When the taxi drove pass Gangguan Port earlier, my hubby asked me why we visited Korea Naval Academy if now we will come to see the Geobokseon here.
Well, I didn't know there was one here and even if I did I would still have visited Korea Naval Academy because I really want to know and learn more about Admiral Yi Sun Sin. There were many questions lingering in my mind at that point in time and even until now...
Entry to the ships KRW 2,000 / person.
Amaze and respect to the person who lead by example?
Admiral Yi's impressive leadership makes me idolize him. But, if turned back the clock to his era would I be proudly sailing in the same ship with him? Or would I be cowardly cursing and swearing at God for giving me this hard life?
Perhaps a lot of his family, friends and soldiers might have thought that he was not
in the right mind to be fighting knowing that the winning chances were nearly zero!
He was demoted to a low ranked soldier and was accused so many times.
even after contributing so much by chasing out Jurchen and Japanese with
barely any manpower or equipment support from the court.
His life was definetely more dramatic than a Korean drama or a movie!
How could he not feel demoralised after all the injustices he's suffered?
From Admiral Yi’s writings, we can infer that a warrior must master
3 roads, 4 obligations, 5 skills, and 10 keys to security.
“The three roads are knowledge of the world; understanding of things as they are; and wisdom toward humanity.
The four obligations are to provide national security with minimal cost; to lead others unselfishly; to suffer adversity without fear; to offer solutions without laying blame.
The five skills are to be flexible without weakness; to be strong without arrogance; to be kind without vulnerability; to be trusting without naive; and to have invincible courage.
The ten keys to security are purity of purpose, sound strategy, integrity, clarity, lack of covetousness, lack of addiction, a reserved tongue, assertiveness without aggression, being firm and fair, and patience.” (
Source)
Not only did he write it, but he's also showed it through his actions
He even designed this terrific Turtleship.
It's a great battleship, and I think he purposely designed the spikey roof to
discourage enemies from jumping onto the ship for close attacks.
He demonstrated great strategies including "Crane Wing (Hakikjin)" formation,
a risky move to lure Japanese to open sea so he could attack freely without
concerning about safety of people on the mainland.
Although he was almost sentenced to death, but he didn't hold a grudge. He was completely ready
when he was summoned for duty after Won Gyun was killed at the Battle of Chilchonryang.
When everyone including the King should be thinking that' it's the end of Korea. The King had ran out of capital for hiding, adding that the court should disband the Navy after a few days so that they can concentrate on land warfare.
“Those who seek death shall live. Those who seek life shall die.”
But Yi insisted that he would be able to protect the sea if he prepared to death and returned a written letter to the king stating: "Your humble servant still have twelve battleships!"
For his last stand, he studied charts and tidal movement before
making the decision to lure them to Myeongnyang straits. It has very
strong currents that switch directions every three hours.
He triumphed at the battle despite being ridiculously outnumbered with his
determination and strong willpower to protect his country and his people.
But reading this part caused my heart to sink and my eyes to tear up...
"We are about to win this war, Beat the drum, Blow the trumpet, Wave the flag for advance. Do not let anyone know of my death." his last famous phrase to his oldest son Hoe and his nephew Wan who were at his side.
He died from a gunshot by an enemy bullet in the battle of Noryang
against retreating Japanese forces on 19 November 1598.
He didn't care about himself but was much more concerned that his death will
discourage other soldiers and boost the enemy's morale.
His last words had saved everyone's lives
and resulted in the victory ot the last Imjin War!
Tragically, he couldn't witness it with his own eyes and
taste the sweetness of a peaceful life!
Various honors were bestowed upon him after his death, including the title of
Chungmugong (Duke of Loyalty and Warfare), an enrollment as a Seonmu Ildeung
Gongsin (First-class military order of merit during the reign of Seonjo), and two
posthumous offices,
Yeonguijeong (Prime Minister), and the
Deokpung Buwongun
(The Prince of the Court from Deokpung).
Admiral Yi's letter was found among his son possessions stating:
"My life is simple, my food is plain, my quarrets are uncluttered.
In all things, I sought clarity, I face the troubles and problems
of life and death willingly. Virtue, integrity and courage are my
priorities, I can be approached, but never pushed; be friended
but never coerced; killed but never shamed."
Add: Jungang-dong, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
경상남도 통영시 중앙동 (중앙동)
Interested to know the person that won all 23 naval battles
without losing his single Turtleship, but not visiting Tongyeong?
Please come to The Story of King Sejong • The Story of Admiral Yi Sunshin
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