About Admiral Yi Sun-shin's Battle of Myeongnyang

The movie "The Admiral: Roaring Currents" portrays the historic Battle of Myeongnyang, led by the legendary Korean Admiral Yi Sunsin. This film focuses on the incredible feat where Admiral Yi, with only 13 ships at his command, faces and triumphantly defeats a vastly superior Japanese fleet consisting of over 300 vessels. The film is a dramatic and intense depiction of one of the most significant naval battles in Korean history. It highlights Admiral Yi's strategic brilliance, unwavering courage, and the remarkable determination of the Korean navy, against overwhelming odds. The movie is celebrated for its gripping narrative, spectacular visual effects, and its faithful representation of a pivotal moment in Korean history, showcasing the heroism and tactical genius of Admiral Yi Sun-sin.

About Admiral Yi Sun-shin's Battle of Myeongnyang

Overview of the Battle of Myeongnyang

The Battle of Myeongnyang, also known as the Myeongnyang Victory, was a historic naval engagement that took place on September 16, 1597, during the lunar calendar (October 26, 1597, Gregorian calendar) in the midst of the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-1598). In this battle, Admiral Yi Sunsin, commanding a fleet of just 13 Korean ships, faced off against a massive Japanese fleet consisting of approximately 330 vessels. Despite the overwhelming odds, Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s strategic genius and the courageous efforts of his fleet led to a near-annihilation of the Japanese forces at the Myeongnyang Strait, marking one of the most remarkable victories in naval history. This battle is celebrated for its demonstration of tactical brilliance and the resilience of the Korean navy under Admiral Yi's command

The Reconstruction of the Joseon Navy

After Admiral Yi Sun-sin was removed from his position as the Commander of the Three Provinces' Navy due to false accusations by certain factions including Won Gyun and Yun Doosu, Won Gyun became the new commander. However, he suffered a devastating defeat at the Battle of Chilcheollyang, losing many soldiers and most of the navy's ships, leading to the loss of maritime control by Joseon. Consequently, King Seonjo reinstated Yi Sun-sin as the commander, albeit at a lower rank, causing further confusion in the navy's command structure. When Yi was dismissed, he held a high rank equivalent to a modern-day general, but upon his reinstatement, he was given a lower rank.

The naval ranks were already imbalanced due to the ongoing wars, with many commanders holding the same rank but different positions. This led to conflicts among the commanders, notably between Yi Sun-sin and Kim Eok choo, the Left Naval Commander of Jeolla Province. The situation was somewhat controlled due to Yi's previous long-term command and influence, but dissatisfaction among the ranks was growing. After the Battle of Myeongnyang, Kim Eok-choo was replaced and only reinstated after Yi’s death in battle. The "NanJung Ilgi," Yi's war diary, reflects some of these tensions.
Amidst this disarray, the Joseon navy started off on shaky grounds with only 12 ships remaining. Yi managed to gather 10 ships at Hae-ryung-po on September 28, 1597, and later reclaimed two more, making a total of 12. Just before the Battle of Myeongnyang, another ship was added with the support of Kim Eok-choo and Song Ye-jong, bringing the count to 13.
The loss at Chilcheollyang was so severe that King Seonjo considered disbanding the navy. In response, Yi Sun-sin presented a memorial to the king, arguing against the abolition of the navy
"Even now, I have 12 ships left. If we fight with all our might, we can still confront the enemy. Though our ships are few, as long as I live, the enemy shall not dare to underestimate us."
Following this, Yi tirelessly traveled along the southern coast, gathering scattered soldiers and rebuilding the navy. In August of the lunar calendar, Yi repelled a Japanese fleet at Oran-po (near modern-day Haenam County), and in September, upon hearing of another Japanese fleet's approach to Oran-po, Yi moved his base from Byeokpajin to U-su-yeong in Haenam on September 15th.

This strategic relocation and Yi Sun-sin's determined efforts were instrumental in the rebuilding of the Joseon navy. Despite the limited resources and the initial disadvantage, Admiral Yi Sun-sin's leadership played a crucial role in reviving the naval forces. His ability to inspire and rally his troops, even in the face of adversity, was a testament to his exceptional leadership and tactical acumen.

Under his command, the scattered and demoralized naval forces were reorganized into an effective fighting force. Yi's focus was not only on increasing the number of ships but also on enhancing the morale and combat readiness of his sailors and soldiers. He emphasized rigorous training, discipline, and the importance of unity among the ranks, turning the diminished navy into a cohesive and formidable force.
Additionally, Admiral Yi Sun-sin utilized his deep understanding of local geography and tides to his advantage, employing guerrilla tactics and engaging in hit-and-run attacks against the Japanese forces. This strategy effectively harassed the Japanese navy and prevented them from gaining a foothold along the Korean coastline.

The culmination of these efforts was the historic Battle of Myeongnyang, where with just 13 ships, Admiral Yi Sun-sin faced a vastly superior Japanese fleet. The victory at Myeongnyang not only highlighted Yi's strategic genius but also marked a turning point in the war, restoring morale and hope to the Korean people and their military.
Admiral Yi's unwavering commitment to his country and his naval prowess earned him a revered place in Korean history. His legacy continues to inspire future generations, symbolizing resilience, strategic brilliance, and patriotic devotion.

Japanese Naval Maneuvers

During this period, the Japanese naval forces stationed at Oran-po were led by commanders Kurushima Michifusa, Todo Takatora, Wakizaka Yasuharu, Kato Yoshiaki, and Kuki Yoshitaka. They commanded a large fleet of 200 ships. The Japanese navy planned to navigate through the Myeongnyang Strait, a narrow channel between Jindo and the Hwawon Peninsula, which had some of the fastest currents in Korea and ranked fifth globally. Their strategy was to use these swift currents to bypass the remaining Joseon navy, defeat them, and then advance to join the Japanese land forces in Jeollado, eventually marching towards Hanyang (modern-day Seoul).

The Japanese naval strategy, referencing their experiences from the war in 1592, aimed to secure maritime control of the Yellow Sea and Jeollado before advancing deep inland. Although aware of Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s return, the Japanese underestimated his 13 ships, considering them ineffective against their formidable fleet. Todo Takatora, who had previously experienced defeat against Yi Sun-sin, shared this sentiment. The Japanese morale was high following their victory at the Battle of Chilcheollyang, and they were resolved to crush Yi Sun-sin’s fleet with their overwhelming numbers.

On the other hand, Admiral Yi Sun-sin, having received reports of the Japanese fleet’s movements, prepared his men for the imminent battle. On October 24 (September 15 by the lunar calendar), the day before the Battle of Myeongnyang, he addressed his soldiers, emphasizing the principles of military strategy: “It is said in the art of war that those who are prepared to die shall live, and those who seek to live shall die. And that one man guarding a pass can frighten a thousand. These words are about us, today. If any of you generals disobey even the slightest command, military law will be applied without mercy.” With this, he rallied his troops, preparing them to fight with a resolve to face death.

About Admiral Yi Sun-shin's Battle of Myeongnyang

The Naval Clash at Uldolmok (Myeongnyang Strait)

The Uldolmok, also known as the Myeongnyang Strait, is characterized by its shallow depth, limiting the navigable area for ships. The strait is particularly treacherous due to the swift convergence of waters from the wider South Sea into the narrow passage, pouring into the West Sea and creating rapid currents between steep coastal cliffs. Another notable feature of Uldolmok is the presence of numerous large and small rocky outcrops, which cause the already swift currents to swirl unpredictably when they strike against these obstacles.

The Japanese naval command, led by the Kurushima fleet, decided to exploit these currents to swiftly pass through Uldolmok and support Konishi Yukinaga's land army. The Kurushima fleet, originally pirate descendants familiar with navigating treacherous waters, was confident in their ability to maneuver through the Myeongnyang Strait despite Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s defense. Their experience with rapid currents and knowledge of the local geography gave them confidence that they could engage effectively in the strait.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PBIHkKi0wM

the course of the war

Admiral Yi Sun-sin's Strategy Against the Japanese Navy

Admiral Yi Sun-sin of the Joseon Navy cleverly utilized the Japanese forces' underestimation of the Korean fleet to his advantage. On October 16 (September 7 by the lunar calendar), the Joseon navy successfully repelled a small squadron of the Japanese navy near Byeokpajin. The Japanese, aware that the Joseon navy had only 13 ships, became determined to completely eliminate Admiral Yi Sun-sin and his naval forces.

The day after moving his base from Byeokpajin to U-su-yeong, in the early hours of October 25 (September 16 by the lunar calendar), approximately 130 ships of the Japanese navy set out from Oranjin. They planned to take advantage of the favorable tide (Shuncho) and approached Uldolmok around 7-8 a.m. The Japanese naval command formed their fleet with about 130 medium-sized warships (Sekibune), aligning them in columns of about ten ships each as they passed through the strait. At this time, the current was flowing from east to west, which was in the same direction as the Japanese fleet's advance, facilitating their movement through the strait.

Admiral Yi Sun-sin's Decisive Actions at Uldolmok

Upon receiving reports of the enemy's approach, Admiral Yi Sun-sin immediately set sail towards Uldolmok, where the Japanese vanguard was already passing through. The battle commenced with Yi's flagship launching a prompt artillery assault, sinking 3-4 Sekibune ships. As the dense formation of the Japanese fleet advanced, the Joseon navy initially retreated in fear. However, Admiral Yi's flagship held its position, with Yi encouraging his subordinates. After about 40 minutes, as the enemy's advance stalled, Yi signaled the reserve forces, including Vice-Admiral Kim Eung-ham and the commander of Geoje, Ahn Wi, to join the attack, urging them forward.

As Kim Eung-ham and Ahn Wi’s ships began their assault, the focus of the Japanese attack shifted towards Ahn Wi's naval vessel. During the intense battle, three enemy ships surrounding Ahn Wi's ship, including the flagship of the enemy commander, presumed to be Kurushima Michifusa (referred to as Madashi), were sunk by the combined cannon fire of Nokdo Manor Chief Song Ye-jong and Pyeongsanpo Commander Jeong Eung-du. This sight was witnessed by a Korean translator on board Yi's ship, who identified the enemy commander wearing a red patterned silk robe.

Admiral Yi Sun-sin immediately ordered his sailor, Kim Dol-son, to capture Madashi. Kurushima Michifusa, caught by a grappling hook, was hauled onto the deck and promptly executed. This act significantly boosted the morale of the Joseon navy. Conversely, the Japanese naval forces witnessed a decline in morale upon seeing their commander captured and executed by the enemy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEK-F5DGNJU

A Turning Tide Against the Japanese Navy

As the battle raged on, another misfortune struck the Japanese navy around noon: the direction of the current began to shift. This change turned the tide in favor of the Joseon navy, creating an advantageous downcurrent for them and an adverse upcurrent for the Japanese. The Japanese fleet, requiring ample space to maneuver their large warships, found it exceedingly difficult to adjust their formation and navigate in the narrow strait under these reverse current conditions.

Taking advantage of this situation, about 10 Joseon ships, including those of Left Naval Commander of Jeolla Province, Kim Eok-choo, who was positioned about 1 kilometer away, joined the battle. This consolidation of the Joseon forces intensified the assault on the Japanese fleet, which was already struggling with the adverse currents. Furthermore, the congestion of the Japanese warships in the narrow strait led to collisions among their own vessels.

At this critical juncture, a strategic deployment by Admiral Yi Sun-sin played a pivotal role. He had set up iron chains, weighing approximately 300 kilograms, across the strait. Contrary to some skeptical historians who doubted the feasibility of such a tactic, experimental evidence supported by the buoyancy of seawater and the weight of the iron chains proved it was not only possible but effective. These chains caused significant damage to the Japanese ships, leading to the sinking of several vessels. This deployment of iron chains, thus, is considered a well-founded and effective strategy that significantly contributed to the decimation of the Japanese fleet.

End of the Battle and Its Consequences

By late afternoon (around 5 to 7 PM), the Battle of Myeongnyang concluded. Of the 330 Japanese ships that engaged in the battle, approximately 30-33 were sunk early in the combat. Considering that each large Japanese warship carried about 100-120 men, it is estimated that the Japanese suffered 3,000 to 4,000 casualties. Remarkably, the Joseon navy did not lose a single ship. However, there were casualties on the Korean side, including Kim Tak, the Supervisor of Suncheon, and Yi Sun-sin's retainer Gye Saeng, among others. Additional losses occurred due to sailors falling overboard, and it is estimated that the Joseon navy had relatively fewer casualties. Furthermore, the deployment of iron chains and the strong currents contributed to the sinking or severe damaging of nearly 320 Japanese ships, including those initially sunk.

This battle was pivotal in leading the Joseon dynasty to victory during the Japanese invasions (Imjin War). At the time, the Japanese navy had control over most of the southern coast, and their army had recently captured Namwon and Jeonju after defeating the Korean and Ming allied forces. The Japanese forces in Chungcheong were in a standoff with the Ming army. The Japanese had plans for a combined land and sea assault on Hanyang (Seoul), but the defeat at Myeongnyang thwarted these plans. As a result, the Japanese forces were forced to disperse along the southern coast, constructing fortresses and resorting to siege warfare. This shift led to the Imjin War transitioning into a series of siege battles, where the Korean and Ming allied forces could launch coordinated attacks on both land and sea.

Key Factors in the Victory of the Battle

The major factors contributing to the victory in the Battle of Myeongnyang include Admiral Yi Sun-sin's exceptional use of strategy and tactics, leveraging the geographic features of Uldolmok and the changing tides over time. Yi's profound understanding of the local terrain and his ability to predict and use the tidal shifts to his advantage played a crucial role in overcoming the numerically superior Japanese fleet.Key Factors in the Victory of the Battle

Moreover, the well-trained and disciplined soldiers under Admiral Yi's command were instrumental in executing these complex strategies effectively. Another notable tactic was the use of decoy ships. Panokseon warships were positioned at the forefront, while behind them, a line of boats used by civilians seeking refuge was arranged to create the illusion of a larger fleet. This deceptive tactic further contributed to the overall success of the Korean navy by confusing and intimidating the Japanese forces.