First Engagement in Battle

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Okpo Battle (May 7, 1592)

Okpo Battle
Joseon Fleet Japanese fleet
Commander Yi Sun-shin, Won Gyun Dodo Dakadora
Force 24 panokseons and 57 small ships 30 ships
Casualty and
damage
None 26 ships were destroyed and approximately
4000 deaths
The Okpo Battle was the first Battle of Admiral Yi Sun-shin. The Admiral sent the scouting ship first around the Busanpo area to monitor. Yi Sun-shin did not engage in battle until he learned of the size of the Japanese fleet and its battle method. On May 7, he started with the fleet of Won Gyun toward Okpo. The Japanese fleet was off from the vessels and looted the nearby villages in the Okpo area. As soon as the Japanese discovered the Joseon Fleet, they hurried to get back on their vessels. The Admiral waited until all Japanese forces get on the ships and began to fire the canon once they all got on board. The fleet of the Admiral took the straight line formation, lining up the ships in one line
Okpo Battle Okpo Battle

The Admiral did not use the strategy to get onto the enemy ship that had frequently used at the time. He ordered to shoot guns on the Japanese forces and destroyed most of the Japanese fleet then. The victory of the Okpo Battle was the first triumph for Joseon since the beginning of the Imjin War.

Happo Battle (May 7, 1592)

Okpo Battle
Joseon Fleet Japanese fleet
Commander Yi Sun-shin, Won Gyun Dodo Dakadora
Force 24 panokseons and 57 small ships 5 ships
Casualty and
damage
None Destroyed 5 ships

After the Okpo Battle, Admiral Yi sun-shin was scheduled to berth in Youngdeungpo in Geoje-do, but upon reporting of the scouting ship that the Japanese ships were passing Happo, the present city of Jinhae. The Admiral had his fleet marched toward the side to chase after the Japanese ships and attached them. The Japanese deserted their ships and ran away toward the land. The Joseon Fleet destroyed all ships and headed toward Nampo in Changwon

Jeokjinpo Battle (May 8, 1592)

Okpo Battle
Joseon Fleet Japanese fleet
Commander Yi sun-shin Not known
Force 24 panokseons and 57 small ships 13 ships
Casualty and
damage
Not known Destroyed 13 ships

In early dawn, Admiral Yi sun-shin learned that the Japanese fleet was berthed in Goriryang of Jinhae. The Admiral immediately engaged in battle and chased after the Japanese fleet. The Admiral discovered 13 Japanese ships in Jeokjinpo in Goseong. Japanese did not have time to get on the ships that they attacked from the land by shooting the rifle. The Admiral's fleet attached the Japanese forces with the bow and destroyed all ships. After this battle, the Admiral returned to Yeosu where the main quarter was located on May 9.