Yi Sun-sin
Korean naval commander who revolutionized naval warfare using innovative 'turtle ship' designs
Admiral Yi Sun-sin (1545-1598) saved Korea from Japanese invasion through unmatched naval strategies during the Imjin War (1592-1598). Despite having no formal naval training, Yi won 23 battles without loss using his revolutionary geobukseon (turtle ships) - the world's first armored battleships featuring iron spikes and cannon placements.
Key achievements include:
- Victory at Battle of Myeongnyang (1597) against 333 Japanese ships with only 13 Korean vessels
- Development of systematic naval artillery tactics
- Creating detailed war diaries that became military classics
Yi's leadership was marked by:
| Innovation | Impact |
|---|---|
| Turtle ship design | First ironclad warship prototype |
| Crane Wing formation | Encirclement tactics still studied today |
Despite being tortured and demoted due to political intrigue, Yi returned to save Korea at critical moments. His war diaries reveal brilliant tactical mind and philosophical depth. UNESCO recognized his Nanjung Ilgi (War Diary) as Memory of the World in 2013.