18. Choi Mu-Seon (1325 – 1395)
Choi Mu-Seon was an inventor best known for the production of Korea’s first gunpowder and cannons. During the Goryeo dynasty, he had already recognized the importance of gunpowder weapons, and suggested the establishment of a state institution committed to producing them. His inventions played a crucial role in defeating Japanese raiders. His gunpowder production techniques were passed on to his son, and later contributed to the strengthening of the Joseon dynasty’s defenses.

19. Jeon Bong-Jun (1855 – 1895)
Jeon Bong-Jun was a leader of the Donghak Peasant Movement, which was a large-scale resistance movement against traditional feudalism and foreign invasions. Donghak was an indigenous Korean religion, which was founded in 1860 and later became the Cheondogyo religion. His first uprising was in 1894 against corrupt local bureaucrats. He also led a nationwide protest against Japanese invasions until his eventual arrest and execution.

20. Wonhyo (617 – 686)
Wonhyo was a respected Buddhist monk of Silla kingdom, who made a great contribution to the development of Korean Buddhism. Buddhism is a religion that has long influenced the life and thoughts of Koreans. He created extensive written work about Buddhism, and committed his life to disseminating the religion among the people. His teachings were even introduced to China, and marked an epoch in the world’s history of Buddhism. 

21. Mun Ik-Jeom (1329 – 1398)
Mun Ik-Jeom is recognized as “a person who improved people’s lives” because he brought great benefits to people by cultivating and distributing cotton. The introduction of cotton cloth made fabric production simpler and more efficient. The previous methods of fabric production were time-consuming and labor-intensive. Due to its high production efficiency, cotton cloth became Korea’s major export, and contributed to the national economy.

22. Jeong Yak-Yong (1762 – 1836)
Jeong Yak-Yong, also known by his pen-name Dasan, was a prominent Confucian scholar and official during the late Joseon dynasty. He is highly recognized for his contribution to compiling Silhak literature, which emphasized practical learning and social reform. He spent many years living in exile, but he used the time to organize and develop his philosophy. He wrote over 500 books in broad areas, including politics, economics and society. His line of work is called “Dasanhak” and it has received considerable attention from many scholars.

23. Yi Sun-Sin (1545 – 1598)
Yi Sun-Sin was an admiral and Korean national hero who protected the country against Japanese invaders during the national crisis of the Imjin War. Throughout his career, he had to overcome extreme adversities in battles and personal challenges, such as vicious slanders against him and subsequent political ordeals. His life provides an endless source for Korean novels, dramas and movies, and he has become immortal in the minds of Koreans.

24. Jang Bo-Go (?– 846)
Jang Bo-Go was a general of Silla kingdom, who established the Cheonghaejin naval base in today’s Wando Island. Using Cheonghaejin, he was able to defeat pirates, gain control of the ocean, and secure safe trade routes that connected Silla with China and Japan. His reputation as an international trader was recorded in several historical documents in Korea, China and Japan.

25. Kim Man-Deok (1739 – 1812)
Kim Man-Deok was a successful and altruistic businesswoman in Jejudo Island, who saved numerous people’s lives during the Joseon dynasty. As a woman and a slave, she had to overcome many disadvantages before finally becoming a great merchant. However, she decided to spend her entire fortune to save people from a famine caused by an extreme drought in 1795. Her generosity greatly impressed the people of the period and still impresses the people of today.

8. Heo Gyun (1569 – 1618) & Heo Nanseolheon (1563 – 1589)
Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon were famous sibling writers during the Joseon dynasty. Heo Gyun authored the first Korean language novel, “The Tale of Hong Gildong.” His sister Nanseolheon wrote many poems that were highly commended by writers in Korea, China and Japan. Her accomplishments as a poet are particularly noteworthy, considering the social status of women during her time.

9. Heo Jun (1539-1615)
Heo Jun was a royal physician who wrote “Donguibogam,” one of the best medical books of the East. Dongui refers to Korean medicine. To compile this book, he spent 14 years reading over 240 medical books. The value of the book is internationally recognized, and it has been translated into many different languages, including Chinese, Japanese, German and English.10. King Sejong the Great (1397 – 1450)
King Sejong was the fourth king of the Joseon dynasty, who is best known for the invention of the Korean alphabet Hangeul. Hangeul is the only alphabet in the world in which the inventor, principles of invention and dates of promulgation are known. During his reign, he made many impressive accomplishments in all areas, including politics, economics, culture and defense. The basis of his rule was always his love and sympathy for ordinary people.

11. Kim Hong-Do
Kim Hong-Do was a famous court painter during the Joseon dynasty. He exhibited exceptional artistic talent since his childhood. His drawings were quite varied, ranging from people, scenery, gods and Buddhist subjects. He created many different kinds of artistic works, including kings’ portraits and folk paintings. His genre paintings in particular are well known for their realistic depiction of ordinary people’s lives, and are still loved by Koreans.

12. Ahn Yong-Bok
Ahn Yong-Bok was a patriotic fisherman, who played a crucial role in protecting Ulleungdo and Dokdo. During the reign of King Sukjong (1661-1720) of the Joseon dynasty, Ahn witnessed Japanese fishermen trespassing on Joseon’s territory and travelled to Japan to confront the Japanese government. His actions played an important role as Japan officially banned fishing activities in those areas in 1696 and recognized Ulleungdo and Dokdo as a territory of Joseon. Dokdo, with its beautiful scenery, remains Korea’s easternmost territory.

13. Isabu
Isabu was a renowned general of Silla kingdom, who is widely known for his conquest and annexation of Usan-guk for Silla in 512. Usan-guk was a small kingdom that occupied the present-day islands Ulleungdo and Dokdo. He also advised the king to compile historical records, and made a major contribution to Silla’s territorial expansion by winning battles against Goguryeo and Gaya kingdoms.

14. Im Yunjidang (1721 – 1793)
Im Yunjidang was a female scholar, who achieved a high level of knowledge in Neo-Confucianism during the Joseon dynasty. Joseon put limitations on women’s rights to gain formal education and to work outside the home. For this reason, she was unable to exhibit her academic talent in Joseon society, but she still pursued her scholarly interests until her death. 

15. Jang Young-Sil
Jang Young-Sil was a scientist who invented the world’s first rain gauge “Cheugugi” in 1441. He led a renaissance in Korean science by creating many notable inventions, such as the Jagyeongnu automatic water clock and the Honcheonui astronomical clock. His scientific achievements are so highly regarded that Korean scientists named an asteroid after him. 

16. Yi Hwang (1501 – 1570)
Yi Hwang was an eminent scholar, also known by his pen-name Toegye, who laid the foundation for the development of Neo-Confucianism in the Joseon dynasty. He committed his entire life to developing knowledge and educating students. Consequently, he was highly respected as a sage. His philosophy had a significant influence on scholars both inside and outside of Korea; including China and Japan. Since the establishment of the International Toegyehak Society in 1976, his work has been widely researched in many countries across the world.

17. Park Yeon (1378 – 1458)
Park Yeon is regarded as one of the three greatest musicians in Korea’s 5000 years of history; along with Goguryeo kingdom’s Wang Sanak and Silla kingdom’s Ureuk. Under the order of King Sejong the Great, he organized court music, tuned musical instruments, and compiled music for royal events. To commemorate his legacy, a music festival is held every year in his hometown Yeongdong-gun.

2. King Gwanggaeto the Great (374 – 413)
King Gwanggaeto was Goguryeo kingdom’s nineteenth king, who achieved political supremacy in 5th century Northeast Asia. He used the name of his own reign for the first time in Korean history, and established a great empire that occupied the present-day Liaodong peninsula and a part of Inner Mongolia. A tombstone was built in honor of his distinguished achievements, and it still remains in Jian, China.  

3. Lee Je-Ma (1838 – 1900)
Lee Je-Ma was a physician who created a unique Korean medical theory called “Sasang Uihak.” This theory is based on Eastern philosophy, and its basic principle is that treatments should vary, depending on a patient’s particular constitution. He spent his entire life studying medicine, and established his own medical theory based on extensive clinical data.

4. Seo Hui (942 – 998)
Seo Hui was a diplomat of the Goryeo dynasty. He is best known for his role in a negotiation in 993 where he persuaded the invading Khitan army to retreat by arguing for the legitimacy of Goryeo as the successor of the Goguryeo kingdom. Through the negotiation, he also regained control over the Pyeonganbukdo area. For this reason, his actions are regarded as the most successful example of diplomacy in Korean history.

5. Dangun
Dangun was the founder of the first Korean kingdom of Gojoseon in 2333 BC. Korea’s first history book about its ancient kingdoms, Samguk Yusa, contains a story about his founding of the nation and his basic principle of Hongik Ingan. The principle means to promote the benefit of humanity, and it forms the basis of the strong Korean national identity that has functioned to unite Koreans on occasions of national crisis.

6. Jeong Seon (1676 – 1759)
Jeong Seon was a painter who developed a unique Korean style of landscape painting during the late Joseon dynasty. He portrayed Joseon’s scenery with his own creative touches, breaking off from the strong influence of China. His major painting “Geumgang Jeondo” provided great inspiration for other painters in their drawings of Mt. Geumgangsan.

7. Kim Jeong-Ho (? – 1866)
Kim Jeong-Ho was a geographer who made many maps during the late Joseon dynasty. Daedongyeojido in particular is a masterpiece that he created by integrating Eastern cartographic traditions. The map is very accurate and precise, even compared to contemporary maps. He also compiled geographic books that showed changes in administration, transportation and historical geography, which contributed to a better understanding of maps.

Average annual growth rate over the last 10 years = 9.2%
The first among G-20 member countries 

GDP = $7.42 trillion
The second largest in the world

Military expenditure
The second highest in the world

Expected to become the world’s largest economic power by 2018
- The Economist, British weekly newspaper

Expected to become the world’s largest economic power by 2016
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Became the world’s second largest economic power in 2012

This is a country that is rapidly rising as an economic and military power in the 21st century: China!

Chinese national pride is as great as the size of their country.  

Such pride is deeply rooted in a traditional notion:
Sino-centrism

“China is the center of the world, and we have the most superior culture.”
Throughout its long history, China has maintained a China-centered worldview.

Today, China’s national and economic power is growing quickly. With its growing power, Sino-centrism is emerging again. 

“Backed up by its strong military and economic power, China is the center of the world in the 21st century!”

To reinforce its political power, China is promoting a new Sino-centrism. Based on Sino-centrism, China is attempting to establish a China-centered world order. China is again pressuring all other nations to follow the China-centered order.

Chinese imperialism is now slowly but surely emerging. Korea neighbors China. What will happen to Korea? Throughout its history, China was ruled by many powerful dynasties. China constantly asked Korea to obey the China-centered world order and culture.

However, Koreans persistently resisted and created their own culture and history. Without a great leader, none of the following Korean achievements would have been possible.

Our own scientific technology
Our own culture
Our own alphabet

His goal was to remove Korea from the China-centered world order.  He established Korea’s own unique culture.

He is the most respected king in Korean history:
King Sejong (1397~1450)

“Our language differs from Chinese …”
- Preface to the Hunmin Jeongeum manuscript

He recognized Joseon as an independent kingdom, apart from China. Against Sino-centrism, he developed Korea’s unique culture, history, and science. Joseon’s time zone is not the same as China’s. At that moment in history, only China had the technology to observe astronomical events and measure time. No other country around China had its own measure of time.

However, time was clearly different between China and Joseon. The China-centered time system had limited benefits to the lives of people in Joseon.

King Sejong felt a need to help people know more exact measures of time.  He invented a water clock and a sundial that were set to measure time in Joseon. People in Joseon finally achieved independence from the China-centered time system.

Thanks to King Sejong, Korea obtained sovereignty over its own time. Joseon’s language differs from Chinese.

In the 15th century, Chinese characters functioned as a universal writing system throughout Asia. However, Joseon’s language was different from Chinese.

Many commoners in Joseon had difficulty expressing their thoughts in writing. King Sejong decided to get out of the China-centered language system. He invented Hangeul, the alphabet for the Korean people.

Thanks to King Sejong, Koreans obtained sovereignty over its language. Koreans became people with their own alphabet. Joseon’s soil is different from Chinese soil. In the 15th century, Joseon’s farmers used a Chinese book titled “Nongsang Jiyao” (Methods for Farming).

During the Joseon Dynasty, agriculture was a primary industry. However, the weather and the natural environment in Joseon were not the same as in China. Joseon needed its own methods for farming. To meet such a need, King Sejong researched methods for farming that reflected Joseon’s natural environment.

He released an agricultural book titled “Nongsa Jikseol” (Straight Talk on Farming). Thanks to King Sejong, Koreans obtained sovereignty over its farming methods. They learned farming methods that were appropriate for Korean soil. The bodies of Joseon people are different from Chinese people.

However, the people of Joseon were not treated differently. Joseon’s doctors used Chinese medical books for diagnoses and treatments. They studied medicine by reading Chinese books. Chinese medicinal ingredients were expensive to import.

Also, the Korean physical constitution was different from the Chinese. So, treatments were not as effective as they could have been. King Sejong felt a need to utilize local ingredients for medicine. He released a pharmaceutical book titled “Hyangyak Jipseongbang” (The Compilation of Native Korean Prescriptions).

Thanks to King Sejong, Koreans obtained sovereignty over their medicine. They created their own medical books that were designed to treat their body. The sky of Joseon is different from the Chinese. Astronomy was used to rule a country. People believed that astronomical phenomena delivered messages from heaven.

At the time, Joseon and many other Asian kingdoms adopted Chinese astronomy. However, Joseon’s geographical location was different from the Chinese. Chinese astronomy was inadequate to observe astronomical events in Joseon. King Sejong felt a need to observe astronomical phenomena from the location of Joseon. He created a calendar called “Chiljeongsan” that was designed to be used in Joseon.

After 500 years, even today’s scientific knowledge can’t find much error in this calendar. It shows accurate observations of the sun, the moon, stars, and other astronomical objects. Thanks to King Sejong, Koreans obtained sovereignty over their astronomy. Koreans were able to see the sky from their own perspective.

Joseon’s music is different from the Chinese. In the 15th century, Chinese music was more highly regarded during Joseon’s national events. Our traditional court music was less regarded than Chinese music.

Joseon’s music was different from Chinese music. Chinese music was inadequate to represent Joseon’s national identity in important national events. King Sejong took this situation seriously. He created Joseon’s own ritual court music, Botaepyeong 11 tunes and Jeongdaeeop 15 tunes.

Thanks to King Sejong, Joseon created its own musical sounds. Joseon’s ritual court music, “Jongmyo Jeryeak” was designated as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO.

Joseon is different from China. King Sejong recognized the differences between the two countries, and removed Korea from the China-centered worldview. He guided his people on a path to a new world. Young Koreans will follow his guidance.

They will begin a new future for Korea.

“In the face of the overwhelming economic and military power of China, Korea is likely to face a serious economic and cultural crisis.”

However, young Koreans do not agree with such a perspective. For its 5000 years of history, Korea had control over China’s influence. Korea has maintained its own unique culture and heritage. Young Koreans will take such challenges as opportunities to develop their country. They will respond to the challenges with the spirit of innovation.

With such young people, Korea will become the most innovative country in the world. About 500 years ago, the China-centered world order was widely accepted throughout Asia. However, King Sejong of Joseon went his own way to create our unique culture against the overwhelming power of China.

King Sejong recognized that Joseon was different from China, and created a new era for Joseon. VANK is looking for young Koreans, who have the courage to take on the challenges of the rapidly-changing world order. With us, you will overcome the challenges with King Sejong’s spirit of innovation.

Korea
1% of the world’s population
0.07% of the world’ total land

However, young Koreans do not let size decide the future of their country. Instead, they find opportunities for innovation.

Take on challenges and build a greater Korea!

An architect who designed and directed the construction of Hwaseong Fortress.
Machinery, an engineer who created cranes based on the block principle. 
An engineer who designed a Baedari(Boat Bridge) which put bridge on the boats. 
An engineer who made a bridge using ships at the Han River. 
A geographer who studied Korean geography and history and made map books such as Abang gangyeok-go and Daedong sugyeong. 

An administrator who arranged administrative directions and roles. An educator who suggested practical alternative measures for child education medical scientist who made medical books. 
A jurist who arranged criminal law and legal system. 
An Yehak Scholar who analyzed the complicated Yehak(a field of Neo-Confucianism). 
A linguist who arranged proverb and dialect.

Just One Person
With lots of Careers
Jeong Yak Yong (정약용 1762~1836)

Unprecedented wide academic scope 
Miraculous academic achievement

He always conducted more than 8 kinds of work at the same time Jeong’s own methods to develop omni-directional knowledge

Knowledge Management
1. Goal establishment
2. Data collection
3. Systematic classification
4. Role division and active implementation

The first information society of 18th Century Joseon Dynasty. All kinds of knowledge flew into Joseon through China. He successfully analyzed and unified massive amounts of data before modern printing technology was developed.

He wrote a total of 2,460 pieces of poetry and 542 books by the time he died.

Today, Jeong Yak Yong is sometimes compared with the famous economist, Mr. Peter Ferdinand Drucker, because of his own managerial books about management, which have become must read books for corporate management.

“His work process is remarkable. His ability to analyze and collect information is so scientifically structured and modern that everyone who sees his work will be amazed. His work gives many sources to learn and refer to for us who live in this 21st Century information society. He was, indeed, an all-round knowledge manager and integrated scholar which modern society badly needs.” – Professor. Mr. Jeong Min from Hangyang University -

The First Value seen throughout Jeong’s life and research areas.
“Love of People” (愛民)
“Your passion for literature shall grow along with your consideration towards people.”

Deplored “Yangban,” the upper class of ancient Korea, Jeong clamored for practical study. “Don’t mistake the distant ivory tower for study.”

At the age of 39
He was entrapped by the opposition and sent into exile at Gangjin, Jeollanamdo province for 18 years.

Amid bitterness and fierce difficulties, His ambition and passion toward study was so great that his ankle was broken three times as he sat crossed-legged on the floor during study. He finally created a total of 260 pieces of literature and 232 pieces of Gyeongjeon(the Classics) Interpretation Book.

National Management Book, Gyeongseyupyo “Not even one single sector is not tainted. If we fail to conduct nation-wide reform right now, we will definitely perish.”

The administrators’ guide book, < Mogminsimseo (The Mind Governing the People)> “Politicians should always keep integrity and modesty and think of their people first.”

Punishment norms for priceless human life, < Heumheumsinseo > “Take any case very carefully and show your mercy to the criminal”

<Chonbyeonghokch>i, easy prescription for people in rural areas
< Magwahoetong > Medical book for smallpox.

He dreamed of an equal society. No discrimination against social positions.

He strongly suggested a down-top political structure.

And He spread his hands to help the poor and the weak.

“Love your people and consider your country.
Without this mind-set, any study or literature is nothing but meaningless.” 
-Jeong Yak Yong-

VANK, cyber diplomat of Korea, is looking for young people, the descendants of the great people of a nation which boasts 5,000 years of history, we are looking for youngsters who dream of a new Korea which will be the Asian peace maker and bring changes across the globe.

Please be a hero who will create the image of new Korea along with VANK. You are the ones who will build the image of a whole New Korea.

*Reference
Dasan Research Institute Dasan’s Knowledge Management -Kimyoungsa-

In the 15th Century, the Joseon Dynasty became the world’s first nation where the development of science technology, and culture blossomed.

However, even though the Joseon’s people benefited from such achievement, The Koreans themselves, Chinese, Arabs, and Europeans did not know of it.

Joseon had to achieve such development secretly. What a deplorable history it was.

Because then, China, which viewed itself as the center of the world, strongly opposed Joseon’s independent scientific development.

The dramatic hero who led the development through this painful history.

Born in the government offices’ slave, he finally changed the paradigm of the era.

He was the best mechanical engineer in 15th Century northeast Asia and beyond.

Jang Young Sil [장영실]

Due to frequent drought King Sejong the Great held a ritual for rain numerous times, “Every spring and summer, the whole country is a victim of drought. The rice paddies are cracked and crops have dried from long droughts and there are wars for water between farmers. All this is caused by the King’s lack of virtue, which makes the Heaven angry.”

However, Jang Young Sil opposed such claims. “Rain comes according to its timing. A rain falling service does not Allow us to have rain. Human beings should know and use the heaven’s rainy season.”

He considered the natural conditions not as a subject to obey But to control. Jang Young Sil studied practical science, indeed.

Supported by King Sejong the Great He studied in China and manufactured science equipment He invented the Honcheonui, Astrometer,
Yangbuilgu, Sundial (1434)
Jagyeongnu ,Water-clocks (1434)

“The Chinese calendar is not consistent with the Joseon’s time and season. We must observe our sky and create our own calendar.”

It was the 15th year of King Sejong the Great in 1433 when Jang Young Sil carved the Joseon’s constellation, which he observed at the center of Hanyang (the then capital city), in a stone, Cheonmundo.

Joseon widely opened the era of astronomy.

It was 100 years earlier than when Nicolaus Copernicus, who opened modern astronomy, published “On the Revolutions of the Heavenly Spheres” in 1543.

In 1423, King Sejong the Great released him from the government slave status by giving him a government position.

However, many government officers did not accept the remarkable achievements of Jang Young Sil just because he was born in a lower class. Jang Young Sil just had to bear the discrimination, putting in much more efforts than others.

And his deep consideration of the poor.
“The fruit of technology shall return to the people. The technological achievements shall not be mine but all people of the world.”

He invented Gapinja, movable metal type in 1434, promoting the development of printing thanks to the more aesthetic and precise technology and allowing numerous documents to be printed.

In 1441, he became the world’s first scientist to invent a Cheugugi (Rain Gauge), which was distributed to each village one year later.

The great scientist of Joseon Dynasty.

Born as a slave of the government offices, he disappeared into history without leaving any record of his death. With the demise of the great leader, King Sejong the Great, the brilliant scientific culture of 15th century Joseon could not develop further.

Far later, the Northern School began to accept western astronomy through Beijing and since then the Kyoto Time, which was adopted during the Japanese colonial period, has been used as the standard time for Korea until today.

If King Sejong and Jang Young Sil had been successful in blooming the scientific dream, could it have been possible for us to be using the Korean standard time?

VANK, cyber diplomat of Korea, is looking for young people, who dream of a new Korea that will lead world-wide change.

Korea played a central role at establishing creative cultures across Asia, actively leading and exploring Asia region and northeast Asia in particular.

Please be a hero who will create the history of new Korea along with VANK. You are the ones who will build the history of a whole New Korea.

Battle of Salamis-Sept 4. B.C. 480
380 battleships of a united Greece, led by Themistocles of Athens VS lured 750 Persian battleships
Themistocless of Athens Victory

Battle of Gravelines-Aug 8. AD 1588
Admiral Howard, leading 75 British battleships VS Spanish fleet 130 battleships Admiral Howard, leading 75 British battleships Victory

The Battle of Trafalgar-oct 21. AD 1805
Admiral Horatio Nelson and the Victorian VS French fleet + Spanish fleet Admiral Horatio Nelson and the Victorian Victory

These battles will forever live in the Parthenon of great battles. But less we forget, one battle of the orient belongs among them.

Naval Battle ofHansando
On jul. 8, 1592, Hansando, the narrow strait running from Tongyeong. A fleet of 72 led by Admiral Yi Sun-sin facing a japanese combat fleet of 82. Admiral Yi Sun-sin lured the enemy into the narrow Hansando channel using Panokseon battleships. He spread his fleet across both flanks, and reared its head toward the massive Japanese fleet. His HakIkjin5 tactics had the Japanese fleet surrounded. Korean ships behind the island waited in ambush. A Geobukseon ship6 infiltrated the middle of the Japanese ships. The Japanese fleet scattered. The battle was on.

Admiral Yi Sun-Sin, with more than 40 naval battles under his belt, went undefeated in his naval career. At the Battle of Myeongryang, the Admiral Yi’s force, 12 combat ships, completely wiped out a Japanese fleet of 130, with nary a loss. His naval tactics, his thorough knowledge of topography, and his fine personality, made Admiral Yi Sun-Sin respected even among Japanese forces.

Admiral Togo Heihachiro, who defeated the Russian fleet during the Russo-Japanese War in the early 20C, is said to have admired Admiral Yi Sun-Sin and his deeds of arms.

“You may compare me with lord Nelson, but not with Yi Sun-sin.”-Togo heihachiro

“Admiral Yi Sun-Sin remains one of the most revered characters in Korea’s history.”
-G.A.Ballard, The influence of the seaon the political history of Japan(1921)

HakIkJin
Up until the 16C, naval battles mainly involved hand-to-hand combat, first colliding with, then boarding the enemy’s ships. But Admiral Yi Sun-sin adopted his revolutionary tactics, crane wing formation, called HakIkjin. With surrounding enemy’s fleet in a semi circle and his fleet bombards their various cannons all at once. Joseon’s fleet could concentrate the attack on enemy’s fleet which was surrounded by joseon battle ships in a crane wing formation. Japanese Admiral Togo Heihachiro revealed the secret of this tactics. The sub duplicate ratio of firepower and could decisively defeated the battle against undefeated Russian fleet. After this battle, the tactics is still adopted today’s navy.

Geobukseon, the Turtle ship
Never discouraged, the Joseon developed a previously unimagined battleship under the leadership of Admiral Yi Sun-Sin, boasting excellent navigation and shipment technology. In the 16C, most combat fleets were large V-shaped ships that were fast but required a large turn radius. The Joseon ships, on the other hand, used the u-shaped ships, panokseon ship. These Panokseon, or “board-roofed superstructured ships”, were the only combat ships of the era with a standing turn radius near zero. Its second floor could carry nearly 20 firearms into battle. The modern understanding of packing different amounts of gunpowder, taking into account distance and driving speed, was first used on these ships. The standing turn, and using all arms onboard. As mentioned, the Geobukseon ships could fire, turn 180°, turn, fire, and turn again, making for previously unthinkable volleys against the enemy.

The Geobukseon’s drill is also worth mention. It was installed directly into the ship’s hull, and thus invulnerable to enemy attack. The ship’s sails could be hoisted in all directions, even while covered, making it lighter and faster than all others. Its sniper canons, installed at its dragonstyle head, it could attack deep into enemy lines. Its left and right cannons, the engineering of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, and his utilization of the sub duplicate ratio of firepower, transformed the Geobukseon and hence the joseon into a Naval powerhouse of the 16C.

The greatest person in Korean history Including the fields of Politics, Economy, Culture, Military, as a matter of course, Numerous achievements of King Sejong had developed Joseon into the most powerful and most scientifically advanced country in East Asia.

In 1441, He invented Cheugugi, an instrument to measure precipitation by collecting raindrops. In 1434, he invented Jagyeongnu, a time alarming machine with an automatic system of a bell, jing, and drum resounding at exact moment by water.

And 1443, King Sejong created Korean alphabet (Hangeul), which is recognized as the best letter system in the world. What was the motivation that made it possible to gain such successes in his era? Why were there so many brilliant people especially in his era? What was the power of King Sejong that made Joseon the most scientifically developed country of East Asia?

No.1 People’s happiness was the number one concern of his politics.
King Sejong was a great king who always considered people’s hardship and tried to do his best to make people’s life better.
“If I have to choose two among army, finance, and people’s mind, I will discard army. If I have to choose one between the rests, I will discard finance, The thing that should not be discarded till the last is people’s trust and their mind.”

In order to achieve agricultural enhancement, which was the fundamental resource of the nation, King Sejong researched many technologies needed in farming and published many books on them. The reason for developing the epoch breaking rice planting skills and the Korean udometer called ‘Cheugugi’, used in gauging rain fall, also was to enhance the agricultural abilities, and eventually, to improve the lives of the citizens.

The most apparent example of King Sejong’s affection towards the nation was the establishment of the Korean alphabet ‘Hangeul’. King Sejong established ‘Hangeul’ despite the strong objections from many government officials, who were maintaining their power by using Chinese that the common could not easily understand. On the other hand, anyone could easily learn and write this newly established language. The ultimate purpose of the establishment of ‘Hangeul’ was to eliminate the hardships of the illiterate and to enhance their lives.

No.2 Engaging government officials based on their abilities and personalities.
King Sejong was fair in engaging government officials. He never gave royals any benefits. In contrast, he searched for people with great talent even among the people in the lower social classes. Giving nationally significant tasks even to the officials from the lower classes, Sejong was never biased in excavating and educating the talented. He was also able to dispatch capable people in suitable positions for each of them and produced great achievements.

Regardless of the counterforce of many officials, King Sejong noticed the capability of a humble man named Jang Yeongsil and raised him as one of the most prominent scientists in the Korean history. Getting support from the King, Yeongsil produced many scientific devices such as, ‘Honcheonui’ an astronomical device used in viewing the stars, ‘Cheugugi’, used in gauging rainfalls, and ‘Jagyeongnu’, a clock run by the water inside, thus elevated the Joseon Dynasty as the strongest country in science. Scientists whom King Sejong had chosen as talented formed the basis of the enhancement of joseon Dynasty and are still honored as the virtuosos of history.

No.3 Passion in Studying 
King Sejong was especially fond of reading books and was a prominent scholar. He also had thorough understanding of studies that he had enough knowledge to compete with the best scholars. Also, he gained wisdom and power needed to be a good king by long periods of mental training. He was a king who reprimanded his followers who didn’t study and told them the importance of being awakened, as servants of the people.

Considering that the first sentence of the epitaph inscribed on his gravestone was that he was excellent with his studies, We can see how passionate he was about knowledge.

No.4 Running the country’s affairs through debate and conversation.
It is known that King Sejong enjoyed debating with his followers at dawn. Debate was one of King Sejong’s most important daily schedules that enabled him to think over his people’s sufferings and to be always awakened like a keeper of his country. In addition, in a society where kings had absolute powers, he was a king who valued and loved his intelligent followers even if they disagreed with him or criticized him.

Also, even though he was a king who had absolute power he didn’t run his country imperialistically but decided many issues through discussion. King Sejong held 1,800 academic lectures, more than any other kings held before. Even when he proclaimed Hangeul, he read every follower’s memorial to the throne and refuted it. From this, we can see that he even respected everything that contradicted his ideas. King Sejong was the greatest leader who led Koreans in the best way.

Today, if you ask any Korean to choose the best king ever, they will choose King Sejong without hesitation.

Yi I is one of the two prominent Joseon Neo-Confucian scholars and government officials, the other being Yi Hwang. The reason why Koreans respect him today is because he loved the nation and worked tirelessly to reform it in the right direction. He was an exceptionally foresighted man when it came to predicting the nation’s future. While he was Minister of War, he proposed to the king that the government should recruit wise and competent men and appoint them throughout the nation. He also proposed that government
recruit and train 100,000 soldiers, as well as horses, to prepare for possible war.

However, his proposal was not accepted and tragically, war did break out eight years after his death, and the nation was practically destroyed. In 2008, the Korean navy commissioned its second Aegis destroyer, the Yulgok Yi I, which honors his insistence that national defenses must be strengthened in order to keep the peace. Yi I’s mother, Sin Saimdang, is well-known woman in Korean history. She was an outstanding painter and  calligrapher, who upheld Confucian ideals and had a great influence on her son’s education. In June 2009, a 50,000 won banknote was printed with her portrait on it. She is the only Korean woman to be so honored. Her son is on the 5,000 won banknote.

Achievements as a Great Scholar

Yi I was an outstanding Neo-Confucian scholar, who focused on social reform, while Yi Hwang tried to build an idealistic moral society. In Neo-Confucianism, li stands for the moral doctrine and ki stands for the material force. He criticized the contemporary trend in Neo-Confucianism by insisting that neither li nor ki was superior to the other, but that they existed simultaneously in all phenomena. In other words, what Yi I tried to emphasize was harmony between spirit and body, ethics and the economy, ideals and reality, theory and practice. While Yi Hwang emphasized ideals, Yi I was more realistic and progressive. He was open to science and various other studies. In his later years, he greatly influenced the various schools of Neo-Confucianism in Joseon. He criticized the idealism of Neo-Confucianism and tried to reform society. He emphasized that it was better to face reality and participate in civic affairs, rather than passively meditating in the countryside. He was a scholar who was also adept in political, economic and social affairs, as well as in law, administration, education, military affairs and ethics.

Achievements as an Official

Yi I was appointed as an official in the government during a period of chaotic political infighting and transition of power from one faction to another. He understood the necessity of a systematic revolution with the transition in power. He suggested to the king a new system of governance to tighten official
discipline and a new tax system to relieve the pain of the common people. Yi I was a prodigy who passed the high civil service examination with highest mark at the age of 13. He passed nine civil service examinations, each time with the highest grade, and became an official at the age of 29.

Through his years in government, he was appointed as the inspector-general, minister of taxation, minister of personnel, minister of punishments and minister of war and other high positions. While he was working as the minister of war, he presented a document to the king, which stated six principles to be pursued to
protect the nation. These included that officials should be appointed according to their characters and abilities, that the frontiers should always be thoroughly guarded and that the country should always be prepared for war, in case of an unexpected attack.

He predicted that Japan would attack in the near future and in 1583, proposed to the king an additional military buildup, which was rejected. In 1592, eight years after his death, the Japanese invaded Korea and over the next seven years, the country was devastated. Koreans admire his patriotism and foresight and the fact that he worked hard to change the nation for the better.

Yi Hwang, prominent Korean Neo-Confucian scholar

Toegye is the pen name of Yi Hwang, one of the most prominent Korean Neo-Confucian scholars, who studied in depth how to become fully human and how human beings relate to the universe. He was thus concerned about how one might best fulfill one’s potential. Koreans respect him not only because he was an outstanding scholar but also because he lived what he taught. His personality shines throughout history. For example, he left a will stating that only his name should be carved on his tombstone, without any
indication of his social standing. This was very unusual for his time and even today. In this way, he gave future generation a lesson in true modesty.

He began a career in government and held numerous positions, but in later years refused high position and instead built Dosan Seowon, a private Confucian academy, to continue his scholarly pursuits and train disciples. He taught that studying is not for making a fortune but for learning how to live a moral life. Later, his students became leaders in society, and the truths he taught have been handed down for nearly 500 years. His teachings and philosophy have spread outside Korea. Chinese and Japanese scholars as well as those from other countries are researching his life and teaching.

About Yi Hwang (Toegye)

Yi Hwang (1501-1570), a man of profound learning and high moral character, is one of the two greatest Korean Neo-Confucian scholars of the Joseon era (1392-1910), the other being his younger contemporary Yi I (Yulgok). Yi Hwang had a pleasant and modest personality and was a good filial son who understood proper etiquette even as a child. When he was young, he studied the Confucian classics from his uncle and was later admitted to Seonggyun-gwan, the National Confucian Academy. He studied hard and started a career in government but later turned down many positions in order to pursue his own scholarly studies.

Dosan Seowon

His greatest achievement was the establishment of a new school of thought based on the Neo-Confucianism of the Song scholar, Zhu-xi (1130-1200). He emphasized the four components of a good nature, first expounded in the Book of Mencius—benevolence, righteousness, ropriety and wisdom. He had 260 followers, including Ryu Seong-nyong (1542-1607; a scholarofficial and State Councillor during the Japanese Invasion of 1592-1598), Yi San-hae (1539-1609; a scholar official and Chief State Councillor) and Jeong Tak (1526-1605, a State Councillor). Moreover he, along with Seong Hon (1535-1598) and later Yi Ik (1681- 1763), was the chief exponent of one of the two main branches of Neo-Confucianism in Korea.

After the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592, his books were published in Japan during Edo period when Ieyasu, the first Tokugawa shogun, was in power. They greatly influenced the major schools of modern Japanese Confucianism. Even in China, the home of Confucius, he had substantial influence, and Liang Qichao (1873-1929), a Confucian scholar, journalist and reformist, considered Yi Hwang a sage.

The reason why Yi Hwang is noteworthy is because his life and conduct were consistent with his teachings. His integrity and frugality is reflected in the following poem he wrote:

A simple thatched shack
A leaky ceiling and drafty walls
Repeatedly moving furniture to dry spots
Books need to be kept in old boxes

The life and teaching of Yi Hwang can still provide lessons for people living in today’s hectic and competitive world.