Written in Woodblock
The Greatest Admiral of All Time: Admiral Yi-Sun-Shin
Who is the greatest admiral of all time?
Many may not know the answer, but it is Admiral Yi-Sun-Sin from Korea. Not many people know this because of historical biases that make people believe that only people from places like Europe could be great admirals, but this is not true. Yi-Sun-Shin is the best admiral for many reasons.
Admiral Yi-Sun-Sin is known for major accomplishments, inventions, and strategic tactics.
Yet, Yi-Sun-Sin was not always the best admiral in the world. He was also just a normal man. At age 32, he passed the military exam. During the war, he was treated unfairly and was falsely accused of neglect, disloyalty, and desertion. This was mainly because of political jealousy from King Seonjo. When his successor Won Gyun lost almost all the Korean navy, Yi-Sun-Sin was reinstated. From there he began to beat Japan in 23 consecutive battles, dying in the Battle of Noryang.
One of Yi-Sun-Sin’s inventions:, the turtle ship, or the Geobukseon, is what allowed him to win all 23 battles without ever losing a single ship during the Imjin war . The battle was tough, as Yi-Sun-Sin’s forces were outnumbered, 133 to 13 warships. Yet, Against all odds, they won the war with not one single warship lost.
Many credit the turtle ship's design and weapons to being what caused the Admiral to win so many battles…..
The ship's weapons in particular…
The weapons of the turtle ship were used for fending off enemies that tried to climb on the ship, destroying ships and attacking from long range, and finally, using smoke screens to hide and confuse enemies.
• Cheonja (Heaven) Chongtong: This was the heaviest cannon, able to destroy enemy ships with long-range, large fire arrows.
• Jija (Earth) Chongtong: Medium sized cannon used for medium range.
• Hyeonja (Black) and Hwanja (Yellow) Chongtong: Other varying cannons used for different purposes and/or ranges.
• Seunja (Victor) Arquebus: A smaller gun with a range of ~200 meters which was more accurate than cannons.
• Dragon Head Prow: This was used to release poisonous sulfur smoke to create smokescreens. The Dragon Head Prow could also house a cannon.
• Iron Spikes: These were used to prevent enemies from boarding the vessel.
One of Yi-Sun-Sin’s most famous quotes was from the Battle of Noryang when he got struck by a stray bullet, killing him. “전투가 절정에 달했으니, 나의 죽음을 알리지 말라.” (in english) “The battle is at its height; do not announce my death.”
He said that because the Koreans were winning over the Japanese. If they announced that their leader had died, the Japanese would push back, opening a possibility of losing the war.
Using the strategic tactics of the turtle ship and Yi-Sun-Shin’s bravery, the Koreans won the war over the Japanese. Yi-Sun-Shin was known as one of the bravest people alive because he took all of his country in his arms and saved them all.
Ultimately, this is why Admiral Yi-Sun-Sin is considered the best admiral of all time. He fought with bravery through persecution, and never turned his back on his country, which overall is why he holds the title of greatest admiral of all time. Admiral Yi-Sun-Shin was not only known for his great leadership, but also known for his profound humanity. Documented in his war diary were his kindest acts. First, he protected vulnerable refugees by using his fleet to help Korean villagers during the time of attack from Japan. Second, he cared a lot about his soldiers. He fed them and cared for them and even fulfilled their dying wishes himself. Third and lastly, unwavering loyalty. Even though he was brutally tortured and demoted due to jealousy, he never retaliated and just fought for his country. These are the reasons to as to why Yi-Sun-Shin is called the greatest admiral of all time.
