Yi Sun-sin

Korean admiral who invented the iconic 'turtle ship' and repelled Japanese invasions in the 16th century

Admiral Yi Sun-sin (1545–1598) is a national hero in Korea for his undefeated naval record during the Imjin Wars. His revolutionary geobukseon (turtle ship), armored with iron spikes and cannons, outmaneuvered Japanese fleets. Despite political persecution, Yi led victories like the Battle of Myeongnyang, where 13 Korean ships defeated 333 Japanese vessels.

Yi's tactics emphasized discipline and adaptability, using tides and terrain to his advantage. His wartime diaries, a UNESCO Memory of the World, reveal his strategic genius and loyalty. Today, statues and museums in South Korea honor his legacy, symbolizing resilience against overwhelming odds. His innovations influenced naval warfare globally, yet he remains lesser-known outside East Asia.