yeosu (여수)

This port city once hosted the most successful of Korea’s military leaders, Admiral Yi Sun-shin. The admiral took up his position as commander of the Left Navy of Jeolla Province on March 13th, 1591. A little over a year later he and his men were fighting for their lives to prohibit Japanese movement along Korea’s southern coast. Most of Admiral Yi’s incredible naval campaigns were launched from this little port, well-protected from the land side by imposing terrain features. Many of the buildings and warehouses from Yeosu’s time as Admiral Yi’s headquarters have been preserved. As well, across Yi Sun-shin bridge you can find a full-scale replica turtle ship. The life-size mannequins positioned inside provide great insight into what life on such a vessel was like.

Admiral Yi’s headquarters complex at Yeosu features several of these pavilion-like structures. This one was the largest and most ornate.

As seen from behind.

More preserved structures at Yeosu.

There is a small museum on the headquarters campus with this diorama of naval combat involving turtle ships.

The prize at Yeosu is this full-size turtle ship. Far from being the small craft one might imagine, these things were essentially fully-enclosed, armored battleships armed with multiple cannon which could fire from the bow and both sides of the ship.

The interior of the turtle ship complete with life-size mannequins. This large diorama depicts the vessel underway, in combat, and the crew at leisure. Incredibly well-done, I could have stayed in here for days checking out every nook and cranny!