In 1591, Japan's new ruler, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, had a bold ambition. Having just unified his country after a century of civil war, he sought to conquer Ming China. To get there, his armies needed to cross the Korean Peninsula. He sent a letter to King Seonjo of Korea with a blunt ultimatum: join his campaign or be conquered first. The king's court, however, had a long-standing tributary relationship with the Ming Dynasty and valued its loyalty. They refused Hideyoshi's demand, unable to imagine the scale of the force that was about to be unleashed upon them. The refusal ignited a devastating conflict that would engulf the entire region.
The Imjin War
In 1592 Toyotomi Hideyoshi invaded Korea on the way to Ming China, starting a seven-year war decided by Admiral Yi Sun-sin's navy and Ming intervention.
Chapter 1
The Ultimatum
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Japan invade Korea in 1592?
Japan's regent, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, had just unified the country after a long period of civil war. He sought to conquer Ming China and demanded passage for his armies through the Korean Peninsula. When Korea, a long-time ally of the Ming, refused, Hideyoshi launched the invasion.
What was the 'Turtle Ship'?
The Turtle Ship, or Geobukseon, was an advanced Korean warship used by Admiral Yi Sun-sin. It had an iron-spiked roof to prevent enemy soldiers from boarding and was heavily armed with cannons. Its unique design was critical in defeating the Japanese navy.
How did the Imjin War end?
The war ended after its instigator, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, died of illness in 1598. He secretly ordered all Japanese forces to withdraw from Korea. The war devastated the Korean Peninsula, cost around a million lives, and significantly weakened China's Ming Dynasty.
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