HELLO from KOREA

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Admiral Yi Sun-sin (1545 ~ 1598) “He who risks death shall live, and he who seeks life shall die”." -Yi Sun-sin In the annals of Korean naval history, Yi Sun-sin stands out as one of the greatest commanders of all time. Most would agree that he is probably the greatest hero Korea has produced. He entered the military at 31 and from early on demonstrated the characteristics that made him great, by effecting innovations in military strategies to fit each situation. Having served with dis-tinction in numerous minor posts, he was appointed Commander of the Jeolla-do Left Naval Station at Jwa-suyeong (modern Yeosu) in 1591. He immediately set about building up the naval defense of the area by repairing weapons, building warships and training their crews. He had the famous Geobukseon, or turtle ships, built on the model of a 15th century ship but with added firepower and speed. These are believed to have been the world’s first ironclad warships. Plated with iron, they were covered with numerous spikes that were concealed with mats, which made enemy boarding more treacherous during battle. The bow of the boat was fitted with a dragon’s head and in the mouth, there was a cannon in the mouth of each. Additionally, sulfuric fumes poured out of the mouth creating a smoke screen, making it difficult for the enemy to determine the exact location of the ship. Cannons were placed all around, and there were many ports for archers. The turtle ships protected the sailors from arrow and musket fire, and were extremely difficult to board. It was also quick and easily maneuverable. In the fourth lunar month of 1592, Japan invaded an unprep a r e d Korea and quickly reached Seoul. The royal court was forced to flee. At this point, Admiral Yi fought a series of major naval battles in swift succession. Despite being greatly outnumbered, he won them all and nearly destroyed the Japanese fleet. On the 18th day of the 11th lunar month, 500 Japanese ships gathered in the strait of Noryang to return to Japan. Reinforced by the Ming Chinese fleet, the Koreans attacked the retreating Japanese. At the height of the battle, Admiral Yi was struck by a stray enemy bullet. Calling his son and nephew, who served under him, to his side, he said, “Do not weep, do not announce my death. Beat the drum, blow the trumpet, wave the flag to advance. We are still fighting; finish the enemy to the last one.” More than 200 Japanese ships were sunk in that battle. Koreans are proud of Yi Sun-sin not only because he was a great naval commander and military strategist, but also because he was a man of upright character and unquestionable loyalty to the nation despite personal hardship and unwarranted disgrace. Yi insisted that the only way to save one’s life was to risk it. In his honor, he was given a number of posthumous titles, one of which included Chun-gmugong, or Lord of Loyal Valor, given by King Injo in 1643. 27 _ History
28 _ HELLO from KOREA Geobukseon (Turtle ship) century when Japan defeated China, Korea's patron. Japan, which had risen as a new industrial power in Asia, annexed Korea in 1905, and made it into its colony by 1910, thereby ending the Joseon Dynasty. Did You Know? Yi Sun-sin was a man of many talents, one of which was his literary ability. Despite being a military man, he showed surprising style and eloquence in his diaries and his poetry. Here is an example of his sijo or poems: In the moonlight on Hansan Isle all alone in my lookout, I grasp my great sword at my side lost in troubled thought. From nowhere, the wail of a flute pierces my heart.
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HELLO from KOREA

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