You may not know what it means just by hearing the word "Turtle Ship", but if I show you a picture of "Turtle Ship" I think even those who know a little about Korean history will be able to figure out what it means. However, "Turtle Ship" believes that knowledge of ships in Korean history is not enough. I think you can fully understand the meaning of "Turtle Ship" only if you know what kind of historical story can come out when you mention "Turtle Ship".
So, this time, I would like to introduce you to the history by choosing the theme of "Teobukseon", which plays an important role in Korean history.
Introduction to Turtle Ship
Turtle Ship is a warship (military ship) of the Joseon Dynasty, and was used by Admiral Yi Sun-sin (name) to fight the Japanese navy during the Imjin War (war name). Geobukseon improved Panokseon (a type of ship), covered the roof, and inserted swords and awls (name of weapons) to prevent the enemy from landing. strengthened.
The Turtle Ship was feared by the Japanese naval forces, and there are many records that led to victories in the Battle of Sacheon (war name), the Battle of Dangpo (war name), and the Battle of Hansan Island (war name).
It is said that the turtle ship existed in the Goryeo Dynasty and continued to be developed and used even after the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592.
Source: Geobukseon's characteristic information, actual appearance photo: Idol King (tistory.com)
Turtle Ship and Antaek Ship
To tell you about the difference between the Turtle Ship and the ships of the Japanese Navy, the Turtle Ship is a ship that is based on the Panokseon and is covered with a wooden board after covering the entire exterior on the deck (flat floor above the ship) of the Panokseon. Many people think that it is steel armor rather than wooden board, but it is said that it is much more convincing that it is a wooden board considering the cost and the fact that it is easy to rust in seawater.
The ships of the Japanese Navy are called Antaekseon (安宅船), and in Japanese they are called Atakebune (あたけぶね). Ahn Taekseon simply means "a ship with a house", and a watchtower (observation area), which can be called a bridge, was built on the upper deck and the commander was seated.
Structure of the Turtle Ship
The turtle ship was covered with a plate on top so that it was possible to cross a narrow path on top of it, and the rest were stabbed with knives and awls (weapon name) so that the enemy would climb all over the place and there was no place to set foot.
You can see that a dragon head-shaped chunggak (front part of the ship) and gun gate (exit hole of the cannon) was made in the bow part, and the cannon was fired from there in the front part, and the cannon was also fired with the turtle tail erected at the back of the ship. .
The turtle ship was able to fire six cannons each from the front and rear and the side of the hull from a safe place while fully armed and protecting the crew.
Turtle Ship and Imjin War
The turtle ship was the weapon that decisively led the Joseon naval forces to victory during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592, and is remembered along with the great achievements of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. The Turtle Ship is also a representative example of the development of Joseon's science technology and military strategy. The Turtle Ship is also recognized as a national symbol of Korea and a symbol of the spirit of defending the country.
How to see the Turtle Ship in person
To see the current Turtle Ship, you can go to the following places.
The Daejeon Museum of Art has begun restoring the 'Fractal Turtle Ship' by world-renowned video artist Paik Nam-june. The Fractal Turtle Ship is evaluated as a masterpiece composed of 309 monitors and artistic objects in harmony. According to the news reported on July 7, 2022 by Yonhap News, “Daejeon Museum of Art restores Nam June Paik’s ‘Fractal Turtle Ship’ to the public in October,” You know it's about to be revealed.
Dr. Chae Yeon-seok, former president of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, succeeded in actually restoring the Turtle Ship with a reduced model and computer graphics (CG) after 228 years based on the design data used to build the Turtle Ship. Through the news of "Successful restoration of the actual appearance of the 18th century Turtle Ship in '228 Years Only'" on March 19, 2023 in the Electronic Times, the restored Turtle Ship reproduces the appearance of the Turtle Ship in Tongjeyeong in 1795, and has different characteristics from the Turtle Ship known so far It is also said that there is
In addition, you can enjoy a restored model or exhibits of the Turtle Ship in several places. It can be said that the Turtle Ship is a valuable legacy representing Korean history and culture!
