Yi Sun-sin(1545 — 1598)
Yi Sun-sin
période Joseon
6 min read
Korean admiral of the Joseon dynasty, regarded as one of the greatest naval strategists in history. He successfully defended Korea against the Japanese invasions of the late 16th century without ever losing a battle.
Frequently asked questions
Key Facts
- Born in 1545 in Seoul (kingdom of Joseon) and killed in action in 1598 at the Battle of Noryang
- Repels the Japanese invasions of Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Imjin War (1592–1598)
- Uses turtle ships (geobukseon), armored vessels reputed to be nearly invulnerable
- Wins the Battle of Myeongnyang in 1597 with only 13 ships against a vastly superior Japanese fleet
- Remaining undefeated across all of his naval engagements, he is celebrated as a Korean national hero
Works & Achievements
Yi had this armored warship rebuilt and improved — a decisive weapon that threw the Japanese fleets into disarray.
Yi's first naval battle, in which he destroyed many Japanese ships without suffering any major losses.
A decisive victory thanks to the “crane wing” tactic, which broke the momentum of the Japanese invasion by sea.
With only 13 ships, Yi annihilated an overwhelming Japanese fleet by exploiting the currents of the strait.
The last great battle of the war, a Korean victory during which Yi was killed.
A detailed logbook, a major historical source and a national treasure of Korea.
Military reports written for King Seonjo, documenting the operations and the needs of the fleet.
Anecdotes
Before the Battle of Myeongnyang in 1597, Yi Sun-sin had only 13 ships left to face a Japanese fleet of more than 130 vessels. He is said to have written in his journal: “Those who seek death shall live, those who seek life shall die.” Taking advantage of the violent currents in the strait, he won one of the most lopsided naval victories in history.
Yi Sun-sin had the “turtle ship” (geobukseon) rebuilt and improved, an armored warship whose deck was covered with iron plates and spikes to prevent the enemy from boarding. Its dragon-head-shaped prow could belch smoke and fire cannons, terrifying the Japanese sailors.
Despite his victories, Yi fell victim to court intrigues: in 1597, he was dismissed, imprisoned and tortured, wrongly accused of disobedience. Demoted to a common soldier, he was urgently recalled after the rout of his replacement at the Battle of Chilcheollyang.
Yi Sun-sin died in battle at the Battle of Noryang in December 1598, struck by an arquebus bullet just as victory was secured. According to tradition, he ordered that his death be hidden from his men so as not to break their momentum: “The battle is at its height, do not announce my death.”
Throughout the war, Yi kept a detailed logbook, the Nanjung ilgi (“War Diary”), in which he recorded the battles, the supplies and his personal torments. This document is today an exceptional historical source on the Imjin War.
Primary Sources
Kept from 1592 to 1598, this personal diary records, day after day, the naval operations, the condition of the ships and the men, as well as the admiral's concerns.
A collection of the official memorials sent by Yi to King Seonjo to report on the battles and to request reinforcements and supplies.
Memoirs of a high-ranking Joseon minister and contemporary who describes the Imjin War and pays tribute to Yi Sun-sin's decisive role in the kingdom's defense.
Official court chronicles recording the appointments, the dismissal and later recall of Yi Sun-sin, and the accounts of the naval battles.
Key Places
Capital of the Joseon dynasty, where Yi Sun-sin was born in 1545.
A narrow channel with violent currents where Yi won his most famous victory in 1597 with only 13 ships.
Site of the great naval victory of 1592 and location of Yi's naval headquarters in southern Korea.
Site of the final battle of the Imjin War in 1598, where Yi Sun-sin was killed in combat.
Site of Yi's first naval victory in 1592, which revealed the tactical superiority of his fleet.
Commemorative shrine dedicated to Yi Sun-sin, erected near the region where he grew up and was buried.
