Fifth Engagement in Battle

Woongpo Battle (February 1, 1593)

	Joseon Fleet	Japanese fleet
Commander	Yi Sun-sin, Yi Eok-gi, and Won Gyun
Force	89 ships	40 ships
Casualty and damage	Overturned two ships	Killed 100 Japanese invader

During the Woongpo Battle, for once week from February 22 to February 29, the second battle of Jinju Fortress, 9200 Joseon forces and approximately 60000 civilians were all slaughtered by the attack of 92,000 Japanese forces. However, even through Jinju, the gate way of Jeolla-do, was fallen, the Japanese force could not take over Jeolla-do. The Fleet of Yi Sun-sin defended the coasts of Jeolla-do and the Japanese force could not make any further advance.

Frequently, Woongpo Battle has been taken as not so important battle but it was an important victory done during the time of Ming Dynasty - Japan truce negotiation. In particular, King Seonjo had order to Yi Sun-sin for mobilize all naval forces even before Yi Sun-sin was appointed for Commander for the Three-provincial Navy that it had the contemplation to form direct system for the Commander for the Three-provincial Navy.

And, the powerful royal order contained the phase of "Do not Let any Ship to Return" that would cut off the enemy's re-tracking route and full termination in retaliatory action that Yi Sun-sin had one month and three days of his time to carry out the strenuous operation. However, unfortunately, the military force of Ming that had the right of military action delivered the order to suspend any battle for army as well as navy to advance the negotiation for truce with Japan. The truce of the Korean War was also advanced to the undesired direction that Korea was humiliated not to be included as the signing party to the negotiation document even when it was the party to the war at the time of making the truce agreement.

In any event, Woongpo Battle of Yi Sun-sin had the role of crippling the intent of Japan to build the naval post base in Woongpo and the foundation for land military base with the special order of Toyotomi that all disadvantageous conditions to Joseon was effectively eliminated from the truce negotiation of Japan and Ming Dynasty.