Overview
Yi Sun-sin (April 28, 1545 – December 16, 1598) was a Korean naval commander who led the Joseon navy during the Imjin War (1592-1598). He is famous for his undefeated record of 23 victories in 23 battles against the Japanese navy and is considered one of the greatest naval commanders in world history.
Basic Information
| Born | April 28, 1545, Hanseong (Seoul) |
|---|---|
| Died | December 16, 1598 (aged 53), Battle of Noryang |
| Posthumous Name | Chungmugong (Lord of Loyalty and Martial Arts) |
| Rank | Supreme Naval Commander of Three Provinces |
Major Battles
| Battle | Date | Result | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battle of Okpo | May 7, 1592 | Victory | First victory, destroyed 26 Japanese ships |
| Battle of Hansan Island | Aug 14, 1592 | Victory | Crane wing formation, destroyed 59 ships |
| Battle of Myeongnyang | Oct 25, 1597 | Victory | 13 ships vs 133 ships |
| Battle of Noryang | Dec 16, 1598 | Victory | Final battle, killed in action |
Turtle Ship (Geobukseon)
Yi Sun-sin developed the turtle ship, one of the world's first ironclad warships. Its roof was covered with iron spikes to prevent enemy boarding.
Nanjung Ilgi (War Diary)
His personal war diary was inscribed on UNESCO's Memory of the World Register in 2013.
Famous Quote
"Those willing to die will live, and those willing to live will die."