorial Interchange: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide to Los Angeles Historical Sites

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled at the busy junction of the Harbor (I-110) and Santa Monica (I-10) Freeways in downtown Los Angeles, the Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Memorial Interchange stands as much more than a feat of civil engineering. It is a landmark commemorating Dosan Ahn Chang Ho (1878–1938), a pioneering Korean independence activist and a foundational leader of the Korean American community. As the first major U.S. freeway interchange named after an Asian American, it reflects Los Angeles’ commitment to honoring the diverse cultural legacies that shape the city’s identity (Los Angeles Times; Korean American National Museum; Wikipedia).

This guide will explore the interchange’s historical and cultural significance, provide practical information for visitors—such as accessibility, travel tips, and nearby attractions—and offer insights into related sites that illuminate the Korean American experience in Los Angeles.

Introduction
The Origins and Dedication of the Memorial Interchange
Dosan Ahn Chang Ho: Life and Legacy
Korean Immigration and Settlement in Los Angeles
Symbolic and Cultural Significance
Community Advocacy and Naming Process
Construction and Engineering Features
Accessibility, Visiting Hours, and Travel Tips
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Visitor Resources
References

The Origins and Dedication of the Memorial Interchange

The Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Memorial Interchange was officially dedicated in 2002, following years of community advocacy and bipartisan support in the California State Legislature (California State Assembly). The landmark naming commemorated the centennial of Korean immigration to the United States and symbolized the profound contributions of Korean Americans to Southern California. The dedication ceremony, which included cultural performances and community reflections, made the interchange the first major U.S. freeway junction to honor an Asian American leader.

Dosan Ahn Chang Ho: Life and Legacy

Dosan Ahn Chang Ho was a towering figure in both Korean and Korean American history. After immigrating to the U.S. in 1902, he founded the Korean National Association and Young Korean Academy (Hung Sa Dahn), promoting education, civic responsibility, and leadership among Korean immigrants (Korean American National Museum). His activism extended internationally, playing a pivotal role in Korea’s independence movement and inspiring generations of Korean Americans.

Korean Immigration and Settlement in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has played a central role in the Korean American story. Early Korean immigrants settled in the city in the early 20th century, forming the foundations of today’s vibrant Koreatown. After the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, the Korean population in Los Angeles grew rapidly—today, Los Angeles County is home to the largest Korean American community in the United States (U.S. Census Bureau).

Symbolic and Cultural Significance

The Memorial Interchange serves as a powerful symbol of the Korean American experience—embodying community resilience, activism, and the struggle for recognition. Its location near Koreatown and the historic Ahn family home enhances its resonance, while its presence in daily traffic reports keeps Dosan’s legacy in public consciousness (Discover Los Angeles).

Community Advocacy and Naming Process

The naming of the interchange was the product of concerted efforts by organizations such as the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles and the Korean National Association. California Assembly Bill 1849, introduced by Assemblymember George Nakano, and supported by a broad coalition, authorized the naming and led to the installation of official Caltrans signage (California State Assembly).

Construction and Engineering Features

Constructed in multiple phases during the mid-20th century, the Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Memorial Interchange is a classic four-level stack interchange—an engineering marvel designed to handle immense traffic volumes efficiently. Key features include:

Four-Level Stack Configuration: Allows uninterrupted movement in all directions, minimizing congestion.
High-Capacity Ramps: Wide, gently curving ramps accommodate heavy traffic.
Seismic Resilience: Reinforced concrete and flexible joints protect against earthquakes, with retrofits following the 1994 Northridge quake.
Urban Aesthetics: Landscaping and sound barriers mitigate the structure’s impact on nearby neighborhoods.

(Wikipedia)

Accessibility, Visiting Hours, and Travel Tips

Visiting Hours & Admission

Open 24/7: The interchange is a public freeway junction; there are no admission fees or ticket requirements.
Viewing: Best viewed from nearby overpasses such as 23rd Street and Adams Boulevard, or from Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Square at Jefferson and Van Buren.

Accessibility

Pedestrian Access: Viewable from sidewalks and pedestrian bridges near the interchange, as well as Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Square.
Wheelchair Accessibility: Most adjacent public areas, including Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Square, are wheelchair accessible.

Travel Tips

Parking: Limited street parking is available in nearby neighborhoods; public transit is recommended to avoid congestion (LA Metro).
Best Times: Early mornings and weekends are ideal for photography and a quieter experience.
Safety: Do not attempt to walk on or near freeway lanes; use designated sidewalks and crosswalks.

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit to the Memorial Interchange by exploring these related sites:

Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Square: A commemorative plaza at Jefferson Blvd and Van Buren Place, near the historic Korean National Association building (Wikipedia).
Hung Sa Dahn (Young Korean Academy) Headquarters: 3421-3423 S. Catalina St., Exposition Park. Historic headquarters of the organization founded by Dosan (LA Conservancy).
Ahn Family Home at USC: The historic home of Dosan’s family, relocated to the USC campus, is sometimes open for tours (Wikipedia).
Dosan Ahn Chang Ho USPS Station: At Harvard and 6th in Koreatown, the first U.S. post office named for an Asian American (Wikipedia).
Koreatown: Los Angeles’ vibrant center of Korean culture, with restaurants, shops, and community events (Discover Los Angeles).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are there visiting hours or tickets required?
A: No. The interchange is a public freeway junction, accessible at all times. No tickets or visiting hours apply.

Q: Is the interchange accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes. Nearby streets, Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Square, and Koreatown are wheelchair accessible.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: The interchange itself does not offer tours, but local cultural institutions and the Ahn family home occasionally host programs.

Q: Where can I learn more about Dosan Ahn Chang Ho’s legacy?
A: Explore the Korean American National Museum, LA Conservancy, and Korean Community Center.

Conclusion and Visitor Resources

The Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Memorial Interchange is both a marvel of urban infrastructure and a meaningful cultural landmark, serving as a daily reminder of the Korean American community’s enduring legacy in Los Angeles. While fundamentally a transportation hub, its commemorative naming, proximity to key sites, and ongoing presence within the cityscape invite visitors to reflect on themes of resilience, civil rights, and multicultural recognition.

References

For high-quality images and interactive maps, be sure to include photos of the interchange signage, Dosan Ahn Chang Ho Square, and nearby Koreatown streetscapes, with descriptive alt tags for accessibility and enhanced SEO.

Plan your visit today and discover the enduring legacy of Dosan Ahn Chang Ho in the heart of Los Angeles. Download the Audiala app for guided audio tours, and follow us on social media for updates on cultural events and historical insights.