1592 - Outbreak of Japanese Invasion
200 years passed since the establishment of the Joseon dynasty, and a major event started in the Korean peninsula. It all started with the unification of Japan, by a ruler named “Toyotomi Hideyoshi.” He had one problem that he had to solve, and it was a huge number of samurais and troops. As civil war happened in Japan for a long period of time, many number of skilled-troops were created, who protected the castle by receiving fees. However, peace commenced through Japan, and they lost jobs simultaneously. This led to dissatisfaction with peace, which would be a threat to the unified ruler. The solution that came up was the war with other countries. His final plan was to conquer the Ming dynasty but to proceed, they had to conquer the Joseon dynasty. Therefore, Japan commenced the attack on Joseon. The result for Joseon was devastating. Joseon was not prepared, and Japanese troops swooped through the Korean peninsula on land. King Seonjo, the 14th king of the Joseon dynasty, left the capital and ran away to the farthest north of the Joseon territory. Until then, it seemed like Japan would easily conquer the Joseon dynasty. However, they failed as a result, for 2 different reasons. First, a general named “Lee Shun Shin,” who controlled the Korean navy gained miraculous victories at sea. This disrupted the plan of Japan, to supply food and resources through the sea. This finally led to the delay of further attacks of Japan, which resulted in the second reason, the support of the Ming dynasty. When the Joseon dynasty fell by Japan, it was obvious that they would be the next target by Japan. After 2 more years of war, the two countries agreed with an armistice. 3 years later, Japan started to invade Joseon again, but they failed again, which led to the finale of the Japanese invasion. This invasion gave tremendous impacts on the Joseon dynasty. All of the palaces were burnt down, and the political-social system broke down. The result was a success, but the reality was a tragedy.
01
Turtle Ship
This is the miniature of the battleship named “Geobukseon,” which means turtle ship. This battleship is the most famous one in Korean history. It was developed during the period of the Japanese invasion, by the idea of general Lee. The reason why this ship is called the turtle ship is by its appearance. It has a shell with spikes on the top of the ship, which looks like a turtle hiding its head inside its shell. This battleship helped the Joseon navy to defeat many battles against the Japanese navy, which led them to success in the war. This miniature is placed in the War Memorial of Korea. For more information, visit the site below.
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02
Lee Shunshin’ Nanjung Ilji
This book is the diary written by General Lee during the Japanese Invasion. General Lee wasn’t only good at fights and war, but also at literature and Confucianism, which led him to write his own diary. He saved the Joseon dynasty by showing his tactics and abilities during the sea battle to beat the Japanese navy. For example, one of the best battles of Korean history, the Hansando battle was progressed by using the “Hakikjin” tactic, which looks like the crane extending its wings. The reason why this tactic was sensational is that this tactic was not used in sea battles but on land. However, general Lee used this tactic to beat the Japanese navy and is still known as one of the best tactics of world navy history. This diary is nominated as the Unesco Memory of the World, and the 76th national treasure of Korea. It is currently stored by the “Hyunchoongsa” temple, which is located in the hometown of general Lee. For more information, visit the sites below.
03
Namhansansung
This fortress is named “Namhansansung,” which was built to protect the capital. This fortress is nominated for the Unesco World Heritage, as it contains the construction style and skill of the Joseon dynasty. Besides, the reason why this fortress is special is related to the Qing invasion of Joseon. After the 1st invasion in 1627, the Qing dynasty and Joseon dynasty was in a relationship with brotherhood. However, the Qing dynasty requested a relationship with a king and a servant. Joseon dynasty refused, and the Qing dynasty started its 2nd invasion in 1637. King Injo, the 16th king of Joseon, hid inside this fortress, while the Qing army surrounded this fortress. Supplies dropped quickly inside the isolated fortress, which forced the king to surrender. He had to beat his head on the floor in front of the Qing emperor, which is a great humiliation and dishonor. Joseon dynasty got weaker by the effect of the Japanese invasion and Qing invasion in 30 years, which slowly led to their fall. For more information on the fortress, visit the sites below.