정유재란기 명량해전의 주요쟁점과 승리요인 재검토

Abstract

This research deals with the actual facts over The Battle of Myeongryang. Being one of the most decisive engagements of the Jungujaeran Period (the Japanese invasions of Korea;1597∼1598), The Battle of Myeongryang(1597), has given rise to legends of the Chosun navy who fought against the Japanese fleet, taking consideration, the number of ships on both sides, battle areas, influences of the currents, and the naval strategies during Imjinwaeran(the Japanese invasions of Korea ;1592-1598). The purpose of this research to verify the four actual facts and the other four (detrimental) factors, leading to the defeat of the Japanese in The Battle of Myeongryang. The results of the study in four actual facts are as follows: Firstly, when a fleet of more than 200 Japanese ships arrived at the Myeongryang waterway, it is believed that 130 ships were sent to fight in the constricted areas of the waterway while there were only 13 Korean Pan-ok ships(板屋船) along with around 100 Hahng ships (鄕船 refuge or foraged ships). Secondly, the actual battle areas starts from Yang Island(洋島) and reaches the farther northwest waters which is not the narrowest area of the Myeongryang waterway. Thirdly, the tide turned northwest at 06:38 and southeast at 13:00. Lastly, the underwater thwart metal-chain-ambush is simply a legend, instead the Chosun Navy employed crush-and-burn tactics along with the most effective battle line and Korean cannons. The results of the study in four factors contributing its victory are as follows: The first factor, the battle line taken the lead by Pan-ok ships and Korean arms and weapons including cannons. The second factor, efficient naval man-power and its heated fighting morale credited to Admiral Yi.(李舜臣1545∼1598) The third factor, adequately implemented diverse naval strategies. The fourth factor, volunteer soldiers mobilized with the refuge boats. The most noteworthy fact, however, in this battle was the interconnectedness of all factors combined.