Leading Maritime Figures

As history has shown, the world was dominated by countries which controlled the sea. The Roman Empire, Spain and Great Britain were such countries. had Bogo, who built a g..

■ Chungmugong Yi Sunsin Chungmugong Yi Sunsin Under the bright moon of Hansan Sitting alone on the watch tower I am so distressed, that I cannot put the big sword aside But the tune of a flute Does not heed my heart.

1. His Life

Birth

Yi Sunsin was born as the third son of Yi Jeong in in 1545. Yi Jeong named his sons after the wise emperors of .

Boyhood

Yi Sunsin is said to have enjoyed playing soldiers with his friends and being the leader in the games of his boyhood. When an adult tried to pass their playground, Yi is said to have interfered him, saying, "No one is allowed to trespass on the front." .

Falling from a Horse

When Yi Sunsin first time took an exam for military official selection at the age of 28, he fell from a horse while shooting arrows on horseback.

He broke his left leg, but he dressed his leg with the bark of a willow tree and continued the exam.

The Building of the

The turtle ship, clad with iron and steel spikes, was strong and safe enough to clash against other ships. The ship was first used in the battle of Sacheonpo, and in the following battles against the Japanese navy it played a key role and led to the victories of Yi Sunsin.

His Sympathy toward Soldiers

When Yi was 50, he suffered from an epidemic, however, he did not neglect his military duties. Moreover, he conducted a funeral for the soldiers and people who died of the epidemic.

Continued Calumny against Yi

During his military career, Yi Sunsin was often falsely accused by people and dismissed from his positions.

The first time was when he served as Dunjeongwan at Nokdundo in Hamgyeongdo. He asked his superior to send reinforcements, but refused. With the invasion of the enemy, many civilians were taken hostage and several soldiers were killed.

Yi Il reported Yi Sunsin was responsible for the case, and Yi Sunsin was discharged from the post. Later, when he was the chief commander of the navy, he was again falsely accused by . In spite of these accusations and libels, Yi Sunsin faithfully performed his duties.

He Became the Chief Commander of the Navy

In August 1593, at the age of 49, Yi Sunsin was appointed Chief Commander of the Navy of Three Provinces.

The Great Victory at Myeongnyang

The victory of Myeongnyang was notable in that his 12 warships fought against 330 warships of the Japanese navy.

The Last Battle

The Battle of Noryang was the last fight between the navy and the 500 Japanese ships retreating from Joseon to . Also the battle was the last one in which Yi Sunsin fought. After an all night's fight, Yi was hit by a bullet and died.

2.Turtle Ships

During the Imjin War, the turtle ship was always at the forefront of the , attacking and sinking the enemy ships with the guns.

The turtle ship was built on the basis of the traditional shipbuilding technology derived from the dynasty. Geomseon of the dynasty, on which the spikes prevented the enemy from boarding the ship, Panokseon of Joseon dynasty, which had hard board to protect the oarsmen, and the excellent artillery contributed to the construction of the turtle ship.

The turtle ship had a strong hull because it was constructed from hard pine trees and wooden nails resistant to salt water.

3.Naval Battles of the Imjin War

The Imjin War lasted 7 years from 1592 till 1598, however, the battles centered on the first year of the war, 1592 and the last two years of 1597and 1598. Admiral Yi's fleet of Jeolla Left Navy played a key role in defending Joseon from Japanese forces especially in the battles of 1592. This section deals with the major naval battles fought by Admiral Yi.

Okpo Battle

Dates: May 7-8, 1592 The number of war ships: Joseon--91, Japan--44 Results: Joseon--1 soldier injured, Japan--44 ships sank Significance: The first victory by Joseon in the war, Joseon could block the advance of Japanese forces

Landing at on April 14, the Japanese army took the capital city on May 2, and then Pyeongyang on June 18. They also seized two princes of King Seonjo. Admiral Yi's fleet set sail from the naval base of Yeosu on May 4, and destroyed a total of 44 enemy ships, without losing even one ship. This sweeping victory gave enormous confidence to the Joseon navy, raising the morale as well as proving the excellent quality of Panokseon.

Happo Battle After winning the first battle of his campaign, Yi received from a scout a report that 5 Japanese vessels were passing by. He pursued them to Happo, where the Japanese sailors discarded their ships and fled to land.

Goseongpo Battle In the early morning, Yi received a report that Japanese ships were berthing at Jeokjinpo near Goseong. Though weary from the battles of the previous days, Yi's fleet went on to Jeokjinpo and found 11 enemy ships.

The Japanese sailors were plundering houses and on discovering they found Yi's ships, they fled to the mountains. Yi's fleet burned all 11 enemy ships and returned to the naval base at Yeosu. He reported the result of the campaign to the court.

The Battle of Sacheon Dates: Late May - Early June, 1592 The number of war ships: Joseon--26, Japan--13 Results: All 13 ships of the Japanese navy sank, one hostage was rescued. Significance: The turtle ship was first put to use in an actual battle to play a key role in the attack.

Japanese ships were observed at Sacheon and Gonnyang, however, the tide would not allow the large-sized Panokseons to approach the shore. Yi decided to lure the enemy out to the open sea by pretending to retreat. By the evening, the enemy followed Yi's ships and the tide began to change, so Yi turned direction to charge at the enemy. The turtle ship played an important role in this battle by dodging about the enemy ships and firing guns. It is said that though Yi was shot in his left shoulder during the fierce battle, he waited till the battle was over and then had the bullet removed from the shoulder.

Dangpo Battle

Date: June 2, 1592 The number of war ships: Joseon--26, Japan--21 Results: 21 Japanese ships sank while none of Joseon ship were damaged.

In the morning of June 2, Admiral Yi's fleet found 21 enemy ships berthing at Dangpo. The Japanese sailors landed and put up a resistance, shooting rifles, but with the turtle ship in front, Yi's fleet charged at the enemy ships at the pier. They first destroyed the commander's ship and then killed him. The surprised enemy soldiers scattered, but they were shot by rifles and with arrows. Yi's fleet, destroying all 21 enemy ships, hindered the ambitious progress of Japanese army toward the west coast of Joseon.

Danghangpo Battle Dates: The first Danghangpo Battle--June 5, 1592; the second--March 4, 1594, The number of war ships: the first battle: Joseon--51, Japan--26; the second battle: Joseon-124, Japan--50 Results: The first battle: 26 Japanese ships sank, The second battle--31 Japanese ships sank Significance: The first battle--In order to protect civilians and to prevent the enemy from landing, the Joseon navy attacked in waves; the second battle--Admiral Yi was appointed as the chief commander of the navy

With information of the enemy staying at Danghangpo, Admiral Yi's fleet headed to Danghangpo first, attacked the ships with the turtle ship in the offensive, which confused the enemy. Yi thought further attack would lead the enemy to discard their ships and flee to land, and retreated towards the open sea. When the Japanese ships followed them to the sea, Yi's fleet surrounded and destroyed all the enemy ships.

Yulpo Battle Seven Japanese ships found at Yulpo were heading to Busanpo, and upon seeing Yi's ships, they all tried to flee. But seven ships were all burned during the attack with fire. .

The Battle of Hansando

Dates: July 8-10, 1592, the number of war ships: Joseon--100, Japan--70 (40 at Angolpo) Results: 50 Japanese ships sank, (At Angolpo battle, 40 Japanese ships sank)

Significance: The victory prevented the Japanese forces from advancing to Jeollanamdo.

Admiral Yi pretended that the Joseon navy had only 13 ships, and gave the false command to retreat. The entrapped Japanese navy traced the Joseon navy to the open sea. With the formation of Hakikjin, all Joseon war ships charged against the enemy. The battle, in which Japanese navy lost 9,000 people, became a turning point in the war which turned in favor of Joseon afterwards.

Hakikjin, the winged crane

Angolpo Battle

Date: July 10, 1592 The number of war ships: Joseon--160, Japan--470 Results: 30 Japanese ships were burned Significance: Japanese navy lost its will to fight

The Joseon navy found about 42 Japanese ships anchored at Angolpo. However, once deceived by Joseon navy at Hansando, they would not leave the port and be tempted into the open sea. So Yi launched a series of attacks toward the enemy ships. Each ship under Yi's command made an attack in waves to the Japanese ships, under the cover of artillery fire. After an all day's battle, 30 enemy ships were burned.

Jangnimpo Battle The fleet of the Jeolla Navy Camp consisting of 166 ships was joined with the ships of the Gyeongsang Right Navy Camp at Dangpo and arrived downstream of the Nakdong River at dawn on August 29. The Joseon navy found several Japanese navy ships coming out of Yangsan. Won Gyun and Yi Mong Gu chased after them and burned six ships. The large-sized battle ships could not enter the narrow river to attack more ships, at the mouth of the river, so Yi decided to sail back to Gadeokdo.

Dadaepo Battle Admiral Yi left for Busanpo at dawn on September 1. At around 8 in the morning, they were faced with the easter wind and the rough waves at Molundae, but pushed their way toward Busanpo. They found 24 Japanese ships at Daedapo, and commander Jeong Geol attacked them destroying and burning all of them. The Japanese soldiers fled toward the mountain. Admiral Yi ordered scouts to search for enemy ships around Jeoryeongdo, but they found none. So he sent the scout ships further to Busanpo to search for the enemy.

Busanpo Battle

Date: September 1, 1592 The number of war ships: Joseon--173, Japan--470 Results: 128 Japanese ships sank. Significance: Admiral Yi sent a report in which he called for a necessity of a joint military operation between of the army and the navy.

A scout ship reported that about 500 Japanese ships were at anchor on the east side pier below the mountain. Compared to the number of enemy, The Joseon navy was only one-third of it and was located at the disadvantageous position of being exposed on the sea while the enemy was attacking from the upward mountain side. However, Admiral Yi encouraged his officers and soldiers to fight till death and gave the order to attack. The enemy did not come to the sea and the Japanese soldiers hid in the trenches dug on the heel, and shot rifles and arrows at the Joseon navy, who confronted them with artillery fire and guns. The exchange of fire lasted all day. By the evening of that day, the Joseon navy burned and sank approximately 100 Japanese ships, though one of the officers, Jeong Un, died. The victory of Busanpo Battle secured Joseon from Japan, threatening the Japanese navy's retreat route to Japan.

The Last Campaign of Admiral Yi (1597-1598) In 1597, invaded Joseon again with an army of 150,000. In the Jeongju War, the Joseon navy under the command of Won Gyun, who became the chief commander of Joseon navy on behalf of Yi Sunsin, was defeated by Japan, losing 200 battle ships and thousands of soldiers at Chilcheollyang. Admiral Yi was reinstated as Chief Commander of the Joseon navy. Yi's fleet and Japanese navy confronted each other at the Myeongnyang Strait. Using the fast tidal currents and chains hidden under the waves, 12 Joseon ships attacked 133 Japanese ships and destroyed 31 of them.

When Toyotomi Hideyoshi died, Japanese forces were ordered to return to Japan. The allied navy of Joseon and Ming fought against the retreating Japanese army at Noryang in August, 1598. The fierce battle ended in the victory of the allied navy, however, Yi Sunsin was killed during the battle.

4.War Diary Nanjungilgi written by Yi Sunsin is the record of the Imjin War for 6 years and 9 months. The diary is an important document which not only chronicles the war conditions but also shows the personal side of Chungmugong in agony. Here are some excerpts from Nanjungilgi.

The Year of Imjin(1592) "Punished officers and soldiers for neglecting the repair of the ships. They are just trying to make money without taking care of their duties. I am worried about the future." "Practiced military arts after work."--January 16, Clear "A messenger came back from Asan. Glad Mother is well."--March 4, Clear "When the enemy invaded, every soldier fled, only at hearing that the enemy was approaching. Even the officers and the magistrates disappeared. I cried at the words of repeated defeats. . ."--April 29

The Year of Gyesa(1593) "Tried to tempt the enemy ships into the open sea, but they would not come out. Was humiliated at not being able to destroy the enemy."-- February 12, Cloudy and clear in the afternoon

"Sat in the inside of the ship, and my mind was disturbed by all kinds of wandering thought."--February 30, Rained all day long

The Year of Gapo(1594) "After breakfast, I said goodbye to Mother. She did not show any sign of sadness, just said "You have to fight for the country."--January 12, Clear

The Year of Jeongyu (1597) "Before leaving, I cried in front of the memorial tablet of Mother. No one could be so disloyal to his mother as me. . ." April 19, Clear

(After being released from prison, Admiral Yi got news of his mother's death. However, he had to serve his country without any title and leave his mother's house without concluding the funeral.)

"One hundred thirty-three enemy ships surrounded us. I said to the discouraged soldiers, 'Anyone who flees will be tried by military law.

So fight till death.' . . . We destroyed thirty enemy ships with artillery fire and the enemy did not dare to approach us."--September 16

(This is the description of the Myeongnyang Battle, in which Admiral Yi fought with the remaining 12 ships of the Joseon navy against 133 Japanese ships.)

5.The Relics of Yi Chungmugong This section introduces the relics and sites associated with Yi Chungmugong along the south coast, including the Hyeonchungsa Shrine in Asan.

6.Remains of Yi Chungmugong

The Folding Screen of Sujodo

Nanjungilgi

It is the precious historical material which expresses the Imjin War from the perspective of Joseon as well as shows the sensitivity of Chungmugong, the agonizing patriot.

The Folding Screen of Sujodo at Chungnyeolsa

Sujo, which refers to a ceremony similar to a grand naval parade, was initiated and held by Yi Sunsin twice a year. The painting, drawn by Jeong Hyo-Hyeon, is now housed at Chungnyeolsa Shrine. The painting depicts a total of 548 navy ships in the formation of Hakikjin.

Eight Gifts at Chungnyeolsa Shrine

The Emperor of China bestowed 8 kinds of gift to Yi Sunsin. These have been housed at the Chungnyeolsa shrine located at Myeongjeong-dong, City. The gifts include swords, flags, bugles, and a seal.

Swords and other Remains

Remains

Swords

■ Jang Bogo Jang Bogo established at what is today Wando in 882. He cleaned up the pirating problem and developed Cheonghaejin as a compulsory stop on the route to Japan or Tang. Thanks to his efforts, Silla prospered from sea trade with China, Japan, Southeast Asia and even the Middle East.

1.The Life of Jang Bogo

The Birth of Gungbok Jang Bogo is assumed to have been born of the lower classes in Wando in the Unified Silla in 790. Samguksagi, a history book, records his name as Gungbok.

According to the lengend of Wando, Jang Bogo's father made a living as a farmer and fisherman, and Jang Bogo learned fishing, oarsmanship, and swimming as well as practiced military arts such as archery and spearmanship. As his childhood name, Gungbok, suggests, we can assume that he was adept at archery.

Goes to Tang

In his early twenties, Jang Bogo entered Tang. Since the unification of three kingdoms, Silla prospered for the next 100 years, however, beginning in the middle of the 8th century, a famine caused by drought or flood led many people to immigrate to Tang or Japan. It seems that Jang Bogo, who was a natural leader as well as a knowledgeable person in navigation, chose to stay in Tang upon the request of Silla immigrants, after guiding them to Tang.

Becomes a General in Tang In the biography of Jang Bogo, Dumok, a Chinese poet, writes that nobody in China including the western frontier can match Jang Bogo in his military arts. Jang Bogo became an acclaimed general in Tang after defeating General Yi Jeong-Gi, who, as a descendant of Goguryeo, founded a country in Shandong and resisted against Tang.

The Establishment of Beopwhaweon

In 820, Jang Bogo found a temple called Beopwhaweon in Jeoksanpo, at the Shandong peninsula. All rites were performed in the Silla language there, and Jeonsanpo was the center of a community of Silla immigrants in Tang and also of the maritime transportation and trade among Balhae, Silla, Japan and Tang. at the Shandong peninsula>

Back to Silla Jang Bogo felt sorry for the Silla people who had been caught by Chinese pirates and sold as slaves in Tang. He came back to Silla, giving up his position in Tang. He recommended the establishment of Cheonghaejin in Wando to King Heungdeok and became the ambassador to Cheonghaejin in 828.

Taking Control of the Maritime Power

Jang Bogo built fortresses at Cheonghaejin and strengthened his power with war ships and trade ships. Cheonghaejin became the center of maritime trade connecting about 30 Sillabangs, the communities of Silla immigrants in China, and Japan. Jang Bogo accumulated enormous wealth as well as military power through trade.

The Death of Jang Bogo Jang Bogo was involved in the court politics of Silla: He helped to establish Kim Wu-Jing as King Sinmu, however, the aristocrats of the court did not like Jang Bogo, who as a lower-class person dominated the navy and the political powers of Silla. They sent Yeom Jang to kill Jang Bogo in 841. In 851, Cheonghaejin was dissolved and the residents were resettled to other areas.

Memorial Service for Jang Bogo(Wando, Jeollanamdo)

2.Cheonghaejin

Silla's Overseas Trade

After unifying the three kingdoms, Silla prospered for the next 100 years. With the increased demand for superior Chinese culture and artifacts, overseas trade also increased. General Yi Jeong-Gi and his family established a small country with the immigrants from Goguryeo in Shandong Peninsula, and monopolized the trade with Silla and Balhae. Jang Bogo participated in operations to overthrow the Yi family, and was able to control maritime trade after the defeat of Yi in 819.

Cheongdo Cheonghaejin(Wando, Jeollanamdo)

The Purpose of Establishing Cheonghaejin Jang Bogo established Cheonghaejin by order of King Heungdeok with a view to develop Silla's overseas trade and to clean up the Chinese pirate problem.

The Activities of Cheonghaejin

The Organization of Cheonghaejin

Jang Bogo employed men with skills regardless of their class and founded a private army, whose main task was centered on supporting international trade and putting an end to .

Private Trade

All members of Cheonghaejin participated in trade linking Silla, Tang and Japan in addition to their duties as soldiers. Due to droughts and the oppression of aristocracy, many people including powerless aristocrats flocked to Jang Bogo's Cheonghaejin for security and protection.

Building the Safe Sea trade Route Once Chinese pirates were supressed by Jang Bogo, Cheonghaejin prospered as the center of sea trade between Japan and Tang. Ennin, a Japanese buddhist monk, left a letter of gratitude to Jang Bogo, for helping him travel from Hakata, Japan to Tang.

The Journey to Tang to Find the Truth(838)

3.Relics and Remains Relics and remains related to Jang Bogo are scattered around Wando, the location of Cheonghaejin, Jangdo, and Gangjin in Korea. Also in Jeoksanpo, China and the sites of Beophwaweon in Sanghwangbong, Wando and Jeju, related relics and remains can be found.

■ Visitors from Abroad Hamel (? - 1692) Hamel was a sailor from the Netherlands. While he was sailing for Nagasaki from the Netherlands, with 38 sailors via Batavia and Taiwan in January 1653, his ship drifted to Jeju island due to a storm. He was detained at various places in Joseon for 13 years, with his colleagues, and finally escaped to Japan in 1566. His records of his experience in Korea, Relation du Naufrage d'un Vaisseau Hollandois and Description du Royaume de Coree were the first books to introduce Joseon to the western world. They account for the custom, culture, and institutions of Joseon as he saw it.

Bak Yeon(Weltevree, 1595- ?) Weltevree was born in 1595 in the northern Netherlands. In 1627, while sailing to Japan, he drifted to Jeju Island. He was seized and sent to Seoul. When Ching invaded Joseon in the Byeongja War, Bak Yeon and his two Dutch colleagues fought for Joseon. He oversaw Chinese prisoners of war and Japanese surrenderers and taught soldiers how to use firearms imported from Ming. When Hamel and other sailors reached Jejudo, he taught them Korean customs. He got a , Bak Yeon and married a Korean woman.

from Korean Studies from Oceanography by Han Sang-Bok, 1988

La Perouse (1741-1788) La Perouse was a French explorer. He was commissioned to explore the northeastern area of Asia by Louis XVI. He departed Brest in 1785, leading two ships. He sailed around South America, Hawaii, Macao, Taiwan, and Hokkaido and Sakhalin in Japan. In 1787, he surveyed the southeastern coast of Joseon for the first time as a European. He seems to have drawn up a sea chart on the sea around Korea. He tried to sail around the world, but in 1788, after visiting Port Jackson in the South Pacific, he went missing.

Oppert(1832 -?) Oppert was a Jewish merchant from Germany. In 1851, he arrived in Shanghai and also traveled to Japan. In 1866, he reached the Asan area in Joseon, and tried to excavate the tomb of Namyeongun, who was the father of Daewongun, the actual ruler of Joseon at that time. After coming back to Germany, he published Ein Verschlossenes Land:Reisen nach Korea, which was translated as A Forbidden Land, or Voyage to the Corea, in 1886.

Roze Roze was the commander of the Indochina Fleet of the French Navy. In 1866, a French Catholic priest, Ridel and other Catholics escaped persecution and execution of Catholics in Joseon and fled to Tenjin, China. With the guidance of these people, Rose tried to invade Joseon in August 1866 with three ships including the Primauguet. He sailed the Han river, but went back to China. In October, he landed at Ganghwado Island with his fleet of 7 ships. He lost the battle to Yang Heonsu, but was able to burn down Ganghwa Castle.

Rodgers (1812-1882) He was the commander of the Asian Fleet of the U.S. Navy. Leading 5 war ships and 200 sailors, he landed at Mulchido, north of Incheon in May 1871. One of the ships reached Gwangseongjin, Ganghwado, but the Joseon navy confronted it bravely. Aware of the impossibility of a peaceful trade negotiation, Rose attacked Gwangseongjin. His fleet took a fortress, but the Joseon Navy at Ganghwa attacked them. Rose's fleet retreated in July.

■ Defenders of the Korean Sea Kim Jeong Ho

He was a cartographer of the late Joseon period. He drew maps of Joseon such as Cheonggudo and Daedongyeojido. It took Kim 30 years to finish his Daedongyeojido, which is considered accurate as well as original compared to the existent maps.

Kim Dae In He was a military officer during the reign of King Seonjo. Though he was from the lower-class, he was recognized by Yi Sunshin and served in the Joseon navy. When Admiral Yi was fired from his position, Kim also left the navy and became a leader of the militia. Later he was imprisoned and died in after he accused tYi Yujik, his superior, of misconducts.

Kim Sin (?-1274) He was a military officer of the Goryeo Dynasty. During Yuan's campaign to invade Japan, he served Kim Bang Gyeong's Goryeo army. Though he killed many Japanese soldiers, he was drowned in a rainstorm in Japan.

Kim Yu-Rip He was a courtier of the Goryeo Dynasty. He explored Ulleungdo in 1157 and reported that Ulleungdo was not good for habitation.

Kim Isabu He was a general during the reign of Jinheung in the Silla dynasty. When he was the Lord of Aseula, he invaded and conquered Usanguk, the present Ulleungdo. He also conquered Gaya, a small kingdom near Silla.

Kim In-Yeong He was a military officer during the Imjin War. Under Admiral Yi Sunsin, he fought in many battles and rendered distinguished services, however, he was from the lower-classes, and had no acquaintances in the court, he was not recognized nor promoted. He also participated in the Myeongnyang Battle.

Kim Cheon-Il (1537-1593) During the breakout of the Imjin War, he raised a loyal army and fought against the Japanese. He won the battles and also participated in the battle of Jinju. Due to the fact that Jinju castle was taken by the Japanese, he killed himself with his son.

Kim Tong-Jeong (? - 1273) He was the leader of the Sambeolcho troops. When the rebellion of Sambeolcho troops failed due to the allied army of Yuan and Goryeo in 1271, he led the remaining troops to Jejudo and tried to set up resistance. Yuan sent General Kim Bang Gyeong to attack them. Kim Tong-Jeong committed suicide later.

Kim Heuchui He was the leader of the rebellious group in Tamra(present Jejudo) and subordinate of Kim Tong Jeong. Geum Hun tried to land on Jeju and deliver a letter of Yuan's emperor, but his ship was caught in a storm. Kim captured Geum's ships and people. By order of Kim Tong Jeong, Kim sent back Geum but killed the other people.

Na Yu (? -1292) He was a military officer in the Goryeo Dynasty. He assisted Kim Bang Gyeong in suppressing a rebellion of Sambyeolcho Troops in Jindo. He participated in campaigns to track down the remaining Sambyeolcho to Jejudo, and to invade Japan with Yuan.

Nam Yu (? -1592) He was a military officer in the Joseon Dynasty. As the magistrate of Naju, he assisted Admiral Yi Sunshin in the battle of Noryang and was killed in the battle.

Ma Sun-Il He was a marine engineer. Graduating from the Department of Fisheries, Busan Fisheries School in 1948, he became the chairperson of the department of naval architecture in 1960. In 1965, he was given a professorship at Busan National University and he designed the Baekdusan, a marine research ship.

Ma Hasu( ? - 1598) He was the leader of a loyal army during the Imjin War. When Yi Sunshin was reinstated as the commander of the Joseon navy, he provided his 10 ships, which played a key role in the victory at Myeongnyang. However, he was killed in the battle.

Bak Wui He was a general in late Goryeo. In 1388, he assisted Yi Seong Gye in expelling General Choi Yeong and founding the Joseon dynasty later. He also attacked Tsushima with 100 ships

Bak Eun-Chun (? - 1598) He was a military officer during the Imjin War. In 1592, he became a subordinate of Yi Sunshin and participated in many battles. He became the magistrate of Andong. He was killed in the battle of Noryang in 1598.

Bang Deok-Ryong(1561-1598) He was a military officer of the Joseon dynasty. He passed the military service exam in 1588. He was the magistrate of Nakan when the Imjin War broke out. He fought as a vanguard of Admiral Yi at the battle of Noryang but was killed in the battle.

Song Gunbi He was a military officer of the Goryeo dynasty. He fought against the Mongolian army, which invaded the southern islands in 1256. He also went to Japan as a member of a diplomatic delegation of Mongolians with Kim Chan in 1266.

Ahn Yong Bok He was a fisherman from Dongnae. He spoke Japanese well. When he found Japanese people fishing and cutting trees on Ulleungdo, he reprimanded them saying that the island was Joseon territory, and drove them out. In 1696, he went over to Japan and protested against the illegal trespassing of Ulleungdo. Though he was charged for raising an international dispute without government permission and was put into exile, the Lord of Tsushima sent a letter of apology to the court of Joseon.

Yi Gyu-Weon (1833 - ?) He was a military officer of Joseon. In 1881, when he became the inspector of Ulleungdo, he surveyed the island and suggested that Joseon should not give up the island.

Yi Mu (1355-1409) He was a politician in late Goryeo and the early Joseon dynasty. In 1396, he became the leader of a punitive force and invaded Iki and Tsushima islands in Japan. He helped Yi Seong Gye to found the Joseon dynasty, but he was involved in treason and executed.

Yisabu See Kim Yisabu

Yi Eok-Gi (1561-1597) He was a naval commander during the Imjin War. He passed the military service exam at the age of 17, and distinguished himself in many battles. In 1592, he won many naval battles with Yi Sunsin as the commander of Jeolla Right Navy. When Yi Sunsin was fired and imprisoned, he supported him. In 1597, when the Jeongyu War broke out, he fought at Hansando and committed suicide.

Jeong Daesu He was a military officer of Joseon. When the Imjin War broke out, he donated his property, raised a loyal army and fought under Yi Sunsin. Upon Yi Sunsin's recommendation, he was appointed magistrate of Dangjin, but he refused. He was killed in the war.

King Jijeung He was the 22nd king of Silla. He sent Isabu to conquer Usanguk in 512.