Admiral Yi Sun-sin

Admiral Yi Sun-sin lived in the Joseon Dynasty (present-day Korea) during the 16th century. He is well renowned for his victories against the Japanese invasions between 1592 and 1598. Most probably, one out of every three Koreans would answer Yi Sun-sin, if they were asked who their favorite hero in Korean history is. He faced many hardships; the Joseon Dynasty had a shortage of battleships, arms and military power. Furthermore, it did not give Admiral Yi the support he needed. Nevertheless, he fought valiantly and gained victories in all the 23 sea battles he fought.

However, his prowess in battle is not the only reason he is held in high esteem. While he was in battle with the Japanese fleet, he was ensnared in political infighting, demoted, convicted and sentenced to death, although that sentence was never carried out and he was eventually exonerated and returned to battle. Even on the verge of death, he did not bemoan his fate. He tried his best until the very last and saved the nation. The real reason why Admiral Yi is deeply etched on the hearts of all Koreans is because of his indomitable will, which transcended even the threat of death. His loyalty and love toward the nation have become a model for all Koreans.

More detailed information about Admrial Yi

His greatness comes from his leadership, strategies, administrative ability and love for the nation. First of all, he made accurate forecasts and careful preparations, which he executed with daring. While the Joseon Government was asserting that there would be no war and remain unconcerned, Admiral Yi correctly predicted the upcoming naval clashes. He built battleships and turned the undisciplined soldiers into an elite contingent. Later in the battle of Myeongnyang in October 1597, Admiral Yi announced to his soldiers “those who seek to live shall die and those who seek to die shall live!” With these words, he inspired his fleet of only 12 ships to defeat a Japanese armada of 300 battleships. He was a brave commander who always stood at the frontline.

Second, he was an innate strategist. By cutting the enemy’s supply route, Admiral Yi ruined their strategy. He employed tactics beyond common sense and successfully held back an army of 150,000 for five years with only 10,000 men. Admiral Yi had been constructing panokseon, the main battleship of the Joseon fleet. This wooden ship had two decks and a command tower in the center of the upper deck. Admiral Yi equipped the panokseon with longrange cannons, which he developed himself. He also invented the Geobukseon, or turtle ship, from the panokseon. It was an assault ship with a curved roof of wooden planks that were covered with metal plates. The metal plates had metal spikes, making boarding impossible. The geobukseon played an essential role in Admiral Yi’s strategies.

Furthermore, he trained his soldiers in many battle formations, such as the Crane Wing formation, which was extremely useful for surrounding and attacking enemy ships. This formation was used in the Battle of Hansan Island, which is known as one of the four great battles in world naval history along with the Battle of Salamis, Battle of Gravelines and the Battle of Trafalgar.

Third, he was a capable and principled administrator and a man of letters. He harshly punished deserters and promoted talented persons. In tough times, he cultivated farmland, made clothing and manufactured other materials. When the government increased taxes, he offered his surplus to the government. He was extremely popular, and this was one of the reasons that he could fight against the strong Japanese navy. He also studied hard, as he originally wanted to become a scholar. He wrote the Nanjung Ilgi (War Diary of Yi Sunsin), which is kept as a valuable historic document.

 

Finally, Admiral Yi loved his country and people. Even though he was ensnared in political infighting, demoted, tortured and was on the verge of execution, his only concern was the security of the country. When the Japanese navy attacked with 300 ships and everything seemed doomed, he told the king, “I still have 12 ships which are ready for battle.” He is remembered not only because he was never defeated, but because his indomitable will and love for the nation have become a model for Koreans nowadays. The Japanese army had reached as far north as Pyongyang in just two months after the beginning of the war. Due to Admiral Yi’s continuous victories, the Japanese army was cut off from supplies and isolated. The invasion ended after seven years. Admiral Yi met a glorious death in the Battle of Noryang against the
Japanese navy.

Admiral Yi’s death saved the country and his extraordinary spirit opened the eyes of the people. George Alexander Ballard (1862-1948), an admiral in the Royal Navy and a specialist in naval battle history, evaluated Admiral Yi as the best admiral in history. He wrote that although Admiral Yi achievements excel all the other admirals in history, he is not widely known in Western countries. He praised the fact that Admiral Yi was always aware of the exact conditions of battle and always encouraged his soldiers by taking the lead. It was as though victory was granted by his sole presence. Ballard said that Yi never hesitated in attacking and his attacks were never reckless. English people, Ballard wrote, find it really hard to accept that there is someone who was the equal of Vice Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson. However, he said, if there is someone in history who can match him, it is definitely Admiral Yi.

 

For more information, visit our Admiral Yi Sun-sin website at http://prkorea.com/yisunsin  

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