Korean History › Late Joseon › Admiral Yi Sun-sin
Battle of Hansan Island
August 14, 1592· Battle· Wars & invasions
Well documentedSolid records, physical evidence or scientific consensus.
Yi Sun-sin's 1592 victory, luring a Japanese fleet into open water and destroying most of it in a 'crane wing' formation.
See it on the Korean History map →What happened
At Hansan Island (한산도 대첩), off today's Tongyeong, Yi Sun-sin's combined fleet of about 55 ships feigned retreat from the narrow Gyeonnaeryang strait, drawing out Wakisaka Yasuharu's 73 ships. In open water the Korean ships swung into a 'crane wing' (hagikjin) arc and poured cannon fire into the Japanese. About 59 Japanese ships were sunk or captured; Wakisaka escaped. Two days later Yi destroyed another fleet at Angolpo.
Why it matters
It ended Japan's hope of supplying its northern armies by sea up the west coast, helping stall the Japanese advance at Pyongyang.
How we know
Yi's battle report to the court, Korean annals, and Japanese records of Wakisaka's defeat; Koreans count it among the war's three great victories.
Still debated
Ship numbers and Japanese losses vary by source, and how decisive it was on its own is debated.
Connections (3)
▸Admiral Yi Sun-sin won Battle of Hansan IslandWell documented
The connection
Yi Sun-sin planned the trap: a few ships lured Wakisaka's fleet out of the narrow Gyeonnaeryang strait, then the main fleet wheeled into a crane-wing arc and fired broadsides. His choice of ground, formation and timing turned an even fight into a rout.
When and how
August 14, 1592, off Hansan Island near today's Tongyeong; Yi Sun-sin with Yi Eok-gi and Won Gyun against Wakisaka Yasuharu.
How we know
Yi's battle report to the court and Japanese records of Wakisaka's defeat.
Debates and open questions
How to share credit among Yi and the other Korean commanders, especially his rival Won Gyun, has been argued since the war.
▸Battle of Hansan Island cut Japanese supply lines in Imjin War (Japanese invasions of Korea)Well documented
The connection
Japan planned for its fleet to sail around the southwest coast and up the Yellow Sea to supply armies pushing north. Hansan Island ended that plan; Hideyoshi then ordered his admirals to avoid battle with Yi. Konishi Yukinaga's army, stuck at Pyongyang without seaborne reinforcement, was driven out by Ming and Korean forces in early 1593.
When and how
From summer 1592 along Korea's south and west coasts; Hideyoshi's no-battle order followed within weeks of the defeat.
How we know
Hideyoshi's orders to his commanders and the Japanese halt at Pyongyang are recorded in Japanese and Korean sources.
Debates and open questions
Some historians argue Japan's supply problems came as much from guerrilla attacks and long land routes as from the naval defeats.
▸Turtle ship (geobukseon) fought at Battle of Hansan IslandWell documented
The connection
At Hansan Island, once the Japanese had been lured into open water, turtle ships charged into their line alongside the panokseon, firing cannon at close range and breaking the formation, while their spiked roofs foiled the Japanese tactic of boarding.
When and how
August 14, 1592, off Hansan Island; probably two or three turtle ships in Yi Sun-sin's fleet of about 55.
How we know
Yi's reports describe turtle ships charging ahead in the 1592 campaigns, including this one; Japanese accounts describe armored 'blind ships.'
Debates and open questions
How many turtle ships fought, and how decisive they were compared with the panokseon and the formation, is debated.