Overview
The Imjin War (1592-1598) was a major conflict in which Japan invaded Korea. It began in the Imjin year (1592) and is called Imjin Waeran in Korean. The second invasion in 1597 is called Jeongyu Jaeran. In Japan, it is known as the Bunroku-Keicho War, and in China as the Wanli Korean Campaign.
Background
Japan
After Toyotomi Hideyoshi unified Japan following the Sengoku period, he sought to disperse samurai forces abroad and expand into mainland Asia.
Korea
After 200 years of peace, Koreas military had weakened, and the nation was divided by factional politics. Despite warning signs of Japanese invasion, proper preparations were not made.
Course of War
First Invasion (1592, Imjin War)
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 13, 1592 | Japanese forces land at Busan |
| April 15, 1592 | Fall of Busanjin Fortress |
| May 3, 1592 | Fall of Hanyang (Seoul) |
| June 1592 | Fall of Pyongyang |
| May-July 1592 | Admiral Yi Sun-sin wins naval victories including Battle of Hansan Island |
Turning Point
- Admiral Yi Sun-sins Naval Victories - Victories at Okpo, Hansan Island, and Busan cut off Japanese supply lines
- Righteous Army Activities - Volunteer militias rose up nationwide under leaders like Gwak Jae-u
- Ming Chinese Intervention - Ming China dispatched troops in 1593
Second Invasion (1597, Jeongyu Jaeran)
After peace negotiations failed in 1596, Japan reinvaded with 140,000 troops in 1597. Admiral Yi was falsely accused and dismissed; the Korean navy under Won Gyun was devastated at the Battle of Chilcheonryang. However, reinstated Admiral Yi won a great victory at the Battle of Myeongnyang with only 12 ships.
Key Figures
Korea
- Yi Sun-sin - Supreme Naval Commander, hero of naval battles
- Gwon Yul - Hero of the Battle of Haengju
- Gwak Jae-u - Red-Clad General, righteous army leader
- Kim Si-min - Hero of the Battle of Jinju
Japan
- Toyotomi Hideyoshi - Japanese ruler who initiated the war
- Konishi Yukinaga - Vanguard commander
- Kato Kiyomasa - Japanese general
End of War
When Toyotomi Hideyoshi died in August 1598, Japanese forces began withdrawing. Admiral Yi Sun-sin defeated the retreating Japanese at the Battle of Noryang but was killed in this final battle.
Impact
- Korea - Devastated land, population decline, destruction of cultural heritage
- Japan - Fall of Toyotomi regime, establishment of Tokugawa Shogunate
- Ming China - Financial strain contributing to eventual collapse