{"content_id":"w9av7jhucy","slug":"yi-sun-sin-1597-navy-rebuilding-myeongnyang","locale":"en","schema_type":"Article","category":"case_study","category_name":"Case Study","title":"Yi Sun-sin's 1597 Navy Rebuild and Battle of Myeongnyang","summary":"After the defeat at Chilcheollyang in 1597, Yi Sun-sin gathered the remaining ships and troops and won the Battle of Myeongnyang. This account explains how the navy was rebuilt and the conditions of the battle, distinguishing figures in the records from later interpretations.","sponsorship_disclosure":null,"affiliate_disclosure":null,"commerce_disclosure":null,"author":{"name":"Injoys Editorial Team","url":"https://injoys.com/ko/about"},"key_points":["The defeat at Chilcheollyang dealt a major blow to the Joseon navy's ships, personnel, command structure, and supply base.","Rebuilding the navy required both securing the remaining warships and bringing experienced officers and sailors into its ranks.","The victory at the Battle of Myeongnyang on the 16th day of the ninth lunar month in 1597 resulted from the combined effects of terrain, currents, ships, weapons, and the responses of officers and sailors.","Even after the Battle of Myeongnyang, the Joseon navy moved its base while securing personnel and supplies.","When citing Nanjung Ilgi, the original handwritten draft must be distinguished from later collected editions."],"content_markdown":"After the defeat at Chilcheollyang in **1597**, Yi Sun-sin gathered the scattered naval forces. With the remaining warships and experienced officers and men, he won at Myeongnyang on September 16 of the lunar calendar. The battle is remembered for preserving the foundation that allowed the navy to survive and rebuild its strength.\n\nThis article follows 『Nanjung Ilgi』 and explanations by Our History Net. It was checked in October 2026.\n\n## What period of Yi Sun-sin’s life was 1597?\n\n1597 was the year Yi Sun-sin lost command of the navy and then regained it. He was born in 1545 and passed the military service examination in 1576. After serving in the northern region, he became the Left Naval Commander of Jeolla in 1591.\n\nDuring the Imjin War in 1592, he won battles at Okpo and Hansando, among other places. In 1593, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces of the Three Provinces. This post commanded the naval forces of Gyeongsang, Jeolla, and Chungcheong. The main events of his life can be found in the [Encyclopedia of Korean Culture entry “Yi Sun-sin”](https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0044900).\n\n## Timeline from the defeat at Chilcheollyang to Myeongnyang\n\nRebuilding the navy involved assessing the defeat and gathering the remaining forces. The months and days below are lunar dates from records of the time. They have not been converted to the solar calendar.\n\n| Date | Event | Source |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| July 16, 1597 | The navy under Won Gyun suffered a major defeat at Chilcheollyang | Our History Net, “Battle of Myeongnyang” |\n| July 18, 1597 | After hearing news of the defeat, Yi began surveying coastal areas | Our History Net, “Battle of Myeongnyang” |\n| August 3, 1597 | Yi received the order reappointing him Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces of the Three Provinces | Our History Net, “Battle of Myeongnyang” |\n| August 19, 1597 | At Hoeryeongpo, Yi took possession of the warships held by Bae Seol | Our History Net, “Battle of Myeongnyang” |\n| August 29, 1597 | Yi moved to Byeokpajin | Encyclopedia of Korean Culture, “Battle of Myeongnyang” |\n| September 15, 1597 | Yi moved his camp to the Right Naval Headquarters of Jeolla | Encyclopedia of Korean Culture, “Battle of Myeongnyang” |\n| September 16, 1597 | Yi repelled the Japanese navy at the Battle of Myeongnyang | Our History Net, “Battle of Myeongnyang” |\n| November 19, 1598 | Yi was killed at the Battle of Noryang | Encyclopedia of Korean Culture, “Yi Sun-sin” |\n\n## What did the defeat at Chilcheollyang destroy?\n\nThe defeat at Chilcheollyang destroyed the Joseon navy’s operational foundation. Many ships were lost, and the officers and men were scattered. Senior commanders were killed, and supplies stored on Hansando were also lost.\n\nYi Sun-sin had previously been dismissed after a dispute over an order to go into battle. He was then serving under Gwon Yul without an official post. This meant he was assigned military duties despite holding no office.\n\nAfter the defeat, the court needed a commander to take charge of the navy again. The 『Revised Annals of King Seonjo』 records recommendations by Kim Myeong-won and Yi Hang-bok to reappoint Yi. It also records that King Seonjo accepted them. This is the substance of the [article “Reappoint Yi Sun-sin as Commander-in-Chief”](https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/knb_13007001_003).\n\n## How were the remaining ships and people brought together?\n\nThe starting point for rebuilding was the ships and naval personnel that remained. Commanders who had served with Yi, including Bae Heung-rip, Song Hui-rip, and An Wi, joined him. As he traveled through Jeolla Province, he gathered troops and secured weapons.\n\nThe court sought to have the weakened navy join the army. Yi argued that the navy had to be maintained to defend the sea routes. As a result of this decision, the remaining fleet continued to serve as a naval force.\n\nThe rebuilding process can be broken down into these elements:\n\n- Securing warships: Yi took possession of ships that had escaped from Chilcheollyang.\n- Restoring the command structure: He brought commanders and troops back together.\n- Preparing for battle: Reconnaissance and watchkeeping helped identify the enemy’s approach.\n- Maintaining the force: Food and supplies had to be secured.\n\nThese points organize the rebuilding process described by [Our History Net, “Battle of Myeongnyang”](https://contents.history.go.kr/mobile/kc/view.do?levelId=kc_i302300).\n\n## How did the smaller fleet face the enemy at Myeongnyang?\n\nAt Myeongnyang, the narrow channel and the fighting capabilities of Joseon’s ships both played a part. The Myeongnyang Strait is Uldolmok, between Jindo and Haenam. The narrow channel and its fast current limited how many ships could maneuver at once.\n\nThe Joseon fleet on the day of the battle is generally described as having **13 ships**. The figure of 133 Japanese ships is used to describe the scale of the engagement. It should be distinguished from the entire Japanese fleet in the surrounding waters.\n\n| Condition | Significance in the battle | Point to keep in mind |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Narrow channel | Made it difficult for many ships to move at once | The difference in the number of ships did not disappear |\n| Fast, changing currents | Affected approaches and the ability to maintain formation | The exact changes in the current over time require separate examination |\n| Panokseon and cannons | Supported defense and long-range attacks | The role of the officers and men who operated the ships and weapons must also be considered |\n| Command and ships joining the fight | Helped withstand the unfavorable situation early in the battle | Not all ships fought from the same position at the start |\n\nAt first, Yi’s flagship fought in front while the other ships lagged behind. Ships commanded by An Wi, Kim Eung-ham, and others later joined the engagement. The [Encyclopedia of Korean Culture entry “Battle of Myeongnyang”](https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0018250) describes how several commanders joined the fight.\n\n## What did the navy regain after the victory?\n\nThe victory at Myeongnyang gave the navy room to continue rebuilding. Our History Net and the encyclopedia describe the outcome as the destruction of 31 Japanese warships. This figure should not be read as the destruction of the entire Japanese fleet.\n\nThe Joseon navy continued to move its bases after the victory. At Gohado and Gogeumdo, among other places, it expanded its forces and supply base. Cultivating military fields and selling fish and salt also helped provide food for the troops. Military fields were farmland cultivated to provide food needed to run the army.\n\nThe war did not end at Myeongnyang. In 1598, the combined Joseon and Ming naval forces fought at Noryang. Yi Sun-sin was killed in that battle. The course of the war’s final stage is summarized in [Our History Net, “Yi Sun-sin”](https://contents.history.go.kr/mobile/kc/view.do?2025=\u0026levelId=kc_n309000).\n\n## Records and interpretation\n\nWhat the records say needs to be distinguished from explanations of why the battle was won. The diary is a historical source containing the participant’s observations. Later accounts connect several sources to explain the battle.\n\n### What the records tell us\n\n『Nanjung Ilgi』 also shows how the military operated outside battle. It records the weather, people coming and going, and personal reflections. Its perspective as a record left by a commander must also be considered.\n\n### Factors that research identifies as contributing to victory\n\nAlongside leadership, Our History Net’s explanation points to the ships and weapons systems. It also identifies experienced officers and men and the cooperation of local residents as factors in the victory. Taken together, these show that rebuilding was a military effort involving many people.\n\n### Details on which accounts differ\n\nAccounts differ on how one additional warship was obtained. Our History Net says Kim Eok-chu brought a warship and joined the fleet. The “Battle of Myeongnyang” entry says local people brought the ship.\n\nAccounts also differ in how they describe the current early in the battle. It is therefore difficult to reconstruct events minute by minute as established fact. Where accounts differ, the details should be identified as the explanation given by the cited source.\n\nClaims that a turtle ship took part or that iron chains were installed across the strait need to be addressed separately. Citing related research, Our History Net rejects both claims. Mixing later traditions with verified facts about the battle leads to misunderstandings about why it was won.\n\n## How to read dates, ship counts, and editions together\n\nHistorical figures should be read alongside what was counted and when. Works with the same title may also have different editions. These distinctions matter when transferring information into learning materials or data.\n\n| Item to check | Distinction in this case | Possible misreading |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Basis for dates | September 16, 1597, the date of the Battle of Myeongnyang, is a lunar date | Taking it to mean the same month and day on today’s calendar |\n| When warships were counted | 12 ships early in the rebuilding process and 13 at the time of the battle | Immediately treating the two numbers as an error |\n| Purpose of the boats | Warships, refugee boats, and reconnaissance boats | Counting every boat in the area as a warship |\n| Edition of the record | The handwritten original and a later collected edition | Citing different editions as though they were the same text |\n\nSeven volumes of the handwritten original of 『Nanjung Ilgi』 survive today. The collected edition was included in the 1795 『Collected Works of Yi Chungmugong』. The two editions do not have entirely identical contents or publication dates. This difference is noted in the [Hyeonchungsa Management Office’s explanation of documentary heritage](https://www.kmowkc.org/front/agency/detail.do?agencyId=A009).\n\n## What this means for studying history today\n\nThis case encourages readers to connect the battle’s outcome with the preparations behind it. Ship numbers alone cannot explain the roles of troops, supplies, and reconnaissance. Looking at the period before and after the rebuilding reveals the conditions that made victory possible.\n\nThe record itself is a resource for research beyond military history. The National Heritage Portal explains the value of its accounts of weather, terrain, and ordinary people’s lives. 『Nanjung Ilgi』 was inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 2013. Related information appears on the [National Heritage Portal’s “Nanjung Ilgi” page](https://www.heritage.go.kr/heri/html/HtmlPage.do?pageNo=1_1_3_1\u0026pg=%2Funesco%2FMemHeritage%2FMemHeritage_10.jsp).\n\n## Frequently asked questions\n\n### Is the date of the Battle of Myeongnyang on the solar calendar?\n\nSeptember 16, 1597, is a lunar date from records of the time. This article gives the months and days of wartime events according to the lunar calendar.\n\n### Were there 12 warships or 13?\n\nThe warships remaining early in the rebuilding process must be distinguished from those present at the battle. Accounts commonly give 12 ships initially and 13 at the Battle of Myeongnyang. They differ on how the additional ship was obtained.\n\n### Did a turtle ship fight at Myeongnyang?\n\nOur History Net’s explanation rejects the claim that a turtle ship took part. Accounts of the fighting capabilities at Myeongnyang focus on panokseon and cannons.\n\n### Does 『Nanjung Ilgi』 record only battles?\n\nIt is a diary that also covers military operations and personal life. It includes accounts of the weather and people around Yi.\n\n### Did rebuilding the navy end with the victory at Myeongnyang?\n\nRebuilding continued after Myeongnyang. The navy moved its bases while securing troops and supplies.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eAfter the defeat at Chilcheollyang in \u003cstrong\u003e1597\u003c/strong\u003e, Yi Sun-sin gathered the scattered naval forces. With the remaining warships and experienced officers and men, he won at Myeongnyang on September 16 of the lunar calendar. The battle is remembered for preserving the foundation that allowed the navy to survive and rebuild its strength.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis article follows 『Nanjung Ilgi』 and explanations by Our History Net. It was checked in October 2026.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#what-period-of-yi-sun-sins-life-was-1597\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"what-period-of-yi-sun-sins-life-was-1597\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhat period of Yi Sun-sin’s life was 1597?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1597 was the year Yi Sun-sin lost command of the navy and then regained it. He was born in 1545 and passed the military service examination in 1576. After serving in the northern region, he became the Left Naval Commander of Jeolla in 1591.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the Imjin War in 1592, he won battles at Okpo and Hansando, among other places. In 1593, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces of the Three Provinces. This post commanded the naval forces of Gyeongsang, Jeolla, and Chungcheong. The main events of his life can be found in the \u003ca href=\"https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0044900\"\u003eEncyclopedia of Korean Culture entry “Yi Sun-sin”\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#timeline-from-the-defeat-at-chilcheollyang-to-myeongnyang\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"timeline-from-the-defeat-at-chilcheollyang-to-myeongnyang\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eTimeline from the defeat at Chilcheollyang to Myeongnyang\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRebuilding the navy involved assessing the defeat and gathering the remaining forces. The months and days below are lunar dates from records of the time. They have not been converted to the solar calendar.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDate\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eEvent\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSource\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date\"\u003eJuly 16, 1597\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Event\"\u003eThe navy under Won Gyun suffered a major defeat at Chilcheollyang\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Source\"\u003eOur History Net, “Battle of Myeongnyang”\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date\"\u003eJuly 18, 1597\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Event\"\u003eAfter hearing news of the defeat, Yi began surveying coastal areas\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Source\"\u003eOur History Net, “Battle of Myeongnyang”\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date\"\u003eAugust 3, 1597\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Event\"\u003eYi received the order reappointing him Commander-in-Chief of the Naval Forces of the Three Provinces\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Source\"\u003eOur History Net, “Battle of Myeongnyang”\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date\"\u003eAugust 19, 1597\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Event\"\u003eAt Hoeryeongpo, Yi took possession of the warships held by Bae Seol\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Source\"\u003eOur History Net, “Battle of Myeongnyang”\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date\"\u003eAugust 29, 1597\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Event\"\u003eYi moved to Byeokpajin\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Source\"\u003eEncyclopedia of Korean Culture, “Battle of Myeongnyang”\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date\"\u003eSeptember 15, 1597\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Event\"\u003eYi moved his camp to the Right Naval Headquarters of Jeolla\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Source\"\u003eEncyclopedia of Korean Culture, “Battle of Myeongnyang”\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date\"\u003eSeptember 16, 1597\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Event\"\u003eYi repelled the Japanese navy at the Battle of Myeongnyang\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Source\"\u003eOur History Net, “Battle of Myeongnyang”\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Date\"\u003eNovember 19, 1598\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Event\"\u003eYi was killed at the Battle of Noryang\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Source\"\u003eEncyclopedia of Korean Culture, “Yi Sun-sin”\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#what-did-the-defeat-at-chilcheollyang-destroy\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"what-did-the-defeat-at-chilcheollyang-destroy\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhat did the defeat at Chilcheollyang destroy?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe defeat at Chilcheollyang destroyed the Joseon navy’s operational foundation. Many ships were lost, and the officers and men were scattered. Senior commanders were killed, and supplies stored on Hansando were also lost.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYi Sun-sin had previously been dismissed after a dispute over an order to go into battle. He was then serving under Gwon Yul without an official post. This meant he was assigned military duties despite holding no office.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the defeat, the court needed a commander to take charge of the navy again. The 『Revised Annals of King Seonjo』 records recommendations by Kim Myeong-won and Yi Hang-bok to reappoint Yi. It also records that King Seonjo accepted them. This is the substance of the \u003ca href=\"https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/knb_13007001_003\"\u003earticle “Reappoint Yi Sun-sin as Commander-in-Chief”\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#how-were-the-remaining-ships-and-people-brought-together\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"how-were-the-remaining-ships-and-people-brought-together\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eHow were the remaining ships and people brought together?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe starting point for rebuilding was the ships and naval personnel that remained. Commanders who had served with Yi, including Bae Heung-rip, Song Hui-rip, and An Wi, joined him. As he traveled through Jeolla Province, he gathered troops and secured weapons.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe court sought to have the weakened navy join the army. Yi argued that the navy had to be maintained to defend the sea routes. As a result of this decision, the remaining fleet continued to serve as a naval force.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rebuilding process can be broken down into these elements:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSecuring warships: Yi took possession of ships that had escaped from Chilcheollyang.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRestoring the command structure: He brought commanders and troops back together.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePreparing for battle: Reconnaissance and watchkeeping helped identify the enemy’s approach.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaintaining the force: Food and supplies had to be secured.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese points organize the rebuilding process described by \u003ca href=\"https://contents.history.go.kr/mobile/kc/view.do?levelId=kc_i302300\"\u003eOur History Net, “Battle of Myeongnyang”\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#how-did-the-smaller-fleet-face-the-enemy-at-myeongnyang\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"how-did-the-smaller-fleet-face-the-enemy-at-myeongnyang\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eHow did the smaller fleet face the enemy at Myeongnyang?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Myeongnyang, the narrow channel and the fighting capabilities of Joseon’s ships both played a part. The Myeongnyang Strait is Uldolmok, between Jindo and Haenam. The narrow channel and its fast current limited how many ships could maneuver at once.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Joseon fleet on the day of the battle is generally described as having \u003cstrong\u003e13 ships\u003c/strong\u003e. The figure of 133 Japanese ships is used to describe the scale of the engagement. It should be distinguished from the entire Japanese fleet in the surrounding waters.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCondition\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSignificance in the battle\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePoint to keep in mind\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Condition\"\u003eNarrow channel\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Significance in the battle\"\u003eMade it difficult for many ships to move at once\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Point to keep in mind\"\u003eThe difference in the number of ships did not disappear\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Condition\"\u003eFast, changing currents\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Significance in the battle\"\u003eAffected approaches and the ability to maintain formation\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Point to keep in mind\"\u003eThe exact changes in the current over time require separate examination\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Condition\"\u003ePanokseon and cannons\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Significance in the battle\"\u003eSupported defense and long-range attacks\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Point to keep in mind\"\u003eThe role of the officers and men who operated the ships and weapons must also be considered\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Condition\"\u003eCommand and ships joining the fight\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Significance in the battle\"\u003eHelped withstand the unfavorable situation early in the battle\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Point to keep in mind\"\u003eNot all ships fought from the same position at the start\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt first, Yi’s flagship fought in front while the other ships lagged behind. Ships commanded by An Wi, Kim Eung-ham, and others later joined the engagement. The \u003ca href=\"https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0018250\"\u003eEncyclopedia of Korean Culture entry “Battle of Myeongnyang”\u003c/a\u003e describes how several commanders joined the fight.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#what-did-the-navy-regain-after-the-victory\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"what-did-the-navy-regain-after-the-victory\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhat did the navy regain after the victory?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe victory at Myeongnyang gave the navy room to continue rebuilding. Our History Net and the encyclopedia describe the outcome as the destruction of 31 Japanese warships. This figure should not be read as the destruction of the entire Japanese fleet.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Joseon navy continued to move its bases after the victory. At Gohado and Gogeumdo, among other places, it expanded its forces and supply base. Cultivating military fields and selling fish and salt also helped provide food for the troops. Military fields were farmland cultivated to provide food needed to run the army.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe war did not end at Myeongnyang. In 1598, the combined Joseon and Ming naval forces fought at Noryang. Yi Sun-sin was killed in that battle. The course of the war’s final stage is summarized in \u003ca href=\"https://contents.history.go.kr/mobile/kc/view.do?2025=\u0026amp;levelId=kc_n309000\"\u003eOur History Net, “Yi Sun-sin”\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#records-and-interpretation\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"records-and-interpretation\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eRecords and interpretation\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat the records say needs to be distinguished from explanations of why the battle was won. The diary is a historical source containing the participant’s observations. Later accounts connect several sources to explain the battle.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#what-the-records-tell-us\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"what-the-records-tell-us\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhat the records tell us\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e『Nanjung Ilgi』 also shows how the military operated outside battle. It records the weather, people coming and going, and personal reflections. Its perspective as a record left by a commander must also be considered.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#factors-that-research-identifies-as-contributing-to-victory\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"factors-that-research-identifies-as-contributing-to-victory\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eFactors that research identifies as contributing to victory\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlongside leadership, Our History Net’s explanation points to the ships and weapons systems. It also identifies experienced officers and men and the cooperation of local residents as factors in the victory. Taken together, these show that rebuilding was a military effort involving many people.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#details-on-which-accounts-differ\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"details-on-which-accounts-differ\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eDetails on which accounts differ\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccounts differ on how one additional warship was obtained. Our History Net says Kim Eok-chu brought a warship and joined the fleet. The “Battle of Myeongnyang” entry says local people brought the ship.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccounts also differ in how they describe the current early in the battle. It is therefore difficult to reconstruct events minute by minute as established fact. Where accounts differ, the details should be identified as the explanation given by the cited source.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClaims that a turtle ship took part or that iron chains were installed across the strait need to be addressed separately. Citing related research, Our History Net rejects both claims. Mixing later traditions with verified facts about the battle leads to misunderstandings about why it was won.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#how-to-read-dates-ship-counts-and-editions-together\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"how-to-read-dates-ship-counts-and-editions-together\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eHow to read dates, ship counts, and editions together\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical figures should be read alongside what was counted and when. Works with the same title may also have different editions. These distinctions matter when transferring information into learning materials or data.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eItem to check\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDistinction in this case\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePossible misreading\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Item to check\"\u003eBasis for dates\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distinction in this case\"\u003eSeptember 16, 1597, the date of the Battle of Myeongnyang, is a lunar date\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Possible misreading\"\u003eTaking it to mean the same month and day on today’s calendar\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Item to check\"\u003eWhen warships were counted\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distinction in this case\"\u003e12 ships early in the rebuilding process and 13 at the time of the battle\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Possible misreading\"\u003eImmediately treating the two numbers as an error\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Item to check\"\u003ePurpose of the boats\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distinction in this case\"\u003eWarships, refugee boats, and reconnaissance boats\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Possible misreading\"\u003eCounting every boat in the area as a warship\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Item to check\"\u003eEdition of the record\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Distinction in this case\"\u003eThe handwritten original and a later collected edition\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Possible misreading\"\u003eCiting different editions as though they were the same text\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeven volumes of the handwritten original of 『Nanjung Ilgi』 survive today. The collected edition was included in the 1795 『Collected Works of Yi Chungmugong』. The two editions do not have entirely identical contents or publication dates. This difference is noted in the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kmowkc.org/front/agency/detail.do?agencyId=A009\"\u003eHyeonchungsa Management Office’s explanation of documentary heritage\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#what-this-means-for-studying-history-today\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"what-this-means-for-studying-history-today\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhat this means for studying history today\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis case encourages readers to connect the battle’s outcome with the preparations behind it. Ship numbers alone cannot explain the roles of troops, supplies, and reconnaissance. Looking at the period before and after the rebuilding reveals the conditions that made victory possible.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe record itself is a resource for research beyond military history. The National Heritage Portal explains the value of its accounts of weather, terrain, and ordinary people’s lives. 『Nanjung Ilgi』 was inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register in 2013. Related information appears on the \u003ca href=\"https://www.heritage.go.kr/heri/html/HtmlPage.do?pageNo=1_1_3_1\u0026amp;pg=%2Funesco%2FMemHeritage%2FMemHeritage_10.jsp\"\u003eNational Heritage Portal’s “Nanjung Ilgi” page\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#is-the-date-of-the-battle-of-myeongnyang-on-the-solar-calendar\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"is-the-date-of-the-battle-of-myeongnyang-on-the-solar-calendar\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eIs the date of the Battle of Myeongnyang on the solar calendar?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeptember 16, 1597, is a lunar date from records of the time. This article gives the months and days of wartime events according to the lunar calendar.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#were-there-12-warships-or-13\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"were-there-12-warships-or-13\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWere there 12 warships or 13?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe warships remaining early in the rebuilding process must be distinguished from those present at the battle. Accounts commonly give 12 ships initially and 13 at the Battle of Myeongnyang. They differ on how the additional ship was obtained.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#did-a-turtle-ship-fight-at-myeongnyang\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"did-a-turtle-ship-fight-at-myeongnyang\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eDid a turtle ship fight at Myeongnyang?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur History Net’s explanation rejects the claim that a turtle ship took part. Accounts of the fighting capabilities at Myeongnyang focus on panokseon and cannons.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#does-nanjung-ilgi-record-only-battles\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"does-nanjung-ilgi-record-only-battles\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eDoes 『Nanjung Ilgi』 record only battles?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is a diary that also covers military operations and personal life. It includes accounts of the weather and people around Yi.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#did-rebuilding-the-navy-end-with-the-victory-at-myeongnyang\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"did-rebuilding-the-navy-end-with-the-victory-at-myeongnyang\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eDid rebuilding the navy end with the victory at Myeongnyang?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRebuilding continued after Myeongnyang. The navy moved its bases while securing troops and supplies.\u003c/p\u003e\n","tags":["Leadership","Imjin War","Historical records"],"faqs":[{"question":"Why was Yi Sun-sin reinstated after the defeat at Chilcheollyang?","answer":"After the Joseon navy suffered heavy losses, the royal court needed a commander to lead its rebuilding. The Revised Annals of King Seonjo records that Kim Myeong-won and Yi Hang-bok recommended his reinstatement."},{"question":"What was the Commander of the Naval Forces of the Three Provinces?","answer":"This commander led the naval forces of Gyeongsang, Jeolla, and Chungcheong. Yi Sun-sin was appointed in 1593 and returned to the post after being dismissed in 1597."},{"question":"Is September 16, 1597, the date of the Battle of Myeongnyang, a Gregorian calendar date?","answer":"It is a lunar calendar date from records of the time. The calendar system should be stated alongside the date to avoid confusion with the Gregorian date."},{"question":"Did Joseon have 12 or 13 warships at the Battle of Myeongnyang?","answer":"The usual explanation distinguishes between 12 ships early in the rebuilding effort and 13 at the time of the battle. Accounts differ on how one additional warship was obtained."},{"question":"Do the 133 Japanese warships refer to the entire Japanese fleet?","answer":"The figure is used to describe the scale of the engagement at Myeongnyang. It should be distinguished from the size of the entire fleet gathered in the surrounding waters."},{"question":"Were turtle ships and chains central to the victory at Myeongnyang?","answer":"The account on Our History Net rejects claims that turtle ships took part at Myeongnyang and that chains were installed. Accounts based on confirmed evidence consider the panokseon warships, artillery, terrain, and the response of the troops together."},{"question":"Are the handwritten original of Nanjung Ilgi and the version included in Yi Chungmugong Jeonseo the same?","answer":"They are versions of the same work passed down through different sources, but their contents and dates of inclusion are not identical. Seven volumes of the handwritten draft survive, and the other version was included in the 1795 Yi Chungmugong Jeonseo."},{"question":"Was the navy still being rebuilt after the Battle of Myeongnyang?","answer":"Rebuilding continued after the victory. Troops and supplies were secured using places including Gohado and Gogeumdo as bases."},{"question":"How do the Battles of Myeongnyang and Noryang differ?","answer":"The Battle of Myeongnyang was a victory won in 1597 by the Joseon navy as it was being rebuilt after the defeat at Chilcheollyang. The Battle of Noryang was fought in 1598, near the end of the war, by the combined Joseon and Ming naval forces. Yi Sun-sin was killed at Noryang."}],"sources":[{"url":"https://contents.history.go.kr/mobile/kc/view.do?levelId=kc_i302300","title":"National Institute of Korean History, Our History Net, Chronology of Korean History, “Battle of Myeongnyang”","type":"source"},{"url":"https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/knb_13007001_003","title":"Revised Annals of King Seonjo, King Seonjo’s 30th year, July 1, Article 3, “Reappoint Yi Sun-sin as Commander-in-Chief of the Navy”","type":"source"},{"url":"https://contents.history.go.kr/mobile/kc/view.do?2025=\u0026levelId=kc_n309000","title":"National Institute of Korean History, Our History Net, Chronology of Korean History, “Yi Sun-sin”","type":"source"},{"url":"https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0044900","title":"The Academy of Korean Studies, Encyclopedia of Korean Culture, “Yi Sun-sin”","type":"source"},{"url":"https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0018250","title":"The Academy of Korean Studies, Encyclopedia of Korean Culture, “Great Victory at Myeongnyang”","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.kmowkc.org/front/agency/detail.do?agencyId=A009","title":"Korea’s World Documentary Heritage, Hyeonchungsa Shrine Management Office, “Nanjung Ilgi: General Yi Sun-sin’s Wartime Diary”","type":"source"},{"url":"https://www.heritage.go.kr/heri/html/HtmlPage.do?pageNo=1_1_3_1\u0026pg=%2Funesco%2FMemHeritage%2FMemHeritage_10.jsp","title":"National Heritage Portal, World Documentary Heritage, “Nanjung Ilgi”","type":"source"}],"images":[{"id":1664,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MjUzMjgsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--112bf3a6afdf1c8e2f420c5a99ed89fda3613802/ai-36afb11b.webp","is_representative":false,"generation_method":"ai_semi","license":"ai_generated","mime_type":"image/webp","width":1536,"height":1024,"translations":{"ko":{"alt":"산으로 둘러싸인 항구에 목조 전선들이 정박해 있고, 해안에는 보급품을 나르는 사람들이 있다.","caption":"칠천량 패전 뒤 수군을 재건하려면 남은 전선을 확보하고 병력과 물자를 모아야 했다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"Wooden warships anchor in a mountain-ringed harbor as crews carry supplies along the shore.","caption":"Rebuilding the fleet after Chilcheollyang required securing surviving ships, personnel, and supplies.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"山に囲まれた港に木造の軍船が停泊し、岸では人々が物資を運んでいる。","caption":"漆川梁での敗戦後、水軍の再建には残存艦の確保と兵員・物資の収集が必要だった。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Barcos de guerra de madera fondean en un puerto entre montañas mientras se transportan suministros por la costa.","caption":"Reconstruir la flota tras la derrota de Chilcheollyang exigía reunir los barcos supervivientes, tropas y suministros.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Kapal perang kayu berlabuh di teluk berlatar pegunungan, sementara orang-orang membawa perbekalan di pesisir.","caption":"Membangun kembali armada setelah kekalahan di Chilcheollyang menuntut pengumpulan kapal yang tersisa, prajurit, dan perbekalan.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Navios de guerra de madeira ancoram num porto entre montanhas, enquanto pessoas transportam mantimentos pela costa.","caption":"Reconstruir a frota após a derrota de Chilcheollyang exigia reunir os navios sobreviventes, tropas e suprimentos.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"群山環繞的港灣停泊著木造戰船，岸邊有人搬運補給品。","caption":"漆川梁戰敗後，重建水軍需要集結殘存戰船、兵員與物資。","description":null},"de":{"alt":"Hölzerne Kriegsschiffe ankern in einem Hafen zwischen Bergen, während Menschen Vorräte am Ufer tragen.","caption":"Der Wiederaufbau der Flotte nach der Niederlage bei Chilcheollyang erforderte verbliebene Schiffe, Mannschaften und Nachschub.","description":null}}},{"id":1665,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MjUzMzQsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--76f5c6885cd54494b1403807e61de59aedbca99d/ai-ab24d964.webp","is_representative":false,"generation_method":"ai_semi","license":"ai_generated","mime_type":"image/webp","width":1536,"height":1024,"translations":{"ko":{"alt":"거센 물살이 흐르는 좁은 해협에서 조선 판옥선들이 먼 함대를 향해 포를 쏘고 있다.","caption":"명량해전의 승리는 지형과 조류, 함선과 무기, 장병의 대응이 맞물린 결과였다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"Joseon warships fire cannons toward a distant fleet across a narrow strait with churning water.","caption":"Victory at Myeongnyang depended on the combined effects of terrain, tides, ships, weapons, and crews.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"潮流の激しい狭い海峡で、朝鮮の板屋船が遠くの船団に向けて大砲を撃つ。","caption":"鳴梁海戦の勝利は、地形や潮流、船と武器、乗組員の対応がかみ合った結果だった。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Barcos de guerra de Joseon disparan cañones hacia una flota lejana en un estrecho de aguas agitadas.","caption":"La victoria de Myeongnyang resultó de la combinación del terreno, las mareas, los barcos, las armas y la respuesta de las tripulaciones.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Kapal perang Joseon menembakkan meriam ke armada jauh di selat sempit berarus deras.","caption":"Kemenangan di Myeongnyang lahir dari perpaduan medan, arus pasang, kapal, senjata, dan tindakan para awak.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Navios de guerra de Joseon disparam canhões contra uma frota distante num estreito de águas turbulentas.","caption":"A vitória em Myeongnyang resultou da combinação do terreno, das correntes, dos navios, das armas e da ação das tripulações.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"水流湍急的狹窄海峽中，朝鮮板屋船向遠處的船隊開炮。","caption":"鳴梁海戰的勝利是地形、潮流、船艦、武器與官兵應對共同作用的結果。","description":null},"de":{"alt":"Joseon-Kriegsschiffe feuern in einer engen Meerenge mit starker Strömung auf eine ferne Flotte.","caption":"Der Sieg bei Myeongnyang beruhte auf dem Zusammenspiel von Gelände, Strömung, Schiffen, Waffen und dem Handeln der Besatzungen.","description":null}}}],"published_at":"2026-10-07T03:31:59+09:00","updated_at":"2026-10-07T03:31:59+09:00","license":"cc_by","translation_status":"reviewed","available_locales":["ko","en","ja","es"],"data_locales":["ko","en","ja","es","id","pt","zh-hant","de"],"url":"https://injoys.com/en/articles/yi-sun-sin-1597-navy-rebuilding-myeongnyang"}