충무공이순신

After learning of military skills for 7 years, Yi sun-shin applied for national examination for training center, a type of examination for military service at his age of 28 years on the fifth year of King Seonjo (1572). However, Yi sun-shin failed for the national examination for military affairs.

He was riding a horse and shot the arrow in its examination, but he fell from the horse. However, Yi sun-shin got up again to peel off the bark of the willow tree to tie up the would and completed the examination. Although he failed on the examination, he had many onlookers deep impression.

Thereafter, he kept on military studies and passed the national examination at the age of 32 years in four years in 1576 (the 9th year of King Seonjo). After passing the national examination for military service, Yi sun-shin was appointed as Gwongwan of Donggu Bibo in Hamgyeong-do in December of the same year and walked the ways of government official until he became the Jeolla Jwasusa in 1591.

Since he became a general to defend the border line at the age of 32 years, he has changed his position and work area for nine times until he became the Jeolla Jwasusa, and Yi sun-shin sometimes met his superiors or colleagues, but he sometimes was injured when fighting against northern Yeojin or sometimes he was hated by his superiors or alleged for wrong causes to lose his job and served as a commoner. Beginning as a low-ranked officer in the borderline, the following 15 years was a turbulent time for him. However, he fulfilled his duties in quiet and calm manner to have the recognition for his personality and capability from his superiors and Royal Court.

Thereafter, Yi sun-shin became the military officer of Yi Gwang, the Jeolla Sunchalsa at the age of 45, and he became Jeong-eup Hyeongam in 1589. At the age of 47, the Royal Court had the policy of Bulchatakyong (policy of appointing competent persons regardless of procedure and order) following the strengthening of national defense that he was nominated by Yoo Seong=ryong to be promoted as the Gosari Cheomsa, and went through Manpojin Cheomsa, Jindo Governor to be the Jeolla Jwasusa. At the time, King Seonjo had the nomination of military men with Yoo Seong-ryong nominating Gwon Yul and Yi sun-shin, and Yoon Doo-soo nominated Gwon Yul as the Uiju Moksa beyond the normal promotional sequence.